Reclaiming our Stories: Tamar

By The Rev. Victoria L. Hamilton

Read more of Tamar's story in Genesis 38  

Tamar is introduced into this text by way of marriage to one of Judah’s son’s, Er. … Er was not an honest man, in the sight of God, and was put to death by God. (vs7). After his death, Judah then instructed his second son, Onan, to “go to your brother’s wife and perform the duty of a brother in law, and raise up any offspring as his (deceased) brother’s. (vs 8). Onan, didn’t quite like that idea, & let his sperm spill on the ground, … And God,  displeased, put him to death also. Tamar was then promised to the youngest son, Shelah, when he became of age, but, and until that time, Tamar was sent back to her fathers home.

Now, good people, I read through this and the preceding and following chapters a couple times. I, myself, was taken aback trying to put myself in that situation. It seems as though, the irony of the culture of the day, sounds a bit like trafficking! Abuse of some kind or another.  Women’s rights were not the topic or concern of the day. How women really felt about their own culture, I do not know and wonder... Legal, but … what say you?  How does this structure sound to you? If you were to meet Tamar today, and she came to confide in you, How might you, in today’s mindset, encourage her? Does this sound like a - Let’s call Hubbard House or another agency that might help and give counsel, funds, clothes, a place to stay …??   Do you know  a “Tamar”? 

Time passed when she, Tamar, learned that her father-in-law, Judah, was coming to town, for business. She positioned herself on the road, ‘to see’ that Shelah was now grown; and there was an exchange between she and Judah!! Conversation and a sexual exchange. No, he did not recognize her.…The younger son had not been given to her, or her to him; Tamar accepted her father-in-law's “request” to sleep with her. (Lawd! or Lord, have mercy!) 

For insurance sake (my words), she asked for items from Judah, a signet (small seal set inside a ring, that shows authenticity or identification of the owner), a cord and his staff.

Sometimes as women, we are not seen, thought to be intelligent, or considered as equal … In what ways do you see women or yourself as Not Being Seen? .. Where or how have you "Positioned yourself" to make a wrong right? Do you know others who may have "positioned themselves" to right a wrong? .. i.e. at work, in your family, at church, family conversations, school. Was it a hard decision to stand up for yourself or another? Tamar saw promises not kept and sought to make them right. Where has that happened in your life or the life of others? What promises have been made to women, (man or child), that have not been kept OR are trying to be rescinded? What, if anything, are our insurances?

More time passes when Judah hears that Tamar is pregnant, and was being called a whore because the town knew she was a widow. Jumping in haste, Judah calls for her to be “burned” (vs24). Tamar is able to save herself by showing the signet, cord and staff to Judah, who then recognized his own (initial) faults and spared her life. He had broken his promise to her, to give her to his 3rd son, Shelah, in marriage.

How quickly we sometimes jump to conclusions about a person or persons in our society at large.  Are women still being “burned,” to be silenced or eliminated? How do you see or feel that happening? In today’s climate, where might you see that happening? Do you see resolutions? Who needs to be at the table? Can morals that are taught, that sometimes seek to destroy, be amended? Can conversation REALLY happen? Action? How could our lives be more understanding today? Is forgiveness a factor?

Tamar stayed in the town of her father and gave birth to twins, boys, Perez and Zerah. One twin, Zerah, was making his entrance into the world, was marked by a crimson, red thread, by the midwife, on his hand, and drew it back; the second twin, Perez was then born first.

Tamar was the "host" to bring these young people into the world. There will be huge differences between these brothers in the future. How do we set up our children, to be who they will become as adults?  What, in you, has sustained you, that you hope to share with your children, grandchildren and others?  I was "host" to two children, and  have been a surrogate "host" (Mama/Ma as I’m called), spiritually, physically, and mentally for many many many, young people. 

As Tamar was blessed, I was blessed, and have been able to see the growth of many young people, not just my birth children. All of them are different, but GOD provides much more than I’m capable of on my own. As we travel through this life, let’s remember that we are not traveling alone. That sometimes we need to reach out to others, while other times we may need to stand alone fighting for the injustices/justices within us and around us. My thoughts and prayers are with each of us as we reach deep inside ourselves and find strength, courage, patience, and encouragement to do that which is right by others, but especially because that is a call from God. 

Reclaiming our Stories: Dinah

By Sarah Locke

Read more of Dinah's story: Genesis 34

Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped her. His heart was drawn to Dinah daughter of Jacob; he loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. And Shechem said to his father Hamor, “Get me this girl as my wife” (Genesis 34:1-4).

It feels like I've opened every Bible study with comments about how each of these women are pawns in someone else's story. Dinah does not seem to be much different. 

Dinah is the only daughter mentioned of all of Jacob's children. She is Leah's daughter, the youngest of Leah's children. Her fate is similar to what we might expect, given the stories that we have already read throughout Genesis. She went out to visit with some women, she is raped by a powerful man, he demands that she become his wife. The narrative is a bit different after this, though, as her brothers seem to be protective of her. So they devise a plan to vindicate her, killing all of the Shechemites while they are sore from circumcision. Jacob is furious with his sons, fearing that he will be despised throughout the country because of what they have done. But the brothers still defend their sister, saying "should he have our sister treated like a prostitute?" 

Dinah's story is told as a warning for women: if you go out in public, especially with other women, you might be raped. It is much better, then, to stay in the privacy and protection of your own home, relying on your family and especially the men in your family to protect you and make decisions for you. 

Of course this is not much different from much of what we teach young girls today. When I went to college, my dad gave me a taser and pepper spray, claiming that I would need to defend myself against men who would want to harm me. I don't remember my parents remarking much about my clothing as I grew up, but I often heard my friends and classmates remark that a girl was "asking for it" in the way that she dressed. Before I entered college, I was given an array of ways to protect myself (apparently from the ever-present threat of men) when I'm leaving work: 

• Don't enter an elevator occupied by a single man. 
• Don't park in a public garage, there are too many hiding places for predators. Park on a well-lit street. 
• Always take your keys out of your bag before you leave your workplace so you don't have to hesitate outside. 
• Put your keys between your fingers so you can slash at someone if they attack you. 
• Always have your phone out in case you need to fake a phone call with someone. This will sometimes stop a person from following you. (There are even videos for this exact purpose.) 
• Lock your car as soon as you get inside. 
• If a cop pulls you over, put on your blinkers and get to a well-lit area, preferably with lots of people around. If you can't, keep your blinkers on and call the dispatcher to confirm there are police in the area in case it is someone posing as a cop, preying on women. 
• Take a woman-specific self-defense course. 
• Don't ever respond to a person catcalling you, especially when you are alone.  

If these seem ridiculous or overboard, I'd recommend chatting with your sister, wife, girlfriend, mom, daughter, or woman coworker. There is a whole other set of rules about going out at night to a restaurant or bar. (They are actually marketing to our fear now-- click here for an example of what women can put on their cups so they won't be drugged.)

Women are taught to fear being in public spaces, especially alone. Dinah's story is often used as a cautionary tale against leaving the protection of your (man-centered) family. It is important to note that the only part of the story that gives Dinah any agency is the very beginning: "Dinah... went out..." For the rest of the story, she had things done to her. For many, this emphasizes that when women are given choices and agency, only terrible things can come from it. Her rape, commentators imply, was her own fault for leaving her family and cavorting with other women in town. 

Questions to consider: 
If you are a woman, what kind of "rules" do you follow to stay safe? 
If you are a man, do you follow any of these same "rules?" 
If we are called to both mercy (responding to violence against women) and justice (preventing violence against women), what is the call of God's people?  

______________

"Dear daddy, I will be born a girl. Please do everything you can so that won't stay the greatest danger of all."

The following video is graphic and contains strong language. However, it is poignant and speaks volumes about the issues women face today. For more statistics about violence again women, visit the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) website. 

Reclaiming our Stories: Sarai/Sarah

By Mandy Achterberg 

Read more of Sarah's story: Genesis 12; 16; 17:5, 15; 18:10-15; 20; 21:1-21; 23:1-21 

Sarai is introduced through her lineage and connection as a descendant of Shem through her marriage to Abram. The first thing we learn about her is that she is Abram’s wife and the second is that she is barren. Nothing is noted about where she came from or who she is, but unlike many other women in the Old Testament, she has a name. Through nearly ten chapters the story of Sarai, who becomes Sarah, unravels before us. 

At first, I was reluctant to take on the story of Sarah. When other theologians speak of her, one of two things happen. The first is that she is lifted up and revered as being a mother of the faith, one who heard God speak, and demonstrated faith as a partner to Abraham. The second is that she is fraught with scandal, who laughed at and lied to God, and that she became complicit in the abuse of another woman. Rarely are both discussed together. As I reflect on Sarah I want to hold all of her, even the parts we don’t want to look at, even when they are in tension with who we want Sarah to be for us. 

The first thing I noticed is that Sarah herself is not unfamiliar with the harm and violence that patriarchy causes women. She would have been owned by her father, who likely received payment for her hand in marriage. She is barren and seen as useless. This is perhaps why Abram seems to have no qualms “giving” her in marriage to Pharaoh to protect his own life. Of course, when Pharaoh learns of this trickery, he sends them both away. The slimy thing here is that Abram gets to keep his spoils of offering his wife to another man. 

After this we get the story of God making a covenant with Abram, and even though he is childless – which Abram makes quite a gripe about – God promises Abram that he will have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. As he continues to be childless, I imagine that Sarai heard these complaints of his nearest heir being Elizer of Damascus. I imagine she felt the pressure to fulfill a role as a wife. I imagine she felt the pressure to help make God’s promise come to be. There is no way she can see herself as bearing a child, so she does what she thinks she needs to do to save the dreams of her husband and offers her Egyptian slave, Hagar. Ultimately doing so much harm, and usurping God’s plan in the process!

But all of this does not change God’s plan for Sarah to be included in the birthing of a great people. Sure, it complicates things, and the situation is complex! She is old and barren and has already worked it out so that Abraham will have an heir in Ishmael. Yet, God’s promises remained true and Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Sarah remains a faithful participant in God’s story with humanity.

I am reminded of many things in my reflection. First is that hurt people, hurt people. When we are hurt and hurting, we tend to be reactive and are unable to see how our actions may harm others. The second is, we are immensely capable of being both sinner and saint. Sarah’s complicity in the harm of Hagar does not negate her from the promise of God, but it also dramatically changed their relationship. I wonder if Sarah’s harsh treatment of Hagar tells us more about Sarah’s reaction to her own brokenness, putting the hoped for thing before the faithful thing. 

But I am left with a renewed compassion for Sarah, and a reminder to acknowledge the ways we have been harmed by other humans and to remember that God is a God who does not ask us to sacrifice relationships or life to fulfill the things that God promises. 

How have hurt and trauma impacted your life negatively? How has hurt and trauma revealed an inner resilience, or led you to make an impact in the world? Where do you find God’s promises revealed? What reminds you of God’s promises?

Reclaiming our Stories: Noah's Wife

By Rev. Victoria (PV) Hamilton - Retired ELCA Pastor

Read more of Noah’s Wife's story: Genesis 6:5-22, Chapters 7 & 8

This text is the story of Noah and his call and journey, in what is known as The Flood Story.

Noah is a righteous man and is seen by God as the right person to execute God’s plan. God is very unhappy with humankind at this stage in history and is thinking of destroying ALL of earth and anything living; humans, animal and vegetation too. But, Noah has God’s heartstrings and God’s plan includes Noah carrying out that plan. Building an ark, gathering his family, male and female animals (for reproduction) as well as vegetation. He and his family, his wife (6:18), sons and their wives would be the only humans on board. The waters came for 40 days (7:17-24) and remained 150 days (7:24). At the end of the flood, the earth was ‘clean’ with new vegetation, the animals on the ark and Noah with his family were then to inhabit the earth. 

As I read this account that was very familiar to me, my senses/spirit, became somewhat agitated because this was Noah’s story. If this was to be a reflection for and about women, this was such a weak account. In fact, I know I’ve read over and missed that Noah had a wife!!  

In this account Noah’s ‘wife’ is mentioned 5 different times. 5 times only! 6:18, she’ll get to go on the ark, 7:7,13 she’s on the ark, 8:16, she’s there when the waters subside and 7:18, she went off the ark with the others. 

How many times in your life have you felt overlooked? Do people know your name? How do you think you’re seen by others? Do You feel your worth? Are you considered ‘wife’ or ‘mom’ or  ‘neighbor’ or ‘so and so’s something or other or simply ‘friend,' just because of the company you keep? How are you able to be that multi-talented woman, that I know you are, putting your encouragement and presence in your family, job or community and feel whole? Do you feel whole? Are you just going through the motions of life or what others think you should do and be? What makes you stick around in your present circumstance? Do you feel respect for yourself, as solely ‘presence’?

This text, is prevalent even in today’s society, in one form or another. I may have sensitive eyes/heart, as an almost 69 year old woman who hasn’t always, and may still not, have been heard or seen. In my early years, I chose to be a “house executive," better known as housewife, to raise my children. (long story)  Today, I will tell you that was and is the best ‘job’ I’ve EVER had. Those that may seem silent or less than, have a zillion ways they are contributing to life and to society, just as Noah’s wife did. She was a valuable part of her household and God saw fit for her to accompany her husband on the journey God had called him too. She too, had been called! 

Never doubt who you are and why. Let’s make a practice to listen to God and ask for God's leading in the life God has call us too. We are not to journey through life alone. Remember: I am somebody, ‘cause God don’t make no junk! You, my sister, are beautiful and wonderfully made.

Side Note: Noah’s wife had a name. Her name was NAAMAH (which means "the beautiful") according to Jewish tradition. 

Reclaiming our Stories: Eve

by Sarah Locke

Read more of Eve's story: Genesis 1; 2; 3:1-23; 4:1-15 

"The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife, and clothed them" (Genesis 3:20-21). 

There is a lot that can be said about the story of Eve. In fact, a lot has already been said about Eve, and generally speaking, it has not been favorable to her or the rest of her sex. But what seems to be the very end of Eve’s story is my favorite part. She would become “the mother of all the living,” so her name would literally mean “to give life.” 

Unlike Adam, who is made from the soil and would toil in the soil, Eve was made from the living and brings forth life into all the world. Her name, even without knowing all the details of the narrative, tells the story of a woman who will go forth into the world, providing for the world, abiding in God’s command to be fruitful and multiply, creating as God first created. 

Even before I became pregnant with our son, my husband and I talked endlessly about names. We looked up meanings of names, thought of people we admired, and went back and forth until we settled on something that felt right. Eventually we decided on Bennet Alexander. Bennet is the surname of my favorite literary family from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It also means “blessed.” Alexander is my brother’s middle name and means “defender,” making Bennet Alexander a “blessed defender,” something we hope he will grow into some day. 

Regardless of how we read these stories in Genesis— as history, as allegory, or as truth— this is strong encouragement to women throughout the world who are given the names of their ancestors. May it give courage to those who are named into a legacy, those whose names carry the weight of thousands of women before them, and those whose names hold deep and abiding meaning for the namers. Eve would give life to all living. Even us. Especially us. 

What is the story of your name? Does it have significant meaning? Does it hold a certain power or give you a certain power? If you could choose meaning for your name (and you can), what would you choose? Who would you be? How does your name give life to all living?

Reclaiming our Stories: Women of Genesis

If you know me at all, you know that I don't think the women of the Bible get the credit that they deserve. They barely get any face-time in the three-year lectionary, and are mostly used to prop up the stories for, of, and about men. I don't love it.

But I do love the stories of these women. So as time got slower and my theological brain began to fill with cobwebs, I reached out to some of my trusted and fantastic colleagues and friends, wondering about what it could mean for us to write for, of, and about the incredible women of Genesis.

Over the next twelve weeks we will be looking at parts of these women's stories and lifting up our own reflections and inviting you into the conversation as well. You'll find it posted every Monday morning right here.

Here are the women we will encounter:

Eve by Sarah Locke
Noah's Wife by Vicki Hamilton
Sarai/Sarah by Mandy Achterberg
Hagar by Sarah Locke
Lot's Wife by Alexandria Long
Rebekah by Tobi Fleck
Rachel by Hannah Bardin
Leah by Sarah Locke
Bilhah & Zilpah by Sarah Locke
Dinah by Sarah Locke
Tamar by Vicki Hamilton
Potiphar's Wife by Jennifer Roberts


I invite you into this sacred space over the next twelve weeks to explore a little more of what these women's stories might be speaking into your own story. They are our ancestors, after all. Their blood runs in our veins and we are made of the same breath that created them. Dig deep into their stories and you might find out something about yourself along the way.

Peace to you and be well.



**If you're a church leader and your context is fully affirming and celebrating of the LGBTQIA+ community, please feel free to use these reflections in your own contexts. If your community is not, please feel free to ask permission before using. At the end of the twelve weeks, we will package it all into a pretty little Bible study booklet for your use.**

28 Days with the Women of Genesis

Some people need to read scripture every day, while others feel the need to dive deep just once a week. In an effort to help both groups learn more about the women of the Bible, I have come up with a 28-day reading plan that focuses specifically on the women of Genesis. I hope that we can look more deeply at their stories and notice when their voices are lifted up in scripture and when they are silenced. 

We will also be releasing a weekly Bible study called "Reclaiming Our Stories: Women of Genesis" that focuses on all of these women every Monday, starting May 4. So you'll want to be on the lookout for that. We have six incredible folks contributing to that Bible study, so I am especially delighted to see it come to fruition. 

Some questions to consider when you read these stories: 

• How is this woman introduced? 
• What do you notice about this woman's story as you read it? If you have read this story before, are you noticing anything new? 
• How is this woman's voice amplified or silenced in this story? 
• What does this woman tell us about God's love? 

Eve

Day 1 - Genesis 1

Day 2 - Genesis 2 

Day 3 - Genesis 3

Noah’s Wife 

Day 4 - Genesis 6:5-22; 

Day 5 - Genesis 7

Day 6 - Genesis 8 

Day 7 - Genesis 9:1-17

Sarai/Sarah and Hagar 

Day 8 - Genesis 12

Day 9 - Genesis 13

Day 10 - Genesis 14

Day 11 - Genesis 15

Day 12 - Genesis 16 

Day 13 - Genesis 17 

Day 14 - Genesis 18:1-15  

Day 15 - Genesis 21:1-21

Lot’s Wife

Day 16 - Genesis 19

Rebekah

Day 17 - Genesis 24

Day 18 - Genesis 25:19-34

Day 19 - Genesis 26 

Day 20 - Genesis 27 

Rachel & Leah // Bilhah & Zilpah 

Day 21 - Genesis 29

Day 22 - Genesis 30 

Day 23 - Genesis 31 

Day 24 - Genesis 32 

Day 25 - Genesis 33 

Dinah 

Day 26 - Genesis 34

Tamar 

Day 27 - Genesis 38

Potiphar’s Wife 

Day 28 - Genesis 39