Women's History Month: Women of Influence Countless women, past and present, have shaped the world in which we live. In this, the first part of a two-part series celebrating women during Women's History Month, some female staff at Chase Oaks share the names of biblical and modern-day women who have influenced them the most. Who are some mentors or women who have impacted your life? Christine Caine and Lysa TerKuerstMy Sunday school teacher from high school, my granny, and my cousinsMy sister Mary, Beth Moore, and Sally (my boss)My mom, my bible study leader, and friendsTaffy PaveyMarlo Wade, who led me to Christ at 13 and has been such a huge part of my spiritual growth…discipled me in such a pivotal time in my lifeI am realizing that mentors do not have to be someone I have met personally; they can be someone I encounter through a talk, a Bible study guide, or even a biography. Nor do I have to learn all I need to know from one person: one woman may share wisdom about growing in my faith, another about being faithful in my finances, another about how to serve in the community, another about building friendships, etc.A lady that really invested in me when I was in youth group. She was a mentor and then later a friend.Carrie Varnell, who is my biggest support and fan. She has helped me develop as a writer and been the voice of truth when the world is so loud.Shelley Lane. [She is a] voice of encouragement who discipled me as a young mother and continues to be a source of truth.Mrs. Hertzog, my high school English teacherPersonally known: my aunt who is an attorney; and one of my professors in college. Professional mentor: Brené BrownDonaldina Cameron, a missionary to San Francisco who worked with the local police to rescue over 2000 Chinese immigrant women and girls from human trafficking and slavery in the 1800s. She’s like something out of a superhero movie! She literally broke into brothels and buildings to free girls under cover of night, sometimes scaling fire escapes to be lowered down so she could grab as many girls as she could. She was chased across rooftops and through dark alleyways, risking her life to save those who were mistreated by society but loved by God. Some of the first Chinese college students, nurses, and teachers in this country were rescued and trained by her.Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and my momMaya Angelou, Michelle Obama, Ms. Dickey (Grade 3), Ms. Stanton (high school), Renada (co-worker), Harriett Tubman, Tina Turner, Josephine Baker, and single mothers that make it happen no matter what the odds!Margaret Keane, Frida Khalo, Abbi Jacobson, Mindy Khaling.Patricia W, for her love of and immersion in the Word. Cut her and she will bleed Bible.Professor Bo Karen Lee (at Princeton) Do you have a favorite biblical heroine?Mary, because of her faith when she found out she was pregnant.Esther, for such a day as this.Mary MagdaleneDeborah. How awesome is it that God chose a woman to lead His people? She was unapologetically strong but gave all the glory to the Lord. I've always loved the story of Esther. Brave, beautiful, and clever. What's not to love??? (Jael with the tent peg is a close second.)Mary (Mary and Martha) Jochebed, the mother of MosesRuthElizabeth, for her faith. I think a lot about her words to Mary: “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” I love how she knew God as One Who keeps His promises to women.Anna - she had faith that kept her going through years of waiting and serving Some of the women listed above are famous for their accomplishments or pioneering work; others have simply been faithful in their respective spheres of influence. But all are inspiring examples ways that women have shaped the world around us.This month, take some time to reflect on the women who have been influential in your own life, and thank them for making a difference.