What A Gal!

What a compliment! Intelligent and attractive, says the Lord. Or Samuel. Or whoever actually wrote the book of Samuel those thousands of years ago. But Abigail was so impressive to the writers that they remembered her name, and that she was not only attractive, but intelligent! When her husband insults soon-to-be King David, David swears a vengeance of sorts against the entire household. But Abigail intervenes. She overrides her husband's poor decision making and brings David food and wine, and then apologizes to him, although none of this is her fault.

Historically, Abigail disobeying her husband is a big deal. Even now, it would be a big deal that a wife went out and deliberately did what her husband wanted no business with, because married couples are supposed to work together and respect one another's wishes. So what can we learn from this disobedient, defiant woman?

Abigail's story struck me as anti-peer-pressure tale. She was intelligent enough to know that in this moment, right now, it would be better for her to not go with the crowd. But more than that, she also knew when to put aside her personal pride and admit wrong-doing in her presence. Even though she had not been the one to actually hurt or insult anyone, she was willing to humble herself before David and truly apologize, because it was best for everyone. David describes her as having "good judgement" and as "blessed".

It's a rare day in the Bible that a woman's name is remembered, let alone given an entire chapter to herself. Abigail's story is one that we can all learn from; patience, humbleness, wisdom, good judgement. All of which came from one woman's actions. Proverbs 31's description of the ideal woman is tossed around a lot, and she is difficult to picture, let alone be. But I think Abigail provides us with a more steadfast image. A Daughter of the Lord (or son) should not be afraid to admit they are wrong, to know when they are right, and to act for the good of many.

Tota tua,

LeAnn