Faith to OvercomeSample

Unseen Influencers

Written by Raedorah C. Stewart

Judges 4 verse 8 says, “Barak said to her [Deborah], “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”

During the turbulent 1960s and ’70s, a saying became popular: “Behind every great man is a great woman.” But in the story of Deborah and Barak, we find the roles reversed. The same might be said of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Prathia Hall Wynn—both remarkable figures in the civil rights movement. Of note is Wynn’s influence in what became known as King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. While scholars and historians dispute whether or not Wynn penned the full speech or whether King spoke extemporaneously, none deny that King was inspired to use the phrase after Wynn used it when she spoke about the state of the African American calling to pursue equality, justice, and freedom.

Like Deborah, Wynn had the boldness to stand with others in leadership who work for liberation from racial prejudice, with or without receiving credit. While presiding as a judge in Israel, Deborah summoned Barak and told him that God commanded him to lead the army to Mount Tabor against Sisera and his troops. When Barak insisted that she accompany him on this mission, she agreed but let him know that he wouldn’t receive honor for winning the battle. Ironically, this honor would go to another woman, Jael.

Regardless of our positions or even the stereotypes in society, how can our actions and words point to God like Deborah’s did?

What are your gifts? How can using your gifts help to make God’s will realized on earth as it is in heaven?

Let’s pray.

Dear God, I’m available to you to be used for your goodness and glory.

Amen.