Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Maria Fearing, Charlotte Forten Grimké, Sarah Mapps Douglass, Sara Griffith Stanley, Amanda Berry Smith, Lucy Craft Laney, Maria Stewart, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
These names may not be familiar, but each one of these women was a shining beacon of devotion in a world that did not value their lives. They worked to change laws, built schools, spoke to thousands, shared the Gospel around the world. And while history books may have forgotten them, their stories can teach us so much about what it means to be modern women of faith.
Through the research and reflections of author Jasmine Holmes, you will be inspired by what each of these exceptional women can teach us about the intersections of faith and education, birth, privilege, opportunity, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominantly white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books and church history to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith.
Join Jasmine on this journey of illuminating these women--God's image-bearers, carved in ebony.
My Thoughts:
Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes brings together the author’s life experiences and multiple biographies as she offers lessons and thoughts about living life as a Black woman of faith. Each chapter commences with an engaging story or narrative before relating the biography of the featured woman. Holmes then concludes the chapter by reflecting on the woman’s life and offers her own hopes for the future.
Carved in Ebony features ten women who were chosen because of their activism and deep faith. Elizabeth Freeman, Sara Griffith Stanley, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Amanda Berry Smith, Maria Fearing, Maria Stewart, Lucy Craft Laney, Charlotte Forten Grimke, and Sarah Mapps Douglass. All these women were previously unknown to me and each one amazed me with their bravery as they lived out spiritual truths and led faithful lives.
As a mid-thirties, white woman, I may not be in the target audience for Carved in Ebony, but I am glad I read this book because I learned from the featured women as well as the author’s perspective. Not only are there truths that challenge and encourage me, but the book offers insight into what it means to be a Black woman in today’s evangelical church culture. It grieves me that racism still exists and that it is alive in today’s church. Despite the evils against her Black ancestors, the author doesn’t hate on white people. She detests racism and American chattel slavery, but she does not abhor other people based on their skin color.
I recommend Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women
who Shape Us by Jasmine L. Holmes to any Christian woman who is willing to listen
to the stories of others with an open mind and willingness to grow.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of
this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
What a powerful review for a powerful book.
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