"Now Deborah was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah in the hill country and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment. Now she sent and summoned Barak and said to him, "Behold, the Lord, the God of Israel, has commanded, 'Go and march to Mt. Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men... I will draw out to you Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his many troops.'"
Then Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go." She said, "I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman."
Who was this woman who led the nation of Israel?
Deborah was a wife and woman of industry who employed herself in making wicks for lamps. From such a woman great illumination would come. As Matthew Henry described her, Deborah was sweetness to her friends and sharpness to her enemies. She was a woman of such extraordinary wisdom that her countrymen, from army commanders to locals seeking relief from grievances, sought her instruction and advice. Deborah was a woman devoted completely to her God and her community.
Deborah was a rare woman indeed: even in our day and age where women have access to institutions of highest learning, where glass ceilings are repeatedly broken, and where media has made available the opportunity to promote any assortment of message or draw a following, Deborah yet stands apart.
Margaret Thatcher, Queen Victoria, Mother Theresa, Joan of Arc. Deborah outshined them all, and did so without public office, royal lineage, or a sword of her own. She did not even manage to have a proper office space, choosing instead to meet the people under a palm tree on the side of a hill.
This is a woman who never flinched from the truth. When she told Barak to prepare for battle, they both knew that Barak would be going with ten thousand footmen, not an army of seasoned warriors. The disproportion of strength between Barak's footmen and an army that included 900 iron chariots was akin to villagers with pitchforks trying to hold back a garrison of tanks and armored vehicles. And yet Deborah didn't attempt to sugarcoat the directive or even give a motivating speech; rather, she delivered the unabridged truth, revealing that though the worst circumstances can reveal how horrendously the odds are against us, a leader who will be truthful yet allows those who follow the opportunity to prepare accordingly by not shielding them with false pretense or half-truths.
The truth, from a woman of character who has dedicated her life to serving and is known for prayer; this is a woman great Generals want at their backs. And so we see Barak, the hand accustomed to holding the sword, beseeching Deborah to leave the comfort of her palm tree and the community she adores to go with him into war to liberate a nation from an oppressive force. And without a second thought to home or comfort, to her husband or her business, she says yes.
What a woman of courage and valor. A woman who knew her strength lies not in men, nor the comforts of this life, nor even her own abilities, but in God who provided the Spirit of wisdom which directed her life and would result in the liberation of an entire nation.
What would our community, state, and nation be like if there were more women like Deborah? Industrious women, unafraid to wield the truth, unencumbered by pretense or position, liberated to listen to the concerns of others and serve?
Do you know a Deborah? Let us know! IWN is looking for members to recognize who are strong examples of character and courage. Nominate your "Deborah" for Member of the Quarter by visiting us online at irvingwomensnetwork.com/iwn-member-of-the-quarter-2015/ or contacting Jodi Reynolds for additional information.
at the brand new
South Irving Library 600 Schulze Dr.
Refreshments will be served,
so come have a treat and cup of coffee on us! Bring along a friend or co-worker.
This is a great opportunity to introduce someone to IWN.
Please RSVP
so we’ll know how much food, coffee and water to provide.
Email or call one of the contacts below Jodi Reynolds or 972-579-1826 Carla Morgan or 682-583-9163 IWN
As an added bonus, we’ll get a special tour of
Irving’s brand-spankin’ new library
Tour guide? Our very own Carla Morgan, of course!
So ….. spread the word – and make plans to be there!
IWN Membership is a privilege.
Are Your Dues Due?
$65 annually •Three ways to pay:
1. Pay at next luncheon
2. Mail check to Sharon Johnston, 600 Bellah Dr., Irving, TX 75062
3. Call with Credit Card info - Jodi Reynolds 972-579-1826
Sheri Blalock • Diane Cartwright • Billie Coburn
Shari Dunn • Lori Duron • Pam Hale • Dona Holt
Irene Jackson • Sharon Johnston • Sloan Johnston
Jan Killen • Evelyn Moore • Jodi Reynolds • Evelyn Sublett
Please Keep in Your Prayers
Please remember Lynda Rogers’ daughter, Jessica, who recently had heart surgery (mid-February). Jessica is usually at all the IWN luncheons that her mom is able to make—and she's become a special friend to many of us.
She’s home recuperating with limitations and doing great at last report. Jessica was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse three years ago. The valve did not close properly and leaked. She was closely monitored by a heart doctor and this past November was told that the valve was severe and surgery was needed soon. I'm sure Jessica would appreciate "get well soon" or "thinking of you" cards. You can get their home address from the roster.
Door prizesare a great way to get noticed. Item doesn't need to be expensive - just donate something you'd like to receive yourself—something that represents your business - or a generic little gift item.
These generous individuals donated a door prize
at our previous luncheon:
Genelle Parra, Wellness and Counseling Service
Margie Stipes, Irving Schools Foundation
Billie Coburn, Health Connection
Ginny Piendak, The Richey Company
The Main Place
Please contact Sloan Johnston to let her know you can bring a door prize.
So, what makes a great woman, well, great? Why is it that some women achieve significance while others do not? There are attributes, characteristics, that some women possess which give them an edge. Are they born with them or can they be learned?
Join us on Tuesday, March 24th as IWN celebrates Women’s History month to discover the answers. Our speaker, Karalyn Thames, while remembering women in history—such as Deborah, Judge of Israel—will highlight their desires for significance and how their unique desires influenced their achievements, whether in business, the world arena, or personal relationships. Karalyn will expound on each woman’s benchmarks for achievement, bringing an understanding of why each had the success they did.
Karalyn Thames is a retired business woman who has worked in various government jobs in foreign countries, in positions of management in the energy field as well as having taught in Dallas schools. She and her husband of 36 years, Barney Thames, Jr., live in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas.
We Want YOU ..... to attend ..... our March Luncheon
Tuesday, March 24 • 11:30 am
Las Colinas Country Club • 4400 N. O’Connor Blvd map
Reservations due by Friday, March 20 • 12 Noon
Reservations that come in after this will be
same price as a non-reservation.
Remember to include the name of any guest(s)
when you make your reservation.
Cancellations after deadline and no-shows are subject to invoicing.
Soup • Salad • Dessert Buffet
$18—Members & Members’ Guests - with reservations $25—Members without reservations & All Visitors Includes Tax and Gratuity
Cash • Checks • Credit Cards (Checks Payable to IWN)
