Life-changing stories of faith-filled women: Interview w/author Shirley Brosius

Sisterhood of Faith is 365 life-changing stories about women who have made a difference. Author Shirley Brosius took two years to research the lives of women such as Sheila Walsh, Elisabeth Elliot and Lisa Beamer. But she also tells the stories of women from the past, like Mary Fisher, a Quaker woman stripped to the waist and whipped in England and imprisoned in America. This woman had walked 500 miles -- alone -- to fulfill her destiny. It is my pleasure to talk with Shirley Brosius about her beautiful hardbound book, Sisterhood of Faith, and her journey to write it.

Suzie Eller: This book took you 20 months to write. Why did you take on such a massive project?

Shirley Brosius: I wanted to let women know that opportunities for ministry are limitless. I hoped to encourage women who have become tired in ministry, by sharing the stories and results of those who endured.

SE: Do you think we put restrictions on the word “ministry”? Can you share what you think that word means?

SB: To me, ministry is anything you do that builds the kingdom of God. It may be rearing children. For instance, Morrow Graham, Billy Graham’s mother, faithfully provided a home atmosphere of prayer and Bible reading to nurture the faith of her children. It may be serving as a testimony at your workplace. Angie Hillman and her husband minister through Marketplace Leaders, an organization that helps people understand that work is a calling and a way to experience God. Then there are women who serve full time as preachers, teachers, missionaries, writers, musicians—and the list goes on. The Great Commission challenges us to go into the world to make disciples. Some may restrict the definition of ministry to full-time work, but ministering is simply using our spiritual gifts to reach those God has placed in our paths.

SE:How important is it that women encourage other women of faith?

SB: It is extremely important that we challenge other women to live up to their full potential in Christ. The world is a busy place. Women may become so stressed with children, housework and/or careers that they forget about God and His plan for their lives. They may not realize that even in their busyness, there are opportunities to minister.

Also, some doors remain closed to women. But other avenues of service may be available, and although some denominations may not accept women in leadership, there certainly are others that embrace the ministry of women. It’s important to explore and find that niche, but women—especially women who have had their ministry rejected—may need encouragement to do so.

SE: Do you have to be a “special” kind of woman to make an impact?

SB: God uses ordinary women in extraordinary ways, which is what my book, Sisterhood of Faith, is all about. One woman, Marcie Lind, shops for missionaries. She realized that missionaries may need items that are unavailable on the field, so she offers to shop, mail the item and e-mail the cost plus postage.

SE: Tell me about some of the women who impressed you, and why?

SB: I'm always impressed with women who overcome challenges. Early martyrs considered it a privilege to die for their faith. Women like Vibia Perpetua or Mary Fisher, who either suffered or died because they were women of faith.

SE: I loved reading this because I love the stories of strong women. What audience was in your heart when you wrote this?

SB: Anyone involved in volunteer or professional ministry. Any Christian woman who wants to know more about her heritage. This will give these women scads of ideas. The book offers an inspirational profile of one woman including her lifespan, a scripture, her service, and her story. There is a message from the life of each woman with a challenge to the reader. There are also 18 pages of bibliography included, so readers who want to know more can find sources.

SE: I love it! And I hope that lots of women make this a part of their daily study. Okay, let's switch gears. We've heard about the book and these women, but what about you? Can you show us a typical day in your life as a writer?

SB: I’m an early riser and start my day with a morning devotional time. I am at my computer by 9 a.m., take a break for lunch and a 30-minute walk, and continue working until late afternoon. First thing, I tackle writing assignments. My mind becomes cluttered by the afternoon, so I save paperwork for then. Right now my writing work includes devotional assignments and newspaper assignments. I may need to tour a home to write a feature story or visit a garden center for an article on Christmas decorations.

I also speak at women’s events and lead women’s retreats, often with two other women. We call ourselves Friends of the Hearts, and I schedule our engagements and send out promotional materials. I also write skits to introduce our retreat talks.

As time allows I query magazines, and I’m working on a book proposal for a women’s devotional book dealing with handling guilt.

My days are interrupted according to family needs. My husband is experiencing health problems. I have two married sons and five grandchildren, and they know I’m available for babysitting on demand, although such calls have become rarer now that the kiddies are all in school.

In my earlier years I was a teacher and a director of Christian education. I have been writing since 1993, and I wouldn’t trade this part of my life for anything. It’s challenging, interesting and offers the flexibility I need at this stage of life.

SE: Thanks, Shirley, for joining us on CML. If the readers want to get in touch with you, where do they go?

SB: They can find me at www.FriendsoftheHeart.us or www.womenspeakers.com

SE: Shirley offered a quiz. I thought it might be fun for you to take. Share your answers below and I'll let you know who got them right later this week!

QUIZ

1. Who is the only woman besides Barbara Bush to both marry and give birth to presidents of the United States?

2. Who led more than 300 slaves to freedom?

3. Who got caught in Hershey, PA parade, so she just opened her sunroof and waved to spectators?

4. Who inspired famed artist Michelangelo?

5. Who was the first female preacher in the U.S.?

6. Who walked 500 miles to carry the gospel to the sultan of Turkey?

7. What gospel singer met her husband when she dropped a pencil in a high school hallway?

8. Who founded the Barefoot Carmelites?

9. Who ignited the Christian fiction market when she wrote Love Comes Softly?

10. Who stood for civil rights by sitting on a bus?