Women Worth Knowing

Jeanne d’Albret (1528-1572): We are back for Part Two of the captivating story of Jeanne d’Albret, the French princess who took a stand against the political and spiritual corruption of the French aristocracy for the cause of Christ. Not only did Jeanne bring radical reform and religious tolerance to her kingdoms, but she became the backbone of the Huguenot movement. What’s more, her godly influence on her son led him to eventually issue the Edict of Nantes, a revolutionary document that brought religious freedom to France. It is hard to imagine what course the nation of France might have taken in the 16th and 17th centuries without the dynamic spiritual influence of this woman worth knowing!

Jeanne d’Albret (1528-1572): The apple doesn’t fall from the tree–at least in the case of Jeanne d’Albret! A reform-minded French royal like her mother, Marguerite de Navarre, Jeanne went a step further than her mom by boldly breaking with the Catholic Church and aligning herself fully with the Protestant cause. Placed in precarious political situations from the time she was young, Jeanne relied on her relationship with Jesus to give her the strength and conviction she needed to navigate the political corruption and spiritual complacency plaguing the French Court. And that’s just scratching the surface! So join us for Part One of her intriguing story!

Marguerite de Navarre (1492-1549): Without a doubt, the French Reformation would not have had the impact it did without the influence of Marguerite de Navarre and her daughter, Jeanne d’Albret! As the sister of King Francis I, Marguerite made an incredible impact for the furtherance of the Gospel and the Reformation movement in France by protecting Huguenot reformers, promoting their cause, and writing profound theological works. As a member of the French royalty, her willingness to align herself with the persecuted Protestants at the risk of her own reputation and position is nothing short of remarkable! Once you hear her story, we know you will love Marguerite as much as we do!

Renee of France (1510-1575): We continue today with the fascinating story of Renee of France, a member of the French royalty who risked her own comfort, reputation, and well-being to stand with the Huguenots (French Reformers) for the truth of God's Word and the message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Her willingness to not only love "in word or tongue, but in deed and truth" made her a powerful encouragement and inspiration to the Reformers of her day, and a wonderful example for us to follow in this generation!

Renee of France (1510-1575): One of the most dramatic and dynamic hotbeds of the Protestant Reformation was the nation of France–and one of the key Reformation figures in that country was Renee of France, a courageous and godly woman who also happened to be the daughter of King Louis XII! In today’s episode we chronicle Renee’s early years in the French Court, highlighting not only the early developments of her Christian faith, but the dangers she would face as Catholic religious and political leaders began to resist the Reformation movement. This first part of her intriguing story will leave you wondering what happens next!

Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231): It is rare indeed to find someone in a place of power and privilege who is willing to lay it all aside for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. Yet this was the testimony of Elizabeth of Hungary, a medieval princess who spent her short life joyfully sacrificing her own comforts and resources for the poor and needy in her kingdom of Thuringia. A powerful symbol of Christian love and charity, Elizabeth also provides us with a remarkable link to the Protestant Reformation! Join us today for this beautiful and inspiring story of a woman who truly embodied the humble, sacrificial love of Jesus!

Mrs. Oswald “Biddy” Chambers (1883-1966): Author Michelle Ule joins the podcast again today to share about the life of Gertrude “Biddy” Chambers. Having covered Biddy’s early years and marriage to Oswald, Michelle continues the story with their move to Egypt during World War I and the tragic circumstances which unexpectedly launched Biddy’s career as an editor/compiler of Oswald’s sermons. Her masterful work led to the publication of 30 books, including the beloved devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. We know you will love Biddy’s story of radiant faith and perseverance for the glory of God!   

Mrs. Oswald “Biddy” Chambers (1883-1966): Today we have the joy of bringing in a special guest (and friend of our podcast!), Michelle Ule! An author and historian, Michelle has written several works of historical fiction. She has also authored a biography on the life of Mrs. Oswald “Biddy” Chambers, the wife of Oswald Chambers, who is known for his famous devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. Michelle joins us for a two-part podcast to share the story of this stellar woman, as well as some fascinating “backstory” insights into how the Lord guided her through this project. We know you will love both “Biddy” and Michelle, because they are certainly women worth knowing!

Ann Preston & Emeline Horton Cleveland: That’s right, we discovered two more “bonus” women in medicine to share today! Ann Preston was the first female dean of a medical college, serving at Women’s Medical College of Philadelphia (where several of our “Women Worth Knowing” studied!). She sent her colleague Emeline Horton Cleveland to Europe as one of the earliest female students in obstetrics and gynecology. When Emeline returned, she and Ann worked together at the women’s hospital and medical school. These women were such close associates and friends that they are buried next to each other!

Mary Edwards Walker: Guess what folks, we found a “bonus” woman in medicine to share about! Mary Edwards Walker was an American suffragist, abolitionist and doctor. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse and surgeon until she was captured by the Confederacy and held as a POW. After the war, she was given the Presidential Medal of Honor for her bravery and service, the only woman to ever receive this distinguished award. This colorful Christian woman is someone you’ll want to hear about!