July 19

Christian Women Devotionals

Lucinda Barbour Helm (1839–1897) American author and religious activist. Lucinda Barbour Helm was a pioneering Christian woman of the 19th century, known for her intellect, spiritual leadership, and dedication to empowering women in ministry. Born in Kentucky, Helm became one of the earliest female leaders in the Southern Methodist Church, despite the cultural and ecclesiastical limitations of her time.

She is best remembered for founding the Woman’s Parsonage and Home Mission Society in 1886, an organization that encouraged women to take active roles in the church's mission work, especially in underserved regions of the American South and frontier territories. Under her guidance, the society established schools, parsonages, and programs for the poor—promoting both literacy and the gospel.

Helm was also a published author and editor. Her writings often defended the vital place of Christian women in public service, arguing that holiness must be lived out through compassion, education, and justice. She edited the influential periodical Woman's Missionary Advocate and was known for her quiet, persuasive voice that reshaped Southern Methodism’s view of women.

Her legacy lies not only in the institutions she helped build but also in her theological vision of women as “stewards of holiness” who could shape church and culture alike.

Famous Quotes Attributed to Lucinda Helm:

• “To build a home is to build a future; to build it in Christ is to build eternity.”
   
• “Women are not called to the corners of the church, but to the center of its labor.”
   
• “Faith without service is but a flower without fruit.”
   

Legacy:
Lucinda Helm’s advocacy for women's leadership in missions laid the groundwork for generations of women in American Protestantism. Her gentle demeanor and bold vision made her both approachable and inspiring—a leader who expanded the boundaries of what faithful women could do in the Church.

Marguerite of Lorraine (c. 1463–1521) Duchess, Defender of Christian Writers

Marguerite of Lorraine was born into the French nobility during a turbulent era for the Christian Church in Europe. As Duchess of Alençon and sister to Anne of France, she was uniquely positioned in courtly circles. Yet her heart leaned not toward power, but toward piety. Known for her intelligence, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to Christ, she became a discreet but effective protector of early Reformation-leaning Christian writers in France.

At a time when owning or circulating unapproved Christian texts was considered heresy, Marguerite used her influence to shield those who sought to publish faithful commentaries, translate the Scriptures, or challenge corrupt practices in the Church. She is often remembered as one who stood in the gap—preserving lives, protecting manuscripts, and ensuring that voices of reform were not silenced too early.

She did not leave behind her own writings, but many credited her with preserving those of others.

Final Words (according to court memoir):
"I have done my duty to the King. And to the King of Kings."

Selected Anecdotes

The Hidden Scrolls
Marguerite once hid controversial Christian manuscripts behind her personal psalter, carrying them in a satchel sewn into her gown. They were safely delivered to a translator who would later influence early French Protestantism.
 

The Quiet Counsel
When a young scribe was arrested for copying a commentary on the Psalms, Marguerite personally intervened to have him released. She reportedly told the magistrate, “It is not a crime to echo David’s words.”
 

Letters to Geneva
Historians believe she quietly funded safe passage for several persecuted Christian scholars to travel from Paris to Geneva—later a haven for Protestant thought.
 

A Court of Books
Despite opposition, Marguerite kept a personal library of religious texts, including early translations of the New Testament in French. She lent these discreetly to noblewomen under the guise of embroidery gatherings.
 

Famous Quotes Attributed to Marguerite of Lorraine

“A soul cannot be chained when truth has lit the flame.”
 

“The quiet hand can shelter the bold pen.”
 

“Not every reformer stands in pulpits—some stand in parlors with prayer.”
 

“God did not give me a crown to ignore His Word.”
 

“Books may be burned, but faith endures.”
 

Legacy

Though not a reformer in the public eye, Marguerite of Lorraine was a crucial link in the chain of Christian preservation. She used her station to shield the fragile beginnings of gospel truth in France. Without her quiet courage, the early Reformers of France may have lost their footing even before their voices rose.

Her story reminds us that God calls some to the platform and others to the shelter—both are holy.

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals