5 Fabulous faith-filled females
In celebration of #IWD this year we’ve chosen to honour five fierce and fabulous females who walk their walk with Jesus.
Living a life that loves Jesus is definitely the best way forward, but we can’t claim it’s always easy. I imagine that having a faith when your life is lived in the public eye can come will other additional pressures.
That said, we think these women are such an inspiration and know they will inspire you too.
We see it throughout the gospels and know it’s true today -
Jesus loves women, He empowers women. He believes in women and He honours women.
That means the same is true for you too beautiful one.
Jesus loves you.
He empowers you.
He believes in you and He honours you!
“He Calls You WOMAN”
Christine Ohuruogu
This London born athlete has not just 1, but 4 Olympic medals to her name not to mention countless gold medals from world championships as well.
But it’s not just that which makes her impressive. It’s what she’s challenged and overcome during her time in the sporting spotlight .
Racist slurs and allegations of being a “druggie” saw some hateful headlines calling for her not be the face representing the London 2021 Olympic Games.
After overcoming some controversy about missed drug tests (due to legitimate scheduling pressures) her return to the track spoke for itself - a World Championship Gold medal in Osaka, 2007.
Christine has 8 siblings and was raised by Christian parents in east London. She has recently graduated from her second degree; this time in Law - more than just a pretty face then too. Clearly a very talented, driven, and humble lady she speaks openly about her faith and how it helped her through some very tough times
“I have learnt that life is like an elastic band. Sometimes our faith will be stretched so much and we may find ourselves flat on our face, but if we remain faithful we will bounce back. We have to trust that whatever happens, God is in control.”
Whatever hardships you’re facing today, take inspiration for this inspirational woman, remembering God is in control
Declare it aloud
“He Calls Me Overcomer”
Thank you for standing firm in your faith and for being such a fabulous role model @christineohuruogu
2. Sally Phillips
Best known for her roles in Bridget Jones’ Diary and the TV series Miranda, Sally is flying the faith flag in the challenging culture of the showbiz industry.
A devout atheist whilst studying at Oxford, she was part of the intellectual elite who couldn’t possibly allow a faith in God to be held in tandem with rational thinking. Interestingly she notes that when she did become a Christian she “threw away her brain” (her own words!) and she thought, ‘Oh well, I’ve got doubts but doubts are wrong. Don’t doubt. Don’t doubt.’
But as she’s journeyed in her faith and relationship with Jesus she’s made peace with embracing the mystery and uncertainty. Recognising that God is bigger than our doubts, fears and questions is hugely liberating.
Sally is a great example of ‘in the world, but not of it’ - often criticised by Christians for some of the roles she’s taken, or the content she’s written - it stirs us to recognise that nothing is ever black and white. The love with which she portrayed the ‘sweary’ Shazza in BJD was a fresh perspective for the producers. So what some may judge negatively actually proved a great opportunity for Sally to shine God’s love.
I love that He uses all situations when we make ourselves available to Him Beautifully describing the topsy-turvy Kingdom, she speaks of her eldest son, who has Down’s Syndrome. “We believe in a God who uses the weak to shame the strong, who promises to frustrate ‘the intelligence of the intelligent’, who comes in where there is room, where people are humble enough to know they need him…” [credit Premier Youth and Children’s Work]
Declare it with us
“He Calls Me Renewed”
Thank you for showing us how a life lived with Jesus really is transformational @sallysmack
3. SOPE ALUKO
Sope is a Nigerian-born actress who was primarily raised in the UK. She spent her younger years traveling and living all over the world and also speaks four different languages, including her native language, Yoruba.
She rose to worldwide fame after the global success of Marvel’s Black Panther release, and more recently as Dr Collins in Venom.
Although she remembers wanting to be an actress ever since she could walk, Sope decided to pursue it as a career only after gaining an undergraduate degree in Engineering, and then going onto earn a master’s degree in Marketing.
When she started out in the industry she attended classes to try and “get rid of” her accent. But she realised that she wasn’t being true to who God had made her. She accepted who she was and recalls that once she made that decision things started shifting. Doors flung open - as well as lots of hard work on her part too.
By being true to herself she’s certainly found herself in a place of significant influence. The Mayor of Florida even named 10th April as Sope Aluko Day and she continues to be an inspiration to many all over the world.
Crediting her faith in God as keeping her grounded she recognises that to be influential doesn’t have to be large-scale: “I believe our purpose is to use whatever gifts we have to help others less fortunate. If we can just do that within our communities, this can spread even further beyond nationally and globally. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. It could be helping your elderly neighbour with his or her grocery shopping.” 🥰
She’s speaking my language right there! Remember that God will use you in each moment. However small or large scale, to bring His Kingdom… if you let Him.
Are you ready to use your voice, be true to who God’s made you and influence the world around you?
Declare aloud today
“He Calls Me Influential”
Thank you @sopealuko for using your faith to influence lives change atmospheres wherever you go
4. GEMMA HUNT
This April 1st baby is no fool! Gemma was offered a contract presenting on CBeebies before she’d graduated from her Media Performance Management degree.
Those of you familiar with the pirate-fun of Swashbuckle will recognise her infectious smile, as she beams on screen. But she’s also been involved with many pantomime productions on stage, as well as being a regular presenter on Songs of Praise.
Gemma can often be found on the stages at Big Church Day Out and more recently her smile also shines on the Alpha course videos.
Speaking about how she was originally unsure about whether the job with Alpha was right for her she says:
“It seems God was on my case about it, because people kept coming to me from different areas of my life, encouraging me to get involved. So, I returned the call and went for an audition. Still feeling completely out of my comfort zone and vastly under qualified, I agreed to take part in this epic adventure and thank God I did! I get to share my story. I get to share the story of Jesus. I truly believe it is going to change lives. It has certainly changed mine.” 🥰
I love how God always knows best; that if something is for us He won’t let us miss out. He pursues you and opens doors at the right time, and to the right place.
It was a prophetic word that Gemma received when she was 16 that spurred her into industry giving her the confidence to reject the careers advice to ‘get a proper job’!
We’re glad she has stayed true to the word and continues to be salt and light in the world of media.
Declare with us
“He Calls Me to be Salt & Light”
Thank you @Gemma_hunt for your infectious warmth and for shining God’s light in the world of TV production
5. Martha collison
She’s best known for being the youngest contestant on the Great British Bakeoff.
Not only did she reach the quarter finals of the show but she did so whilst studying for her A Levels too.
Since then Martha has appeared on many different TV shows offering her baking expertise and regularly writes a column for the Waitrose magazine.
But perhaps more inspiring is her commitment to charity work as she regularly travels with Tearfund; having spent time in Cambodia teaching women to bake as well as advocating for the work that Tearfund does Lebanese refugee camps.
She recently wrote a blog for Tearfund about how faith can shape our baking. And we definitely agree. We wholeheartedly believe that whatever gifts God has placed within you, He can use to bless the world around you.
Food is such a leveller. Everyone needs to eat. And Jesus is a beautiful example of how faith and food can be combined. He ate with everyone. The rich, the poor, the popular, the outcast
Martha reminds us: “Food has the power to unite us as human beings. It crosses cultures and can heal divisions and hurts. The pandemic may have changed the rules on hospitality, but it hasn’t let us off the hook from practising it. We just have to adapt, so that we can still share what we have with those in need. That’s one of the reasons why I continue to bake, and I want to invite you to do the same.”
You may not consider yourself a GBB-worthy baker but delivering freshly baked goodies will always be a winner. Why not take a leaf out of Martha’s book and think about how you can be a blessing to someone this weekend through food.
Declare out loud
“He Calls Me to be a Blessing”
Thank you @Marthacollison for trusting Jesus with you gifts and talents as you love those around you - and for making really yummy bakes too!
"Then the Lord God made a woman" Genesis 2:22
Let your Fierce and fabulous femininity shine for jesus
As you are transformed by His love you will undoubtedly influence the world around you, overcoming obstacles and stepping into the plans He has for you. Be salt & light as you seek to be a blessing to those around you
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