by Felicia Ray Owens

Women have always been part of something bigger than themselves. From Eve to the fearless women who shaped nations with divine strength and unwavering courage, Scripture makes it clear: women are not an afterthought in the spiritual story—we are central to it.

As Black women—daughters of legacy, mothers of resilience, and architects of our own healing—we carry that same sacred power within us. We are not random. We are not optional. We are intentional. Whether we’re building businesses, nurturing families, healing from past wounds, or stepping fully into our next chapter, we are—and have always been—women of purpose.

Let’s take a moment to breathe that in.

Then let’s look to the women who came before us—biblical women whose stories echo through generations, reminding us who we are, whose we are, and just how powerful we’ve always been.

Women of Faith and Divine Favor

Eve – The first woman, created as life-giver and co-creator. Her presence wasn’t an afterthought—it was essential.
Sarah – She waited with hope, and the promise still came. Sis, don’t give up—divine timing doesn’t miss.
Hagar – A single mother who was seen by God in the wilderness. You are never invisible.
Rebekah – Her influence shaped generations. A reminder: our choices matter.
Miriam – A leader and a worshipper. She shows us that women can hold both power and praise.

Women of Strength and Leadership

Deborah – A judge and prophet who led an army into victory. That’s leadership, embodied.
Ruth – A woman of loyalty and strength who walked into divine alignment. Your background doesn’t define you—your faithfulness does.
Esther – She stood in the gap, risking it all for her people. There is power in knowing when to speak up.
Tamar – She demanded justice when the system failed her. Our voices are meant to be heard.
Rahab – A woman with a past who stepped into purpose. Redemption is real.

Women of Wisdom and Purpose

Hannah – Her prayers broke through. Prayer is not a performance—it’s power.
Abigail – A peacemaker and strategist. Wisdom is a woman’s secret weapon.
Bathsheba – Her story is layered, and yet she mothered a king. Influence doesn’t always start in easy places.
The Widow of Zarephath – With very little, she trusted greatly. You don’t need everything to be obedient.
The Shunammite Woman – She made space for the sacred, and blessings followed. Making room for what feeds your spirit matters.

Women in Jesus’ Story

Elizabeth – Proof that it’s never too late. Delayed does not mean denied.
Mary, Mother of Jesus – A young woman with a yes that changed everything. Your yes still matters.
Martha – Service is love, but so is stillness. Find your balance.
Mary Magdalene – Transformed by love and chosen to share the good news. Your past does not disqualify your calling.
Lydia – A businesswoman, leader, and believer. You can walk in your calling and your coin.

Why This Still Matters—for Us

Black women carry so much. We lead movements, build legacies, nurture communities, and still find time to pour into others. But sometimes, even in our strength, we forget the sacredness of our own story.

Here’s your reminder:
You are not just surviving. You are chosen.
You are not just holding it all together. You are powerful.
You are not just “getting by.” You are divinely aligned with something greater.

Like Deborah, you were made to lead.
Like Esther, you have a voice that changes lives.
Like Ruth, your loyalty and faith will open doors.
Like Lydia, your work is ministry.

The truth? God has always used women to shift culture, transform communities, and birth the future. And He’s still doing it—through you.

So whatever season you’re in—whether it’s healing, rising, leading, or resting—walk in your truth.

You are seen.
You are called.
You are empowered.

With you on the journey,
Felicia Ray Owens
Founder, Her She Squad – Through the Eyes of Women