Real Girls of the Bible: A Devotional

Part of the Faithgirlz imprint under Zondervan, Real Girls of the Bible , by Mona Hodgson is a Devotional for girls about thirty Real Bible Girls. The author defines REAL as Relational, Exalting, Authentic, and Loving. Each chapter tells a Bible Girl’s story, focusing on that woman’s faith journey, and includes a Scripture Verse, a prayer, and a trivia tidbit pertinent to Biblical times.

These fascinating stories of women from both the Old and New Testaments-famous ones such as Esther, Naomi, Sarah, Ruth, Mary, and other lesser known-are meant to apply to real life. Readers will learn how to grow in a relationship with God, and will learn to develop qualities like authenticity, kindness, and self-esteem.

Chapter 12 discusses the story of Hannah, taken from 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, 18-21, 26. Hannah desperately wanted a child and was in competition with her husband’s other wife, Penninah, who had children. She insulted Hannah and made the annual pilgrimage to the temple in Shiloh difficult. In the temple, Hannah pleaded before the Lord to give her a son and promised to give him to the Lord. Hannah was blessed with a son she named Samuel and when he was weaned, she took him to the temple at Shiloh. Every year, they returned and she made Samuel a new robe to wear. Eli the priest blessed Hannah, saying, “May the Lord give this woman children to take the place of the one she gave to the Lord.” God blessed Hannah with three more sons and two daughters.

The devotional concludes by pointing out that Hannah’s love for the Lord was the most important thing to her and she knew that God worked in mysterious ways. The closing prayer asks that we be given the grace to trust Him and to seek him in times of trouble, but out of a deep love for Him. The trivia item describes a linen ephod as a garment worn by priests. To extend the lesson, the author suggests reading more about Samuel in the Book of Numbers.

What I Like: This would be great for a Youth Girls’ Bible study because it’s written on the level of teen girls. However, a mother could share these devotionals with her daughter, and I don’t think the language is so simplified that an older teen or an adult couldn’t enjoy this book.

What I Dislike: Nothing, although the book is long for the target audience at 169 pages.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Ages 8 to 12, although it would be appropriate for older girls.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 978-0310713388; Paperback $9.99.

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Special Info: See other Faithgirlz books reviewed here or visit the Faithgirlz website.