What are women made for and what are they capable of? What makes them valuable? What is "women's work"? One of the most culturally influential women in American history used her life's work to answer these questions and affirm women in both society and the home—yet many people have never even heard of her. Sarah Josepha Hale was a mother, writer, activist, and editor of the popular nineteenth-century women's magazine Godey's Lady's Book. Her work contributed to a robust and holistic view of womanhood that validated women as image bearers, dignified their many spheres of work—both domestic and professional—and advocated for their access to education and advancement. Take a listen to this best-of episode with journalist Melanie Kirkpatrick and be encouraged by this remarkable woman from American history.

The Strong Women Podcast 81. The Woman Who Influenced a Nation with Melanie Kirkpatrick

The Hudson Institute: https://www.hudson.org/

Lady Editor by Melanie Kirkpatrick

Thanksgiving by Melanie Kirkpatrick

Escape from North Korea by Melanie Kirkpatrick

Godey's Lady's Book January 1864 by Sarah Josepha Hale and Louis A. Godey

Early American Cookery: "The Good Housekeeper," 1841 by Sarah Josepha Hale

Northwood by Sarah Josepha Hale

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Strong Women is partnering with our friends at Drinklings to offer a special Flannery O'Connor mug and Strong Women coffee blend just in time for Christmas! Check out these products here and get yours today. These also make great Christmas gifts for the other Strong Women on your list!

I'm so excited to introduce a new Advent resource for you just in time for the Christmas season: "Prepare the Way of the Lord"! Christmas is on its way, and you and I have a sweet opportunity to know Jesus better this season. To help you observe Advent in a meaningful and doable way, I've put together a curated collection of Advent recommendations. These are designed to help you prepare your heart for the Lord this season. "Prepare the Way of the Lord – Advent 2023" includes recommendations for Advent reading, music, art, learning, books and activities for kids, and more. Whether you're new to Advent or have observed it for years, these lists are designed to cut through the fluff and excess and help you tune your heart to Jesus. Advent starts on Sunday, December 3, 2023. You can access your free copy of "Prepare the Way of the Lord" by clicking here.

Today, Christians face mounting pressure to conform to harmful secular ideologies about race, sexuality, human identity, and more. In response, the Colson Center seeks to equip believers with a Christian worldview on all these things, so they can know, live, and speak the truth in love. As we reach the end of the year, would you consider donating to support the ongoing work of the Colson Center? You can make your donation at colsoncenter.org/swyearend.

How do we remain faithful to Christ when our faith clashes with this cultural moment, or when we have to choose between conscience and career? We need courage, and courage must be cultivated. Join us at CCNC 2024 to find answers and tools to cultivate courageous faith for the specific challenges you face in this cultural moment. Speakers include Dr. Al Mohler, Father Calvin Robinson, Riley Gaines, Katy Faust, and more. For full speaker lineup and registration, go to colsonconference.org.

The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what's happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them. Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/

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