The northshorestakewomensinstitute’s Podcast

In this lesson, we are diving into a powerful story from John 8—the woman taken in adultery—and exploring what it teaches us about mercy, law, and the complexity of every human story. We’ll slow down, look at the scene through art and scripture, and imagine what it might have felt like to be there: to be the woman, to be Jesus. 

 

We’ll unpack the historical and spiritual context, what we know—and don’t know—about this woman, and how Jesus responds in a way that holds both love and law together. This isn’t just an ancient story; it’s a lens for how we see others, how we see ourselves, and how we understand grace and new beginnings. How we can apply these principles in our relationships?

In this lesson we discussed the miracle Jesus performed by healing the woman who touched the hem of His garment. It is an inspiring story on many levels. Jesus not only healed her of her physical infirmity, but he told the woman "thy faith hath made thee whole." 

 

We read the scriptures in Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, and Luke 8:40-56 to review the different accounts of the healing. In all accounts, the Savior stops everything He is doing, takes time to see the woman, acknowledge her, and bless her. He calls her "Daughter" in front of the crowd, taking away her feeling of invisibility.

 

The woman has lived in isolation for 12 years due to her illness and has lost everything - socially, financially, emotionally, and physically. Yet she has one treasure left - her faith. She trusts Jesus enough to know if she can but touch the hem of His garment she will be healed.

 

We talk about why Jesus heals people, whether we can be partners with Him in healing, and how we learn to receive the miracles from Jesus Christ, even if they are not the miracles we prayed for.

What is “that good part” that Jesus told Martha to choose? Why did Jesus let Lazarus die? How did Jesus raise the status of women? Why did Mary anoint Jesus' feet in a room full of men? Join us as we explore these settings of Mary and Martha and the beautiful gospel truths that we learn from them.

Just as the Samaritan Woman at the well, the Savior sees us, knows us, meets us where we are, and helps us to change.  If we follow her example of listening and believing, we can too declare our witness of Christ.

In this lesson, we learn about Anna the prophetess, one of the early witnesses of Jesus Christ as our Savior. We also learn about Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, who bravely spoke her truth despite a life of heartache. We explore what it means to be a witness of Jesus Christ at all times and in all places. What does witnessing look like? What are the unique gifts women have to witness to and sustain each other? Learn about why witnesses are needed, now more than ever. This is not a time to sit still. We can learn from these strong, spiritual women. 

Mary, the mother of Jesus fulfilled her foreordained calling to be the mother of the Son of God. Join us as we talk about the challenges and blessings of her divine calling.

In today’s institute class, we explored the story of Esther through the lens of courageous faith. We focused on the idea that “her faith became their faith,” highlighting how Esther’s personal trust in a God who could deliver her people became a shared legacy that is still honored today.

 

Join us as we discuss how Esther’s faith enabled her to move beyond fear, uncertainty, and discouragement, and her confidence in God gave her the courage to act boldly on behalf of her people.

In this Institute lesson, we explore the story of the Widow of Zarephath, who lived during a time of turmoil in the 9th century BC. She faced some of the same dilemmas we do today when we feel like we are down to our last meager resources. 

 

The Widow was an outsider, alone, poor, and desperate to feed her son. When the prophet Elijah visits her, instead of giving her food, he asks her to give him her last meal. Why would she do such a counterintuitive thing? She was a Gentile and didn’t share his religion. She needed to prioritize her son’s health. And yet…

 

The Widow does sacrifice her food to Elijah and God provides a food supply for both of them during a three year famine. 

 

Have you ever been asked to do something that goes against short-term logic but ends up helping you in the long-term?

When can the unexpected be a blessing?

 

The Widow is such a compelling figure that even Jesus Christ speaks of her personally during his earthly ministry. Luke 4. Jesus Christ reminds us that God will visit all people in their time of crisis, even if we are destitute and hurting.