7 women and the secret to their greatness

Metaxas suggests in Seven Women that envy and a thirst for revenge on the part of the judge overseeing her 'sham' trial was the motivation for Joan to be burned at the stake. Joan was awarded for her sacrifice and obedience to God by being labeled a heretic, a witch, a blasphemer, and other choice names by a malicious contingent of religious and political leaders. Her voices were correct and her mission proved successful, mostly for her homeland but not very much for herself. Years later, a 16-year-old Joan believed the 'voices' were now giving her specific instructions on where to go and whom to speak about liberating France from England's military advances. At the age of 12, Joan became convinced that she had been receiving 'messengers from Heaven' who at the onset encouraged the young girl in her faith, according to Metaxas. Then, there is Joan (Jeanette) d'Arc, a poor 15th century Roman Catholic teen who was moved to abandon her family's simple farm life to lead soldiers on the battlefield during a brief segment of the Hundred Years' War.

This 'spirit' or 'apparition,' as Susanna described it in one letter, was likely a 'demonic disturbance,' according to Metaxas.

One particular aspect of the Wesleys' lives that may not be common knowledge is that for a brief time, the family lived with what the historical record presents as a rather cantankerous poltergeist. The religious movement also led to the 'establishment of countless private societies and organizations dedicated to caring for the poor and suffering.' John and his politically-minded Methodist movement were instrumental in pressuring the British government to abolish slavery and child labor and to enact penal reform. The foundation Wesley laid for her children proved especially pivotal in the lives of her sons, John and Charles, the former of which founded the 80-million-strong Methodist denomination while the latter is credited with writing nearly 9,000 hymns (the Christmas favorite 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' is one of them). She also taught her 10 children (nine others died in infancy) early on to fear God, seek His blessings and to treat others with kindness. Wesley's methodical approach to child-rearing included setting strict schedules on everything from eating and dressing to sleeping. She 'was manifestly methodical in raising her children,' Metaxas writes. Wesley, known as the 'Mother of Methodism,' was a dedicated homeschooler who created her own textbooks.

7 women and the secret to their greatness