Overview

For too long, women in the Bible have been viewed as supporting characters in stories about men. This stops now. Valiant Women of the Bible invites you to explore the biblical narrative through the lives of average women who, with God's help, overcame challenges including dysfunctional family dynamics, oppressive patriarchal norms, and the hardship of being treated like property. When you read this book with a curious mind and fact-check it with your Bible, you might uncover new perspectives and rethink traditional interpretations based on what the text actually says. You'll be inspired to dig deeper and truly appreciate the incredible impact these strong women had on their families, communities, and nations-especially considering their religious, cultural, and socio-economic status in the ancient Near East. These women were not shy. They were not delicate. They most certainly were not silent. Young and old, fertile and unable to conceive, rich and poor, slave and free-each woman demonstrated remarkable courage and determination to shape her own destiny despite the external circumstances that framed her life. In Valiant Women of the Bible, Vol. One: From Eve to Esther, you will learn the stories of twenty-two remarkable women from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) through a fresh, culturally informed, and historically grounded lens. The author weaves together engaging narratives and archaeological insights, with modern photos to bring the stories of these women to life. Book features include: - Side Notes add vital geographical details, definitions of unfamiliar terms, introduction to additional sources, as well as tips for responsible Bible interpretation. - Spotlight Articles about archaeological discoveries, forgotten cultural practices, and thought-provoking theories. - Digging Deeper articles uncover additional layers of meaning through word studies; supplemental details from sources outside of the Bible; fresh theological insights grounded in research; and thoughtful reflection on difficult passages. Valiant Women of the Bible combines solid biblical scholarship, insightful analysis, and a touch of creative imagination to reveal the depth of each woman's journey in an entertaining and engaging way. The legacies of these often overlooked women will inspire and empower you to step boldly and fully into your own story.

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Reviews

Valiant Women of the Bible, Vol. One: From Eve to Esther by Laura Zielke is a masterful work that highlights the often-overlooked stories of women in the Bible. Zielke's meticulous scholarship and ability to uncover hidden details bring these biblical women to life in a way that is both empowering and inspiring. Her storytelling is vibrant and engaging, ensuring that these women's potential is fully realized and celebrated. The book is a delightful blend of insight, humor, and wit, making it an enjoyable read while offering profound lessons. This is an essential read for women seeking a modern understanding of classical biblical narratives to enrich their lives. - Dr. Jenny Rain, Author, Speaker, Founder, Jenny Rain Coaching Zielke immediately grabs our attention with the colorful and playful format of the book, but do not let the youthful look fool you. It contains Biblical truths, thought-provoking reflections, and historical insights validated by the Word and biblical scholars. The author's passion for responsible biblical teaching pours through. Zielke purposely utilizes diverse images of the women, to challenge our Western view of the Bible. Indeed, the Bible is full of multi-ethnic people. Her portrayal forces us to reconsider our perceptions. What I love most about the book is as you read, it ignites you to dig deeper into the Bible and reminds us how fun it is to study God's Word. That's what it's all about, the importance of reading the Bible and making connections: text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world. This book is amazing. I highly recommend it! - Dr. Paula C. Perez, Author, Educator, Speaker, Coach, DrP & Me, LLC (YANAcoaching) This is a well-thought-out and researched book. I loved the Digging Deeper sections which are a bible study on their own. The modern images and writings are captivating. It makes you want to keep reading. I felt pulled into every story as they represented the lives of many women today. Valiant Woman of the Bible provides encouragement and empowerment for women today. It doesn't matter your history, circumstances, or lifestyle, God has a powerful plan and purpose for your life that He will fulfill as he orders your steps. - Judy A. Mott-Butler, Owner/CEO, Christian Moms Prosper Valiant Women of the Bible by Laura Zielke is enlightening and well-researched. Throughout Zielke's book, I was encouraged to dig deeper, share my findings, and help others make connections. Learning about Sheerah, the city builder, was especially impactful-her story was completely new to me. I was aware of the concept of ""cities of refuge,"" but not of one being built by a woman. That idea challenged my perception of gender roles in architecture and city planning in the ancient world. It caused me to reflect on how I teach my students to perceive gender roles in jobs today. I plan to use this excellent resource in the mission field, especially with ESL learners. - Rev. Kevin J. Pope, Missionary, Ulsan English Fellowship, South Korea As a two-time seminarian, I was thrilled to see the critical discourse around ancient biblical languages and the inclusion of scholarly references from highly respected experts, as well as archaeological insights. What impressed me most is how Laura presents these complex topics in a way that's accessible and engaging for everyday readers. The book is scholarly, entertaining, enriching, and easy to understand. I also appreciated the questions for reflection and suggested actions at the end of each chapter, which make it a practical resource for personal and group study. - Rev. Countess Cooper, United Church of Christ Minister & USAF NG Military Chaplain

Author Information

Laura L. Zielke is a profound voice in the world of biblical studies, a dedicated educator, and a passionate advocate for racial justice. As the oldest daughter of a pastor, Laura's upbringing was deeply embedded in the Christian faith, shaping her lifelong commitment to learning and teaching God's Word. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religion from California Baptist College and her Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating summa cum laude with a focus on Biblical Studies and Archaeology.In the early 1990s, Laura founded the Complementary Education Program at her seminary, a pioneering initiative to provide theological education to student spouses who were almost exclusively female. This program was expanded and eventually offered across all six Southern Baptist Theological Seminaries under the name ""W.I.S.D.O.M.""As the former Director of Online Learning and Innovation at the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, Laura Zielke developed a passion for supporting nonprofit executives, leading her to become a certified life coach in 2022 and committing herself to help empower nonprofit leaders.Laura founded A2Z Coaching in 2023, where she provides holistic coaching designed to help leaders excel in their roles, particularly in overcoming imposter syndrome, managing stress, and maintaining personal well-being to effectively lead their organizations. Her coaching practice is enriched by her commitment to social justice, as she continually educates herself on ways to effectively use her platform to advocate for equity and actively fight systemic racism.Laura's personal life is rich with experiences that reflect her values and passions. She met her husband John online, and together they have navigated the joys and challenges of marriage, moving across the country twice, and parenting their amazing child, who works both at a local library, and also as a freelance video editor. Laura's debut book, ""Valiant Women of the Bible, Volume 1: From Eve to Esther,"" draws from her deep well of biblical knowledge and her personal experiences to bring to light the stories of biblical women. Her work is not just about reclaiming these stories, but about empowering modern readers with the lessons of resilience, faith, and empowerment these stories encapsulate.As she prepares to continue her exploration of women's roles in biblical history with a second volume focusing on the New Testament, Laura remains guided by her faith in Jesus, who has been the compass of her life since childhood. Her journey has been marked by both trials and triumphs, and through it all, her resolve has been fortified by the constant presence and unwavering support of God.Laura is committed to bringing the narratives of these powerful women to life, proving that understanding our past can deeply enrich our present and inspire our future. With her work, she aims not only to educate but also to connect deeply with her readers-encouraging them to see the powerful impact of faith and perseverance in their own lives.

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