Greetings, Dear Friends!
Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.

A special thank you to Jo Franz for guest blogging for me last week.

Today I announce the winner of February's gift card giveaway. And the winner is...Carrie Kuiken! What a faithful blogger you are! It's always a pleasure to read your posts. Congratulations, Carrie.

I'll be doing another giveaway in March.

If you take the time to post on my blog in March, you may win a $10.00 gift card to either Caribou or Target (your choice). So drop me a note and say hi!

Now on to my topic.

This morning I read the fascinating story of Catherine Booth, who with her husband, co founded the Salvation Army.

I was incredibly inspired by her grit and perseverance.

In the face of incredible persecution, this once painfully shy woman of God, rose up to be a mighty warrior for Christ and a mighty advocate for the poor and the needy.

Catherine and her husband William were vehemently opposed by the British government because it was believed the Booth's had a political agenda, when in fact, they were simply living out the Gospel.

The name, "Salvation Army" was intended to ridicule the Booths and their work, but they liked the name. In the face of incredible odds and persecution, this once shy and fearful Christ follower proclaimed, "Members of the Salvation Army will fight on, waging war on poverty and injustice wherever we find it."

What's amazing is that the work of Salvation Army, along with Catherine's fiery speeches, led women to give money to the same organizations their husbands were trying to outlaw. (From Stories Behind Women of Extraordinary Faith by Ace Collins; p. 29).

In due time though, the government that scorned them finally embraced them and recognized the impact of their ministry.

Because Catherine stayed true to the Word of God and the call on her life (even while her husband was imprisoned for his faith), she became a history maker and a hero in her time.

Let's read what the Word of God says...