In 1987, March was declared Women’s History Month.

Women’s work and accomplishments should be recognized every day, and until the value of women becomes a reality, this world will never be what God intended it to be.

Women have been a great force in our history, as well as in our present times, in all areas of our lives. These areas include our homes, entertainment, legal fields, religion, education, workplaces, health, the media and politically, just to name a few.

Literally, from A-Z, there are words alone that sum up the meaning of woman. Let’s pull just a sample of words from the dictionary that describe women. They are able, beauty (inside and out), caring, daring, emotional, forgiving, giving, helpmate, imaginative, jewel, kindness, loving, majestic, nurturing, oblate, perfect (well, she may just be perfect for you), queen, respectful, sentimental, tough, urbane, value, wisdom, x chromosome, Yahwism and zeal.

These women are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, associates, coworkers, teachers, doctors, nurses, surgeons, judges, policewomen, first ladies, pastors, ministers, evangelists and even someone’s child.

But I would like to dedicate this article to one woman in particular. She is a woman who is never recognized for this specific action. What is this action? It’s praying. This woman believes that all things happen for a reason and that nothing is impossible; she believes in the power of healing; she believes that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen; she believes that Jesus is the son of God and that without God she is nothing; she believes that mountains and obstacles can be moved — just like that! She believes that her love ones and kindred can be saved. And even when she has lost her job, she knows that God will provide. When the doctors says that she has cancer; she knows that by his stripes, she is healed. When her enemies come up against her, she knows he will make them her footstool. When she falls short and makes mistakes, she knows that his grace and mercy are sufficient. When she has lost a loved one through death, she knows that all that die in the Lord, will have everlasting life. When her child is on drugs, she knows that God will give her the strength to carry on. When there is a void in her life, she knows that God will fill it. When she feels lost, confused and as if her world is falling apart, she knows that God said fret not for I am with you, always, even until the end of time. When people say all manner of things against her, she knows that God said there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus and who walk not after the flesh.

Who is this woman? She is a praying woman. Her prayers will give her strength and wipe the tears from her eyes. A praying woman, give her respect.

God said touch not my anointed ones and do my prophet no harm. Who is this woman? She is the praying woman who believes that nothing is too hard for God to fix. So hats off to all women, but especially a praying woman.

Beverly Gibson is a Ferriday resident.