It’s been more than five decades since Madeline Manning Mims became the only American woman to win a gold medal in the 800-meter race. She became a pacesetter for American women and women of color, which she didn’t realize then. “When I looked at one of my older videos, I realized that I was the only black woman in the whole mix.” Following her track career, she became a chaplain and counselor to several women’s teams. She spent much of her life sharing her Christian faith with others.

Judges 4 – Leadership 

Judges 4 introduces Deborah, who also became a pacesetter for the people of Israel. Female leadership among God’s people was rare in Israel. Israel’s repeated disobedience led the Lord to raise up an enemy for discipline. Still, He also raised up a judge to deliver them. Deborah served as the judge to drive out the Canaanite nations. She was one of the judges of Israel during a time of oppression. She is called a prophetess and the wife of Lappidoth.

Deborah stands out as one of the godly leaders in Israel’s history. Through her life of service to others, she modeled love for God and obedience to Him. What matters is God’s power. Regardless of the instrument He chooses to use, man or woman, strong or weak, all are strong when they become filled with God’s spirit and strength.  

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete set the pace for others by obeying God and relying on His spirit and strength when faced with adversity.

Bible Memory Verse – “I delivered you from the hands of the Egyptians and from the hands of all your oppressors and drove them out before you and gave you their land.” Judges 6:9 (LSB)