This past month hasn’t been easy. Besides personal griefs and struggles, I’ve been overwhelmed by reports of the increasing cases of COVID-19, the social unrest resulting from racial injustice, the economic instability of many, and the persecution of Christians in hostile areas.

But perhaps the most unsettling reality for me is division within the church, resulting in church hurt, trauma, and even murder. Maintaining “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3) is easier quoted than corporately embodied. So when the writer of Hebrews states, “you have need of endurance,” (Heb. 10:36) all I can do is sigh: Yes. Yes, I do.

Thankfully, God hasn’t left us without many witnesses from the past and present who teach us what it looks like to live faithfully in unprecedented times. TGC’s new book 12 Faithful Women: Portraits of Steadfast Endurance features 12 historical women who endured all kinds of griefs like physical pain, persecution, infertility, marital strife, loneliness, and, yes, hurtful division in the church. These women teach us that Christ really is the author and finisher of our faith, the One whose steadfast love makes us steadfast in endurance. And we really need that right now.

Happy reading,

Quina Aragon

P.S. Did you know that TGC produces children’s books in partnership with Crossway? My four-year-old daughter was so excited to flip through the beautifully illustrated Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up. Make sure to check out TGC Kids Books!