By

Charlotte S. Grant (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

In the month of February we celebrate the hopes, dreams, and successes of African-Americans; people who not only survived persecution, slavery and discrimination, but triumphed in the midst of it. This month let us expound on the African-American women who have brought about hopes, dreams and successes to our African-American churches.   While it is true that women or shall I say “Sistuhs” can in no way be placed into three or four categories, for you see there are as many categories of women as there are women themselves but, let’s expound on a particular type of Sistuh known as the Power Goddess. The Power Goddess is an important part of our African-American heritage as well as our African-American churches: 

 

The Power Goddess is a woman of superior charm who exercises authority. She may be a woman of means, self-sufficient, self-reliant, a woman of self-determination. In today’s society she might be referred to as the “Independent Woman”.   Jesus was very familiar with this woman. According to the book of Luke, many women who were attracted to Jesus’ radical teaching were wealthy independent woman. Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna financed Jesus’ ministry out of their abundant resources. Lydia, a successful businesswoman, was described in Acts 16:14 as opening up her home and housing the followers of this new radical teaching.  The Power Goddess is not necessarily a rich woman but, a generous woman, a woman who gives of herself. She is the first one to fulfill her obligation to the church’s building fund, feeds the visiting pastor, coordinate the schedule for the annual church picnic and strong arm that oppositional youth to get back into the sanctuary.

 

The Power Goddess does not come without her imperfections. For you see, the Power Goddess is known for being radical and taking charge. Some may even call her controlling and aggressive. Her favorite scripture might read, “I can do all things through ME which strengthens ME. Her favorite hymn might be, “Power in MY Blood”.    The Power Goddess is an important part of our African heritage as well as a strong pillar in the church. You see in the mist of crisis the Power Goddess will somehow rise to the occasion. She will hold strong to God’s word and she will hold strong to God’s church. If you are a Power Goddess, know that you are among some of the greatest women in history: Mary McLeod Bethune, Power Goddess! Full of fervor and determination took $1.50, opened a small school in Florida, nurtured it, fostered it and cultivated it into the Prestigious Institution now known as Bethune Cookman College. 

Harriet Tubman, Power Goddess: A train conductor who never lost a passenger. A Sistuh so determined to conquer slavery that she began her own Free-the- Slave Travel Agency. Queen Ester, Power Goddess: A Christian woman who took it upon herself to hold the fate of God’s people in her hand, and came out victorious. Joanna, Power Goddess: The wife of a high ranking official in Herod’s cabinet became the first SDA “Family Life Ministry Leader”. During a time when Jewish and religious laws did not allow social intermingling between the sexes, Joanna combined marriage life and ministry by traveling with Jesus and becoming known as a female disciple of Christ. Debra, Power Goddess: A judge and a real-estate owner. She carried the wisdom of a nation and those who wanted to consult with her did so at her summer estate, “The Palm of Debra”. 

To the Power Goddesses of the church, in this month of February, Black Her-story month we recognize you, we celebrate you, we salute you, we thank God for you!