“SENSUOUS WOMEN IN THE BIBLE”

God, Sex & Prophecies Fulfilled Through the MenThey Loved

BY TRISH SHELTON

Trish Shelton, Author of “Lifting the Veil, Secrets of the SensuousWoman”

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I acknowledge the Divinity within me and the women in the Bible who revealed their souls to me. You taught me the integrity of purpose, the power of vision, and gave me insight into the powerful gift of Fe-Divinity. To quietly experience feminine essence in the Omnipotent, Omnipresence through your personal intuition was surely a blessing anda tremendous honor.

Trisha

“A woman of valor is the crown of her husband. As a crown is above the head and beyond it, so the inner light of womanhood is of an essence quality of a place the mind cannot touch.”

King Solomon, Proverbs 31:10-31

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1. CHAPTER ONE SARAH, Woman of Prophecy…………………………………..

2. CHAPTER TWO HAGAR, Woman of Distinction………………………………………

3. CHAPTER THREE LEAH, Woman of Kindness……………………………………………

4. CHAPTER FOUR RACHEL Woman of Self Love…………………………………………

5. CHAPTER FIVE DELILAH, Woman of Opportunity……………………………………

6. CHAPTER SIX RUTH, Woman of Favor…………………………………………………..

7. CHAPTER SEVEN NETZEVET, Woman of Character…………………………………..

8. CHAPTER EIGHT BATHSHEBA, Woman of Sensual Wisdom…………………..

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9. CHAPTER NINE JEZEBEL, Woman of Determination……………………………..

10. CHAPTER TEN ESTHER, Woman of Influence………………………………………….

11. CHAPTER ELEVEN MARY, Woman of Spirit …………………………………….

12. CHAPTER TWELVE MARY MAGDALENE, Woman of Passion……………………………….

BIBLICAL REFERENCES AND JUDAIC SOURCES

INTRODUCTION

“Sensuous Women in the Bible, God, Sex & Prophecies” reveals thebehind-the-scenes temperament of twelve highly spiritual andsensual women mentioned in the Bibles. Old and New Testamentsincluding ancient Judaic writings were traditionally described bymen without taking into account the sensual and spiritualperspectives of women. From reading cryptic summaries in history,one might assume that all the power and glory rested only withthe men they loved and served. When in reality, women were aboutfulfilling their destines, using love as their motivator andpreserving humanity.

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Many of the women were prophetesses, having a distinct sense ofpsychic perceptions and higher awareness not recorded by men.Most were given the fate of power to mold history through theirmost divine gift, that of a mother. Through out history it wasthe sensual mother who nurtured the instinct of justice andcompassion in the sons of men. While the men were causing war, destroying one another and had aninflated fascination with himself, women held visions of theDivine Plan and how it would unfold through human spirit. Each utilized the resources available to them. Through theirnatural instincts of sacred intent inherent in femininity, theynavigated the choices laid before them. Their choices becamegreat blessings and inspirations to those they loved. Each had animportant role based on their understanding of creationprinciples and ability to foster intimate relationships withthemselves and others. The names given to them at birth gave them clues. Theyunderstood fate, the power of laws of attraction andsynchrodestiny. They used their knowledge to influence man, notdestroy him. A sensual persuasion of love was wiser than war,produced children and was more in line with their prophesy.Beauty may have been in the eyes of their beholders but thecharacter behind the face and body was extraordinarily sensitiveand spiritual.The messages they received then are the same messages revealedtoday to women in all cultures. Intimacy with Spirit using thesacred ritual of love-making “creates compassionate souls andensures the human race will survive.”

There were tough times during antiquity and yet those times areno different than what we face today as spiritual and sensuouswomen. “Sensuous Women in the Bible, God, and Sex & Prophecies” offerus a glimpse of the role females had in shaping history throughtheir relationships with men. Their nature was to arouse theirpartner's nature, give him access to the inner sanctuary, thefertile womb and provide pathways for souls to enter the earth.There was nothing random in God’s plan for women.

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These women and the use of their sensual nature were well worthadmiring for their personal strength, intuitiveness and intimacyof spirit. Women reading their stories may well experience the embodimentof their personas; feel their spirits and at the least,acknowledge the Divine humanist in them selves: leading to theunfoldment of their unique prophetic life.

Testaments are still being written.

Who are you in the Scriptures? What’s your prophecy, SensuousWoman?

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CHAPTER ONE

SARAH, Woman of Prophecy

I am Sarah, a Mother of Nations, born in Ur Kasdim,the Sumerian, City of Ur, a cosmopolitan oasis in themidst of a chaotic and dangerous desert region. I livedthe life of a nomadic tent dweller and was the first offour Matriarchs (Mothers) who had major influence onthe earlier development of the Nation of Israel. Iwas considered the ancestress and prophetess of mypeople. My psychic powers were very well developed. Ihad the ability to see beyond the immediate and adviseon consequences in the future. I was a seer. To mostin the Jewish and Christian accounts, I was consideredto be the Mother of every covenant to Judaism.

I was the daughter of Haran and granddaughter of myhusband Abraham’s father Terah through his half brotherNahor.1 We were all part of the same family.

I had three names during my lifetime that decribes mytransformation into each. My birth name was Yiscah(Yiskak, Jessica) which meant “to see”. I was born1Other accounts suggest that Sarah was the daughter of Abraham’s father Terah but had a different mother.

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with an attribute of spiritual insight; the ability toperceive the future; a seer. As Prophetess, Ipracticed communications between the world of matterand the world of spirit. I could see what Abram couldsee and we shared a relationship of love and respect. Ipreserved the ancient Mesopotamian tradition ofpriestesses and which Abram accepted and servedaccordingly. It was my gift from God to be used wiselyand listen to the spirit leading me to Divine will, not man.

As a young lady, my thoughts shifted and my spirit feltinspired to change my name to Sarai, meaning Princess.When God changed my husband Abram to Abraham, my namechanged again also. I was referred to as Sarah,meaning Chieftains (the feminine of Sir), Captain orCommander. The root idea of Sarah was meant to rule;intended as a seal of the promise given to Abraham.

I was also perceived to be strikingly beautiful in theeyes of those who saw me. As an exceptionally beautifulwoman, I was on several occasions a target ofmisdirected lust, especially by King Pharaoh of Egypt.So much so that the King desired me to be his queen andpromised to give me a portion of his kingdom. From myown visions I knew this was not to be my destiny. Iwas to remain with Abraham. But in the Egyptianculture, a man could kill another man to take his wife.So, I conspired with Abraham to appear to others as hissister. This was necessary in order to keep Abraham

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safe and our lives secured. In truth, I was kin toAbraham as his half sister so I did not entirely tell alie to Pharaoh, just not full disclosure.

I embodied what some might call a highly sensual woman.I had a purpose, vision and physical means to movewhere ever Abraham was inspired to go. I used myinsightful ability to sense spirit speaking to me andthrough me; thus my birth name Yiskah. This spiritualpower helped me to endure the desert as my home. Ipaid particular attention to threats to my peace ofmind and harmony within my relationships and my loverand husband Abraham. I was known to quietly demonstratethe wisdom of spirit; holding the power to command theopposition into preserving the vision of a new nationborn from Abraham’s blood, as you will later see.

Pharaoh was about to take me from Abraham make me oneof his wives. Overnight all hell broke out in hishousehold. His entire family was struck with uncommonwounds on their bodies. A sign to Pharaoh to be smartenough to see that there must be a link between hisunrighteous lust for me and the sudden diseaseaffecting his household. I prayed for him toconsciously sense what was happening. I evoked spiritto reach his subconscious, show him that I was indeedAbraham’s wife and should be respected. My propheticpowers soon caused him to rethink his decision about meand let us go. Not only did Pharaoh ask me forforgiveness, he honored me by giving many valuable

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gifts to show his appropriately placed respect for awoman like me. Even Hagar, Pharaoh’s daughterwitnessed our blessed lives and decided to travel withme as my maid servant.

I, Sarah was on top of my game and knew my purpose wasto serve Divine prophecy through Abraham. I was wellaware of my gifts as a woman and could sense when toact and how to react when working through opposition.To work using outward forces to overcome my challenges,I listened to Spirit and collaborated using thecreative power of God in nature and man. I was veryintuitive and stayed true to my awareness of a DivineSpirit operating with in humans. As a prophetess, Iwas taught to acknowledge the Divine Spirit working todissolve issues for the highest good of all. I taughtothers to do the same.

I spent most of my earlier years of marriage barren andfound it impossible to give birth to Abraham’s seed. Wemade love in my tent under the full moon, comfortingeach other all night, hoping that I would conceive hisseed. No question that I suffered in silence aboutthis condition, yet conception did not occur. I had todemonstrate great fortitude and keep my faith andspirits high. Pondering my choices, I asked Spirit tohelp me rise above my personal remorse and look at thelarger picture of Divine will. The next morning whilehaving breakfast down by the river with Abraham wediscussed what Spirit had revealed to me and I

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suggested Abraham marry Hagar, daughter of the Pharaohof Egypt. I convinced him that she could birth a sonfor us and we would all share our love of him throughHagar. Hagar was our choice because she had become adear friend while serving as my maidservant. She wasalso the daughter of a King so that made the selectioneven better. I trusted her and loved her.

Abraham and Hagar were soon married and that night Ilistened while he made love to her, hoping that a childwould result from his passion. It came to be. Hagarwas impregnated with his seed. I was happy about itbut also saddened at times because the mother of hisfirst child was Hagar and not I.

I honored Hagar when my girlfriends came over forvisits. “Go in to meet Hagar, the Egyptian Princess,”as I smiled and greeted them. I never wanted Hagar tofeel anything except loved by me and Abraham. But Hagarbegan to act as if she was the head wife in charge soonafter discovering she was with child and would deliverAbraham his first son. She continued to discredit meand often spoke negatively about me to the other women.She told of my personal sorrows and that I was beingpunished by God because I could not conceive.

The dynamics between us women in the household with oneman challenged me to assert my authority and power.Even though Hagar was pregnant with Abraham’s son,Ishmael, her divisive behavior and attitude were morethan I could bear. I had to make a stronger move to

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let Hagar know her place as my maidservant. Hagarwasn’t having it and fled into the wilderness whilestill pregnant. I prayed for her safety and asked Godto watch over her. An angel appeared to Hagar tellingher it would be in the best interest of her and her sonto come back to live with Abraham and me. She wasassured that although Ishmael was to be born with awild nature, a rogue in his younger years, he was stillAbraham’s son and would become a father of nations. Icould not deny the words of wisdom from her angel’svisit so I let her come back. She apologized for herattitude and we moved on.

Abraham thought Ishmael was going to be his only heirwhen God spoke to him telling him not so. In fact,Abraham was told he would have a son with me, albeitAbraham was ninety nine and I was eleven years youngerat eighty eight years in age. In faith and deed, whenIshmael grew to be a teenager, I gave birth toAbraham’s seed one year later and named him Isaac.

Isaac and Ishmael had different character traits.Ishmael was growing wilder in his nature, as the angelpredicted to Hagar. I had some trepidation aboutIshmael’s wild influence on Isaac and once again, Iappealed to Abraham and requested him to let Ishmaeland his mom, Hagar go back to Egypt. Abraham wasdisheartened by this and had difficulty letting his sonIshmael leave his household. He felt he could be astronger figure for Ishmael and straighten him out over

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time before he would become too wild and ruthless. I,on the other hand was looking out for my son Isaac andI knew it would not turn out too good if Ishmael andIsaac grew up together. Abraham tried to resist thisnotion but I firmly yet lovingly insisted that heconsider the well being of Isaac’s development. I alsoused a few tears to show him how much my heart washurting over this sensitive situation.

I usually had a higher degree of prophecy than Abraham.I was more naturally intuitive as most women are thanmen. Not that there was something wrong with Abraham’spoint of view and his rationale. It was just that Icould see in advance what might happen to Isaac if Iallowed him to be influenced by Ishmael. I had to callhim out and honor my senses as a mother to protect mychild.

As any mom would do, I partitioned the Divine to stepin once again and enlighten Abraham on the things hecould not see, yet I could sense. An angel intercededand appeared to Abraham, giving him one suggestion, “Dowhatever Sarah tells you to do”. I had so much meritas a sensuous woman trying to do God’s will, thatAbraham felt his greatest blessing was his merit tohave me as his wife, his lifelong companion. In everyarea of goodness, it was said that I was equal toAbraham and as a blessed man of God he did what wasbest in regards to my feelings and needs. It was atough decision for him but Hagar and Ishmael were

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disruptive to my peace of mind. I felt Isaac shouldtake his place as the only true son between Abraham andme; so it would be better if Hagar and Ishmael leave myhome and not return.

After they left a cloud of glory hovered over my tentand my home was once again full of blessings sharedwith everyone who entered. I was now 127 years of age.In spite of the years traveling through the deserts,living in tents and managing the internal turmoil overbeing barren for so many years, I was blessed andcontinued to blossom in spirit and in body. I wasaging more beautifully according to Abraham who wouldoften whisper in my ears about how his eyes derivedpleasure from looking at me all those years. Welaughed, played and worshipped together. We loved eachother, no matter what, no matter who.

I rose one morning and found Abraham and Isaac missing.They were seen going up to Mount Morieh. Abraham had aknife in his hand to prepare a sacrifice to God. Therewas no mention of an animal with them, only Isaac. Ifeared the worst and could see Abraham’s intent. Icould not bare to think of Abraham killing our only sonIsaac in the name of God. Why, when we had waited forso long to conceive his life? How could this bepossible and for what purpose would his death serve?Had Abraham become delusional in his late age, Ithought I was devastated. I cried endlessly, makingmyself weaker from thinking of my only son Isaac,

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killed by the hands of his father, Abraham. My heartthrobbed in my chest. I could hardly breathe as Icontinued to ask why of God? Wishing to die along withIsaac, I was soon overcome by grief. I gave in to myspirit leaving my body and closed my eyes from thisworld. When Abraham and Isaac returned, I was alreadydead. Abraham buried my body in a cave of the field ofMachpelah, Land of Canaan.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

- What if you were born with a special talent or gift,how would you use it?

- Does your name hold special meaning to you?

-How would you handle deleting someone out of your lifebecause they disturb your peace?

-Have you ever fallen in love with a man because of hisvision?

-Would you share a man?

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CHAPTER TWO

HAGAR, Woman of Distinction

I am Hagar, the daughter of King Pharaoh of Egypt. Mypresence did not actually come into play until I made abold decision to leave my father’s palace to live withSarah and Abraham. I went willingly for I hadwitnessed the hand of God playing out in the lives oftwo very special people; Sarah and Abraham. I had neverseen my father, the Pharaoh, back down from anyone toget what he wanted. Yet with Sarah he was humbled andhis lust for her changed to the utmost respect for awoman. This made a huge impression on me and I amreported to have said “It’s better to be a slave inSarah’s house than a princess in my own”.

I really had good intentions when I made that decision.I supported Sarah as her maid servant. I tried toinstill a sense of trust worthiness in Sarah’s eyes butmy ego got in the way. Sarah chose me to sleep withher husband in hopes of bringing a life into the worldwe could share.

I obliged Sarah’s suggestion and gifted my body toAbraham. Sarah had often spoken of the Nation of

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Israel and the prophecy inherent in Abraham’s children.Now I, Pharaoh’s daughter, will be the mother ofAbraham’s first born.

I no longer saw myself as the middle woman. During mypregnancy, my deep seated emotions began to rise. Ifelt blessed and loved by Abraham. However I beganoverstepping my boundaries. I started backbiting aboutSarah. I began casting shame and doubt about Sarah notbeing able to conceive Abraham’s seed. My actions gaveSarah the blues and we were in conflict over who wasnow in charge of the household. I assumed it was I -after all I was caring Abraham’s child, not Sarah.

I could not deny my roots came from royalty. I wasindependent enough to leave my father, the Pharaoh ofEgypt, to pursue my personal journey of being a part ofAbraham’s legacy. I was not one to be pushed around andmade to feel sub servant, even in Sarah’s home. In allfairness, I thought I had a right to feel like my royalself; that of a pregnant Princess. Unlike Sarah, I hadnot wandered around in the desert, living in a tent.Nor was I born a slave or a handmaiden. I was thedaughter of a King and in some ways my attitude ofbeing someone special to Abraham was justified. Whenhe and I made love, he shared God’s promise with me; tobecome a Father and Mother of many nations through hisseed.

But I had not yet learned my lesson of humility. Sarahattempted to do that for me by working me hard like a

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slave. Oh yes, Sarah was very annoyed and she let meknow it in no uncertain terms. I was with child and theanguish felt in the household was very unpleasant. Idecided to flee into the wilderness in an effort to getback home to deliver my child.

While in the wilderness I used one of my quiet momentsto meditate against the stillness in the night. Sarahtaught me how to evoke Spirit and receive help. Shetaught me many things about the nature of a prophetessand shared symbols I should pay attention to when Godis speaking through Angels. An Angel appeared to meand suggested I rethink my options and consider goingback because was the mother of Abraham’s first son.Something made me think that, yes, there must besomething scared and good that could happen from this!

I returned to Abraham and tried to stay out of Sarah’sway. I did whatever she needed me to do and did itgraciously. She was Abraham’s heart and nothing wouldever change that. Sarah was so beautiful both insideand out. The angel assured me that there would beblessings if I decided to obey this message. Accordingto the vision, my son of Abraham would become stronger,wiser and a ruler of nations. But he will also be awild child before he grows into his statue. I couldsense that the child inside my womb had this potential.As a new mom, I reasoned that the sacrifice of humilitywould be worth it for his sake. Why not greatness Ithought? My son was not only a seed of Abraham’s but

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also an off spring of Pharaoh the King. My heritagehad to count for something too. I trusted my instinctsto accept the message I heard and returned to Sarah’shome with this hope.

The peace in the household was restored, at least onthe surface. I delivered a son who was named Ishmael.He was always running, making animal noise and shootingarrows. Abraham adored him for his spirit.

When Ishmael turned 13 years of age, Sarah was finallyblessed by God to conceive and deliver to Abraham a sonnamed Isaac. But because of Ishmael’s mischievousnature and rather wild spirit, Sarah felt he would be anegative influence on Isaac if they were to stay underone roof. Sarah was determined to protect her one andonly son, so she partitioned Abraham to send me and mywild child away. Reluctantly, Abraham said OK. Icould see the pain in Abraham’s face when I turned fromhim and walked away with his son, Ishmael.

As we journeyed through the wilderness, I lost my senseof direction and depleted our supply of food and water.I felt deserted and my son’s life threatened fromhunger and thirst. I positioned him under a shadedbush and moved a short distance away from him. I couldnot stand seeing him suffer and slowly die. I prayedout loud, looking for some answers. The voice of Godcame through the angel and spoke to me yet again,reminding me of my purpose and Ishmael’s inheritance.It lifted my spirit as I regained clarity of mind and

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peace in my heart. As I opened my eyes, I could seethe well nearby. Restored strength and hope for thefuture, I continued to travel forward and eventuallyfound a home on the edge of the wilderness. My son andI lived together and as predestined, he became a greathunter. He was admired by all in the land and was aruler.

I never remarried and kept my heart opened only forAbraham. I loved him and the sensuous moments weshared. I also believed he loved me just as much butnot more than Sarah.

Sarah died at the age of 127 years, leaving Abrahamwithout her in his old age. They said she died rightafter hearing a rumor that Abraham was going toslaughter Isaac as a sacrifice to God, but that neverhappened.

Isaac, the promised son of Abraham and Sarah came toseek me out and requested I return to Abraham to liveas his wife. This was a hope and prayer that I alwayskept in my heart. I birthed more children for Abrahambut none was as mighty a hunter as Ishmael. Abrahamlived to see Ishmael become his true son, a man whoworshipped God and as God had promised, Ishmael outgrewhis wildness and evolved into a great leader of anation, well respected by the people.

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I became the mother of several tribes including theHagarites, neighbors of the tribes of Israel for awhile until they were driven away.

Among the Mohammedans I am considered the ancestor ofthe prophet Mohammad.

I was one of few women or men who lived to have twoexperiences of angels from God speak to me and producemiracles for them. A Sensuous Woman in spirit, mindand actions, I was destined to take my place in theevolution of great men.

1.Have you ever entered a relationship with a man andfound yourself the intermediary between the two?

2.

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CHAPTER THREE

LEAH, Woman of Kindness

I am Leah, a biblical matriarch, sister of Rachel andfirst wife of Jacob. I was also the mother of six ofthe twelve tribes, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,Issachar and Zebulum.

I was the oldest daughter of Laban, a farmer and thebrother of Rebeka, the mother of Jacob.

I was the oldest daughter in the house of Laban and notyet married. This was upsetting to my father becausehe was a farmer and always looking at how to make abuck. Marriage to him would relieve him of taking careof me and possibly bring more hands to farm his land.

My younger sister Rachel was far better to look at thanI. People only referred to my physical appearance asLeah, the one with the weeping eyes. True my eyesappeared weepy from sadness because of the lack of loveI felt. I was an undesirable woman and my internal painseemed to be reflected through the windows of my soul,my eyes. I could not hide it from the world outside ofme. I was who I was, nothing more, so it seemed.

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Jacob, our cousin came to stay with us to work on myfather Laban’s sheep farm. He fell madly in love withRachel and asked to marry her. My father, who was notabove deceit and trickery, required me to dress asRachel and secretly marry Jacob. Laban was just likehis sister Rebeka who deceived her husband on his deathbed by talking Jacob into dressing as Eusa, his oldestbrother, and claiming the heir of his father Isaac’sestate. Esau was furious when he found out. Jacob hadto flee from Esau and came to live with us.

During the wedding and the evening night, I hid my facebehind the wedding veil and pretended to be Rachel. Inmy heart I knew this was not fair to Jacob or Rachel,but what was I supposed to do, go against my father’scommand? When Jacob rose from his night of celebrationand realized it was I whom he had in bed with him andnot Rachel, he was livid and very, very angry with me.The entire love making we shared that night meantnothing to him. He blamed and distained me forparticipating in the deception scheme. Perhaps his waftwas so strong against me because of the guilt he feltfrom deceiving his brother Esau. Somehow none of thatseemed to matter to him. He only wanted Rachel andmade an agreement with my father to work an additionalseven years to marry her.

I was pregnant with Jacob’s first son, Reuben. Ithought this might make Jacob happier with me, butinstead he seemed to always compare me to Rachel, the

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woman of his heart. Names were very important in myHebrew culture. I could not help but give the firstthree of my sons’ names that described my state of mindand pain. Reuben in Hebrew, Ra’ah meant the Lord hasseen my affliction and now my husband will love me(ye’ehabani). My second son was named Simeon, (Shama)which meant “the Lord heard that I was unloved”. Mythird son, Levi (Yillaweh) was named in the hope that“this time my husband will become attached to me”. Itwas not until my fourth son Judah was named which meant“this time I will praise thee”, that I finally got themessage. My message here was to focus on loving Godthe creator, not the servants. This was a hard lessonfor me, but it was what I had to learn to become happywith myself and the life I was sharing.

Although Jacob eventually married Rachel, she could notconceive his seed. No matter how many times they laidin bed together, nothing happened. I on the other handcould lay with Jacob and receive his seed very easily.He loved the warmth of my womb. I, a Sensuous Woman,knew how to keep my body fertile for his lovemaking butnot his heart. He always reserved that somethingspecial for Rachel. Jacob loved her deeply, not me,the mother of his children.

Four sons I had already birthed for Jacob before Rachelasked me to share my mandrakes with her, an aphrodisiacplant brought to me by Reuben after the harvest. Icared about my sister and decided to give some of my

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stash to her, but not until she agreed to let me sleepwith Jacob. Rachel was desperate and I had the goodsshe needed to make her fertile for Jacob. I wasdesperate to make love to him again.

My body needed to rejuvenate after conceiving four sonsso I gave Jacob my maid, Zilpha as a concubine. Zilphagave birth to two sons in the meantime.

I conceived my fifth and sixth son and a daughterbefore Rachel gave birth to her first son, Joseph. Icould never change the love Jacob had for Rachel norwas I supposed to challenge it. My children gave mejoy and delight as their mother. I experienced throughthem the unconditioned love I always craved from myfather and later Jacob. Though the man I had to marryloved someone else in his heart, it was I, throughDivine Will, who was put on his path to give him whatshe could not - strong, healthy sons. I left my legacythrough the birth of six of the 12 Tribes of Israelthrough Jacob.

In looking back I have learned to appreciate thedecision my father made to set me firmly in Jacob’slife where prophesy would be revealed. Jacob would nothave chosen me otherwise but I gave him blessings oflife through the Divine Will. For this my life hadpurpose and I was truly blessed. My path and ultimatedestiny always rested with God the Divine, the allknowing of the plans and paths for each, prior tobirth. Seldom is the path straight and narrow. It

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winds and circulates until the appointed time offruition. When Jacob arrived at our farm, it became mytime to bear fruit as part of the matriarchal of theDivine Plan.

CHAPTER FOUR

RACHEL, Woman of Self-Love

I am Rachel, the youngest daughter of Laban. I wastending to my father’s sheep when a young manapproached the well and lifted the cover for me todrink. It was Jacob, my cousin sent by his motherRebecca to visit our home after conspiring with hismother to receive his brother Eau’s birthright. He wasa handsomely strong looking man. My eyes admired himand my heart favored him. He watched me as I refreshedmyself from the water in the well. He moved closer as

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if consuming the coolness from the water but instead,he kissed me softly and gently. I wanted to saysomething but instead I ran to my father’s house to lethim know Jacob had arrived. That night I could stillfeel the sweet touch of his lips and the warmth fromhis kiss. I slept with the sight of him in my mind andimagined the joy of being the mother of his sons. Ihad fallen in love with him instantly.

Apparently he felt the same because it was not longafter that he asked my father’s permission to marry meand he said yes. But on my wedding day, my fatherinsisted that Leah, my older sister veil herself andstand in my place to secretly marry Jacob. Bytradition, it was customary for the oldest to marryfirst, so she did. Little did Jacob know that thewoman he promised his love to that day was my sisterLeah, not I? After the celebration night, Jacob rosefrom his slumber and realized that the woman he madelove to was my sister Leah. He was totally upset andapproached my father with anger. My father told Jacobthat Leah was the oldest and must be married beforeanyone else, including me. So Jacob accepted Leah asrequired but he still wanted me as his wife. My fatheragreed but bargained with Jacob to serve in hispastures an additional seven years as payment for me.For my Dad, this was all about economic gains, notlove. I was annoyed with my father about this but whatcould I do or say? His word was law in his house andeveryone had to abide by his rules.

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Seven years went by with me as the observer while Leahslept with the man, the only man I would ever love,Jacob. And finally the day came when Jacob and I wouldlive as husband and wife. I delighted at the thoughtof being pregnant with his child. To my dismay, thatdid not happen right away either. We made love butnothing more resulted. I could not carry his seed andI was devastated once more. I was desperately jealousof my sister Leah because she was always pregnant withJacob’s seed, so it seemed.

“Give me children or I’ll die”, I yelled to Jacob.Jacob had already worked 14 years for my father to gainme. He put up with the deceitful trick that had beenplayed on him to marry my sister and now he had me, theobsessed wife who was blaming him for her barrenness.He had had it and angrily replied “Am I in the place ofGod, who has kept you from having children?” Thatresponse was very hurtful to me because it was obviousthat the problem was with me, since Jacob could breedchildren with Leah, but not through me.

So I gave Jacob my servant Bilhah to be his wife andsure enough she conceived in no time. Now I couldraise this son as if my own. Bilhah conceived againand bore yet another son for Jacob. I felt vindicatedand shouted out “I have had a great struggle with mysister, and I have won”, so I thought. Leah must havebeen drying up because she gave Jacob her servantZilpah to sleep with, and of course she got pregnant

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too. Leah boasted she had good fortune and was happy toexclaim all the women would call her happy so she namedZilpha’s son Asher, meaning happy. Every woman whoslept with Jacob bore his children, except me. Whatcould I do?

During wheat harvest we were having a ladies’ night outand the eldest son of Leah, Reuben, had gathered somemandrake plants for her. The plants were known to bean aphrodisiac so I asked her to give me some. Shereplied “Wasn’t it enough that you took away myhusband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes too”? Inorder to get what I wanted, I told her she could sleepwith Jacob that night in return for the mandrakes. Shedid and you guessed it, she was pregnant yet again andbirthed a fifth son, a sixth son and later a daughternamed Dinah.

I was outdone until finally God remembered me and I wasable to conceive a son for Jacob. I called him Josephand he became Jacob’s favorite son. “May the Lord addto me another son”? And so it was to be, but notwithout a price to pay. Jacob was ready by then to moveout of the land of my father. He wanted to return homeand try to make amends with Esau, his bother whom hecheated out of an inheritance. On his Father’s deathbed, coached by his mother Rebeka, he had dressed asEsau and had lied to him about his presence and falselyreceived his brother’s entitlement. There was badblood between them and Jacob wanted to make amends.

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My father’s wealth had really increased since Jacob’sarrival so he was not too thrilled to hear from Jacobabout his leaving. Jacob was determined and cut a dealwith my Father. He would take all of the spotted sheepand leave the purest of them in my Father’s pasture.Jacob was very clever and figured out how to make someof the sheep appear to have spots, and thus grewexceedingly prosperous and came to own a very largeflock heritance. So we left without giving finalenotice to my father so that he would not try to deterus again. Yet Laban came after us, accusing Jacob ofstealing his idols. Jacob knew nothing of the idolsand said “with however you will find your idols, hewill not live” (Gensis.31:32) Laban proceeded anywayand went into my tent to search for them. There hefound me sitting on my camel’s cushion and I said tohim “Let not my Lord be angered that I cannot rise upbefore you, for the way of women is upon me”. Labanknew that this meant I was menstruating and soon left.Yes, the expensive idols were in my camel’s cushion andI kept them. The weight of Jacob’s curse was upon mebecause shortly after we arrived near Ephorah, I wentinto heavy labor with my second son, Ben Oni (son of mymourning) and passed from this earth. I was not meantto live after giving birth. I had served my purpose.

Jacob called Ben Oni by a different name, Ben Yamin(Benjamin) which meant son of the right or son of mydays. Jacob had grown old by this time.

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Joseph was destined to become the leader of Israel’stribes between exile and nationhood. In Jeremiah 11:15the prophet spoke of my weeping for my children, askingfor an end to their suffering and exiles following thedestruction by the Babylonians of the first Temple inancient Jerusalem. According to Midrash, I had spokenbefore God “If I, a mere mortal was prepared not tohumiliate my sister and was willing to take a rivalinto my homes, how could you, the Eternal CompassionateGod, be jealous of idols which have no true existence,that were brought into your home (the Temple ofJerusalem)? Will you cause my children to be exiled onthis account”? God accepted my plea and promised thateventually the exile would end and the Jews wouldreturn to their land.

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CHAPTER FIVE

DELILAH, Woman of Opportunity

I am Delilah, a Hebrew name. I was from the valley ofSoreh, a vineyard located between Israelite andPhilistine territory ruled by the Philistines. I wasnot married nor was it clear what tribe I originatedfrom, but I lived alone in a tent. My sensuous natureattracted Samson. Samson was an Israelite and Nazir,which meant he had been consecrated to God at birth andnever drank wine or cut his hair.

He was previously married to a young Philistine woman.He hosted a seven day feast, and created a riddle. Heproposed to the people that they must answer the riddlein seven days of the feast or give him thirty linengarments and thirty changes of clothing. They could not

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answer the riddle on their own so they threaten hiswife to burn down her house if she did not get theanswer from Samson. She cried for several days untilSamson gave her the answer. He lost the bet and wentinto town and killed thirty men, took their clothingand gave them to the Philistines who won. His wife wasgiven to his best man. Soon afterwards,

Samson fell in love with me. We were lovers but notmarried. Samson was a big guy. No one could challengehim and win. When he showed me attention and wanted mycompany, I gave it to him. Who would have protected meif I resisted? I always wondered when I could walkaway from this entrapment and behold, my prayers wereanswered. God truly is a just God.

I was asked by the Philistines to conspire with them totake Samson down. He was very strong and a mighty manand few could attack him and live. The reward theypromised me would free me from economic constraints forthe remaining of my life. I did not waiver about mychoices; plot against Samson and take the money toimprove my personal life, or keep letting Samson makelove to me with no hopes of a future.

I tried three times unsuccessfully to learn the secretof Samson’s strength. Each time I asked him, he eludedme with riddles. On the fourth try, he gave me hissecret. I passed it on to the Philistines whorealized Samson’s strength was in his uncut hair.

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When Samson rose from his sleep after making love, hediscovered his hair had been cut. He freaked and couldhardly stand. He crumbled from the thought of losinghis hair. He was no longer that strong and mighty maneveryone was afraid of except me.

Being blessed as a sensuous woman did not mean I was astupid woman or that my life was destined purely forthe pleasures of a man. I had dreams too and theyfinally came to be. I took the money, left town andwas never heard of again. Sometimes God uses a womanlike me to put a strong man’s ego in check.

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CHAPTER SIX

RUTH, Woman of Favor

I was a Moabite woman who married into an Israelitefamily and later converted to Judaism. I am the greatgrandmother of King David.

My story begins when Naomi, an Israelite woman and herhusband Elmelich came to my nearby nation Moab.Naomi’s husband died and one of his sons married me.After ten years, my husband died of unknown causes.Naomi, my mother-in-law decided to return to Israel. Iwanted to go with Naomi and start a new life. Naomithought differently. But she agreed to take me with herwhen I told her “Where you go, I go and where you stay,I stay”. We left for Israel together. I admired Naomiin so many ways that I planned to adopt her customs andconvert to Judaism.

When we arrived in Israel the barley harvest hadstarted. We were so poor that I began gathering foodfallen on to the ground while harvesters gathered thecrops.

I had no idea it was against their laws prohibitingfarmers from gathering crops all the way to the edge ofthe field. I kept gathering anyway. The property I wason belonged to a wealthy man name Boaz, a relative of

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Naomi’s deceased husband. When Boaz found out that Iwas gathering food in his field he told his workers tolet me gather the sheaves and to not reprimand me. Asa matter of fact, he had the workers place even moreharvest out for me and then gave me a gift of roastedgrain. He told me I should feel safe working in hisfields.

I told Naomi what had happened that day. Naomi advisedme to get dressed up and go sleep at Boaz’s feet whilehe and his workers were camping out in the fields forharvest. Naomi hoped Boaz would marry me and we bothwould have a home.

I dressed and went to Boaz as advised. When Boazdiscovered me at his feet in the middle of the night heasked who I was. “I am your servant Ruth. Spread thecorner of your garment over me, since you are aguardian-redeemer of our family.”

This softened Boaz’s heart and he seemed interested inmarrying me. Little did I know there was anotherrelative more closely related to Elmelech who hadstronger claims on me!

Boaz spoke with his relatives with ten elders aswitnesses. He told them that there was land left totheir family in the land of Moab and that it must beredeemed; but in order to claim it, the relative mustmarry me.

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The relative was interested in the land but not inmarring me for fear his own land would be dividedamongst my children as well. The relative asked Boazto act as the redeemer, which Boaz was more than happyto do. We were married and I gave birth to a son namedObed who was the grandfather of King David.

The Messiah was prophesized to come from the House ofDavid. Both the greatest king in Israel’s history andthe future Messiah were descendants of me, a Moabitewoman converted to Judaism. You cannot legislate loveand Divine prophesies that flow through the body andspirit of a woman, a sensuous spiritually attunedwoman.

CHAPTER SEVEN

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NETZEVET, Woman of Character

I am Nitzevet bat Adael, the Mother of David King ofIsrael, according to Talmud, but I am not mentioned inthe Bible other than with my husband, Yishai. I was anancestor of many Judges and Saints and Joseph, fosterfather of Jesus. My father’s name was Alad or Ehal.

David’s father Yishai (Jesse) married me. He was thegrandson of Boaz and Ruth. Yishai was head of theSanhedrin, Supreme Court of Torah Law, one of the mostdistinguished leaders of his generation. Yishai beganto entertain doubts about his ancestry because Ruth,his grandmother, was a convert from the Nation of Moab.During her lifetime many individuals were doubtfulabout the legitimacy of her marriage to Boaz. TheTorah specifically had forbidden an Israelite to marrya Moabite male convert. Why? Because the men of thisnation were cruel to the Jewish people when theywandered through the desert. They refused the Jewspassage through their land and provided no food ordrink for them to purchase. It was forbidden for themto intermarry with a converted male Moabite, exemptingfemale Moabite converts, of which I was.

It was revealed to Yishai by the prophets that the newking would be a son from his linage. Yishai began toquestion the blood line since I was the mother of hissons. He became anguished over his intermarriage to me.He decided that I was a liability to his status in thecommunity of Israelites. He distanced himself from me

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so that there would be no controversy about who he waslegally in the community.

He cut off communications with me and we had nointimacy of any kind. After several years, Yishailonged for a child whose ancestry would beunquestionable. He planned to engage in sexualrelations with his Canaanite maid servant.

I too longed for more children and the Canaanite maidservant was fully aware of my desire. Fortunately wewere friends and she approached me with a plan. Shesuggested we, like Rachel and Leah should switch placeson the evening Yishai arranged to have sex with her. Iwent into my husband’s room during that evening, keptthe lights low and let him make love to me secretlywithout him even noticing. I did it with the hopes ofconceiving a son to continue our blood line and wasimpregnated. To everyone, including Yishai, my othersons, family, friends and community it appeared asthough I had an affair and my unborn child wasillegitimate. So as not to shame Yishai, I saidnothing. I chose a vow of silence. I delivered a son,named David, left it at that and trusted God who knewthe truth would make things right.

David, with fiery red hair, was an innocent, kind andsweet child but was despicable in the eyes of hisfather, brothers and community. Their perceptions ofme as an illegitimate wife and now adulteress motherwere directed also to David. He was not allowed to sit

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at the table. He was sent away to the pastures to watchthe sheep in hopes that a wild animal would kill him.He said they put gall in his meals and gave him vinegarto quench his thirst. Through no apparent cause of hisown he was surmounted by enemies. Even his brotherswere strangers to him, ravaging, and reviling him.Little did they know that God was watching over Davidand would give him the skills of a hunter, warrior tosurvive?

David had not a single friend to comfort him. His soulwas tormented from the untold humiliation, disgrace,undeserving of love and friendship. He was treatedhorribly by everyone, except me, his mother Nitzevet.

I, Nitzevet, the mother of David, consoled him andtaught him to look to God as his companion. He learnedto praise God for His mighty power to deliverer himfrom the evilness he was facing. I taught him to findstrength in following the path of his innerconvictions, irrespective of the cruelty that mightcome from others. He was told to always look forsolace in the comfort of his Maker. David wasencouraged to always stand proud and dignified, feelingconsolation in communicating with his Maker in the openpastures.

The way in which I managed my unfortunate predicamentdemonstrated to him the necessity of boldness whilepursuing the right path. From the moment he was bornand during his most tender years, it was I who by

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example taught him the lesson of valuing everyone’sindividual dignity, refraining from embarrassing othersregardless of personal consequences. It was I whodisplayed a silent but stoic bravery and dignity in theface of my gravest hardships. It was I, David'sMother, who taught him the value of inner strength todisregard the callus treatment of others; be kind andhave faith while not allowing others to deter him fromthe blessings God had in vision for his life.

David absorbed the fortitude and courage to face hisadversaries as I had done throughout his life time.David developed patience and confidence in the Creatorthat justice would be served, inner peace and solacewould come. After 28 years, I saw my convictions andthe value of my lessons taught to David come to life.My son David was anointed the next King by Samuel, theProphet. This event changed the attitudes of hisfather, brothers and community toward David. Suddenlymy presumably illegitimate son was to be the leader andruler of a future great nation.

I stressed to David that if and when he would find awoman who exemplified the same quality of traits he hadgrown to value, to pay attention to her, love her andchoose her to be the mother of his children. These weremy legacy, my love and prophesy to my son. It was all Ihad left to give to him and their value was worth morethan gold, power and prestige.

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CHAPTER EIGHT

BATHSHEBA, Woman of Sensual Wisdom

Bathsheba, meant Daughter of the Oath, Bath meantDaughter. My birth name was Bathsheba, Daughter ofProsperity.

I was the daughter of Eliam, one of David’s closestthirty men and the son of Ahitophel, one of KingDavid’s most trusted chief advisors. Ahitophel wasfrom Giloh, a City of Judah, also David’s tribe. Mymother was not mentioned in the Bible but came from oneof the most prominent families in Israel.

I had reached the age when it was time to get married.Naturally my family made the selection for me and itwas Uriah. Uriah was a very close friend of my family,a soldier in David’s military and part of the elitepalace guards. Uriah was with David before David became

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King, a good friend and war buddy. We married and livedoutside the palace walls. Uriah was a devoted soldierand was rarely home.

One evening I was bathing outdoors of my home. I wasperforming my ritual bath, Mikavah after my menstrualcycle. It was our custom and Jewish law requiring awoman to completely immerse in the waters of the mikvaland there be nothing that separated my body from thewater, so I was completely nude. As I submersed myselfwhile washing my private parts, I felt refreshed. Itook my time bathing slowly, touching all parts of mybody so that they were clean and soft.

It was dusty dark outside and the moon was so brightthat I could see the glow on my golden brown skin. Iloved bathing under the moonlight and feeling the heatfrom the stones warming the water. They felt good onmy body and helped me relax for the evening. I wishedUriah were home and would touch me more often. We hadbeen married for a while and still, no children. He wasalways too tired to pay much attention to my sensualneeds. I needed affection.

It was odd that King David would send for me during thenight. I thought he was fighting with the rest of hissoldiers like Uriah. But the King had requested I cometo the palace.

As I dressed for the occasion, applied essential oilsto my body, I could not help but feel attractive. My

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body was clean and the hint of sweet spices in my oilssmelled refreshingly sensuous to my nostrils.

I knew David of course from my grandfather’srelationship with him as Chief Counselor. He, my fatherand husband spoke of David as a strong and mightyleader many times. They talked about how King Davidwas Israel’s preeminent spiritual leader and his psalmsof God were magnificent to the heart and ears of thepeople. He was considered a favorite of God, althoughit was known that David had emotional highs and lows,very temperamental and subject to radical behavior, yethe was a man after God’s heart.

As I entered the palace and was escorted down the longhallway I could not help but notice the tapestries onthe wall. They were embroidered in gold. I grew uparound the palace of David as a little girl and hadnever noticed them before.

David was waiting for me in another room. The tablewas set for a feast. I bowed before him andacknowledged him as my King. He helped me rise whiletouching me with his fingers; he had a look of passionin his eyes. He told me he had watched me as I bathedin the moonlight. He asked how I felt bathing in thewind, drying off my body. I love how it made me feel,King David. Did it please you to watch me? He noddedsheepishly and said, it did indeed. After our tasting,David began undressing me. I felt the warmth from hismighty hands and my senses heightened. I absolutely

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could not resist. He lifted my dress, slowly kissed mybreast and tasted my sweet nectar with his tongue. Ihad not been touched in so long I succumbed to hispassion and made it my own.

Every nerve in my body went into sensory alert. Hedraped my body with his coat as my gown slid to thefloor. He lingered there long enough to wrap his lipsaround my nipples and massaged them with his tongue. Igasped, my breath quickened as I released. Everyinhalation was more rapid than the last. I triedholding my breath until the next impulse of pleasureran through my body. All I could say was “Oh My God, OhMy God, and Oh My God”.

Our passionate resonance was so strong that we madelove to one another all night, forgetting about allelse except the pleasure we were sharing together. Weconnected through the sensual power of touch. Weshared the same visions of a Messiah who would deliverour people from war, stripe and hatred through justiceand wisdom. We made love to the thought of this newworld reaching orgasmic heights that seem to touch thelips of God. David could not get enough of me but I hadto leave before daybreak. I feared the sunlight wouldgive away my secret. His strong arms held me tightly,as if he rather I not go, but I must. I left with thescent of David still on my body.

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I missed my cycle the next month and was feeling illmost of the mornings. I was pregnant but not from myhusband because Uriah and I had not slept together.

I sent word to David that I was carrying his child. Ithink David already knew he had impregnated me thatnight but tried to play it off as if he had nothing todo with it. He summoned Uriah from the field andencouraged him to come to me and enjoy me as a wife.His hope was that Uriah would lay with me and believethe baby on the way would be his. But Uriah found anexcuse to do something else besides coming to me. Heremained with the palace troops, unwilling to violatethe ancient kingdom rule applied to warriors in activewar…no sex during battle time. He preferred to preparehis mind and body to do battle on the field, andsleeping with me might prove to be a distraction. Sohe slept outside to preserve his energy for battle, notmaking love. David repeated his attempt to convinceUriah to have sex with me but Uriah ignored his commandand stayed with the troops.

I left my fate up to David and God. I, a married womansuspected and caught having an affair with another manwould be stoned to death and the baby inside of mewould be killed. I was caught up in a complexsituation that I helped create, so if death was to bemy punishment, then so would be it. I did not try tomanipulate the situation. I never complained to Davidfor what had happened between us. I enjoyed every

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minute of our first affair, although the feelings ofshame and guilt were not far behind. I stood alone inmy faith that God would be merciful to me and let meand my unborn die quickly.

I could tell David cared very deeply for me and wasemotionally troubled because he sent his servants tocheck on me every day. David showed compassion for meand tried one more attempt to persuade Uriah by havingus come to the palace for a meal. He could not stoplooking at me during dinner. He complimented me infront of Uriah, telling him how beautiful I was andthat he should be proud to have me as his wife. Uriahwas polite but paid no attention to David’s words;instead he continued to disobey the King’s orders tolay with me.

Out of frustration over the situation, David weighedhis options and resorted to the unthinkable - to haveUriah killed in battle by having him placed in thefront lines. He even had Uriah deliver the death orderletter to his commander himself. Uriah died in battlewhere he served. I was devastated and painfullymourned my husband’s death. David insisted that hechose to sacrifice Uriah’s life to save my life and ouryet to be born child. I was not happy with the role Iplayed in Uriah’s death. It was out of my control, soit seem. I was young, pregnant and in love with David.

Later, David sent for me again. He suggested I livewith him as his wife and nurture his child. He wanted

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to protect me as his father protected Nitzevet, hismother, inside the walls of her home. Nitzevet wassuspected and wrongly accused of adultery when prenatalwith David. If you look back at her choices, you willsee that our situation was very similar.

My grandfather was livid and very disappointed inDavid’s actions. He stopped advising David and beganplotting against him.

I delivered a son to David but my son was weak andsickly. The baby died within 7 days as was predictedby the Prophet, Nathan, who had visited David andwarned him of this fate. God never spoke against me,not even in my dreams. But He did speak to David’sconscience. We suffered in silence together, knowinghow much sadness was mixed with the pleasure we shared.We mourned together and separately our son’s death.David and I prayed for God’s forgiveness, but we alsoknew we would not escape the consequences of ouractions. But our love for each other was veryspecial. I loved David from the first moments I saw himwith my grandfather. He could see in me some of thesame characteristics that were in Nitzevet, his mother.She was a quiet yet strong woman who solely stood byhis side from birth, during his tormented years as ayoung boy until he was crowned King 28 years later.She provided a source of comfort to David when hisentire family, father, brothers, and communityunrightfully shunned him from birth, treated him like

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dirt, lowly casted David as a shepherd boy. Theyinsisted he work in the fields, never treating him aspart of the family. To them he was a useless humanbeing. They hated him while his mother with the Mercyof God provided the solace his soul needed, every day.He could feel my love for him and the same passion thatI had that would help him heal.

David and I loved God and often worshipped together.Eventually we found favor in God’s eyes. It was notlong after that I conceived David’s seed once again. Ibirthed a strong and healthy son we called Solomon whowas to become an ancestor of Jesus.

Although David was surrounded with countless beauties,I always seem to please David. He welcomed me anytime,day or night. We spent many hours sharing ourselveswith each other, not just sensually but alsospiritually. David respected me and recognized that Iwas divinely intended to be his mate but had sinned toget me. We reasoned that the son we created out ofadultery was an angel bringing us together.

I wept on his shoulders many nights losing my calm andquiet demeanor. I poured my heart out to David and hepoured his out to me. It was this extraordinary loveand faith that made me his most favored and trustedwife, and later the honored mother of the wisest Kingto ever rule Israel. Such would not have been thecase unless blessed by the Spirit and Will of God. Ourlove and marriage lasted a lifetime.

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As David grew tired and worn, his powers began to waneas he lay upon his death bed. David had other sons whomight have become heir to his throne but the love weshared, the spiritual understanding we had aboutSolomon had to be preserved. Nathan wanted me to besure that David named Solomon to be the next king. Iwent to David and reminded him of his promise…..to nameour son, Solomon as his heir. Solomon was most likelyto strive for justice and peace in our opinion andconfirmed by God.

And it came to be that Solomon was a favored ruler andadmired for his wisdom, kindness and fairness. Thiswas the same philosophy Nitzevet, David’s motherinstilled in him, as I also was to instill in the heartof Solomon; and later they were to be passed on toJesus the Messiah, also to be known as The Son ofDavid.

It was my divine responsibility as a mother todiscipline and influence Solomon, the future King, andensures he reflected these characteristic qualities ofGod. My destiny was to become Solomon’s mom spirituallyand prophetically.

I tried to be a virtuous woman, impart truths andvirtues to my son. I was neither violent nor angry. Iwas tranquil in heart with a quiet spirit, a sensuousspirit and I demonstrated them as a wife, mother andqueen. It was never about control with me but rather

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peace from suffering and love; something that I knewabout first hand.

It was said that whenever I, the Queen Mother, went into see King Solomon, he would rise up from his throne,bow and sit me on a throne at his right hand. Hehonored me as his mother for the spiritual principlespassed down through his linage bestowed by God. I amgrateful for having an immeasurable effect uponhistory, people and nations through my son Solomon tobring Israel to her full promise and glory.

To some it is said that I represented the finest in thefemale race. There was no other Mother Queen mentionedin the Bible who was treated with as much honor andrespect as I who birthed and nurtured 4 sons for KingDavid: Solomon, Nathan, Shimae and Sholab, directforefathers of Jesus. I was the foremother of JesusChrist. Joseph, the husband of Mary, was from thelineage of Solomon and Mary, virgin wife of Joseph, wasa direct descendant of Nathan, the sons of David whocame through my womb, Bathsheba.

CHAPTER NINE

JEZEBEL, Woman of Determination

I was the daughter of Ethobaal of Tyre, King of thePhoenicians and a group of Semites whose ancestors were

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Canaanites. Phoenicia was home of the Mediterraneangreatest sailors. I was brought to the Northern Kingdomof Israel to wed the newly crowned King Arab, Son ofOmri. I was born in a culture that worshiped Godthrough images that were both gods and goddesses. Baalwas considered Lord, the God of Fertility andAgriculture to my people, the Canaanites. I grew upenriched in my faith and practices as Ethobaal was myfather who served as a priest of Astarte, our primaryPhoenician goddess. My Phoenician name was Ithabaal,meaning woman of Baal (Lord).  My biblical Hebrew namemeant, "without nobility”.

When I arrived in Israel, I also brought my religiouspractices with me and shared them with my new husband,Arab, the King. King Arab, in all due respects to mehis new wife, built a sanctuary for Baal in the CapitalCity of Samaria, the very heart of Israel. Heacknowledged my customs and worshipped Baal with me.My beliefs in my religion did not waver, nor did I everaccept Arab’s God, Yahweh, albeit Arab tolerated mycustoms.

My marriage was a political alliance to protect bothpeoples from powerful enemies and to keep valuabletrade routes open. Israel gained access to thePhoenicians ports, and the Phoenicians gained passagethrough Israel’s central hill country to Transjordanand essentially gained access to the Kings Highway, theheavily traveled inland route connecting the Gulf of

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Aqaba in the South of Damascus in the North. Mymarriage represented a sound foreign policy move forboth parties. We reigned for twenty two years during atime when the region was a religious contest betweenadherents of Baal and followers of Yahweh and by apolitical battle between urban elites and rurallandowners.

Israel was very different from my home town. I grew uparound the lush moist seacoast where prophetesses werecommon-placed. Israel was an arid, desert nation andthe Israelites were ethnocentric, xenophobic people.Foreigners were not particularly welcomed and there wasdeep prejudice against intermarriage. Israel’sreligion featured a singular masculine deity and I wasaccustomed to petitioning gods and goddesses. I wasbasically following my roots, remained loyal to myreligious upbringing and was determined to maintain mycultural identity. There were other Phoenicians livingin Israel at the time and perhaps as a leader, I couldact as an ambassador to help unite the two lands andbring pluralism, regional peace and economicprosperity. I don’t know how, but why not? But Ibecame a threat and some of Arab’s people wanted toeliminate Yahweh worshipers in Israel. I was creditedwith ordering the slaughter of many Israelite prophetsso that I could install priests of Baal to take theirplace, according to Deuteronmist.

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Elijah, the mystic prophet decided to challenge me andmy belief in my gods publicly. He summoned a crew ofmy prophets to meet with him on Mt. Caramel todetermine which deity was Supreme, God or Baal. Thetournament was set up to demonstrate which deity wouldbe capable of igniting a sacrificial bull with fire. Isent 450 profits in the name of Baal and others who hadeaten at my table. During the tournament, my peopledanced around the alter, ranting to arouse Baal, ourGod. They slashed themselves and worked themselves intoa heightened emotional state, but Baal did not respondto ignite the fire. At the end of the day, Elijah’ssingle plea to God ignited the fire. When the peoplesaw this they threw themselves on their faces and criedout, “The Lord is God, the Lord alone is God” 91Kings18:38-39. What an embarrassment, but nevertheless, Iwas a faithful servant of Baal just like my father andprevailed.

I was not present but Arab was there at the all-maleevent. Upon winning the contest, Elijah immediatelyordered his people to capture off my prophets and leadthem to Wadi Kishon and he slaughtered every one ofthem. King Arab returned home to give me the news thatBaal was defeated and all my prophets had been killed.I sent a message to Elijah threatening to slaughter himjust as he had slaughtered my people.

Some say that l sent to Elijah and said, “If thou artElijah, and I am Jezebel, God do so to me and more

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also, if I do not make thy life by this time tomorrowas the life of one of them”. In other words, Elijahshould better fear for this life because his days werenumbered. Along with the threat I added an insult tothe prophet suggesting that I could stand eye to eyewith Elijah by saying “If you are Elijah, so I amJezebel”. (1 Kings 19:26)3.

l had a tongue and missed no words telling anyonewhatever I wanted them to know. Elijah, upon receivingmy threatening words took off and fled to Mt. Horeb(Sinai). I was known to kick ass and take names andElijah knew it. Once again I had to show myself awoman to be feared in a male dominated society. Elijahretreated for a while.

It is true; I set up Naboth, an Israelite to be killedby his town people. Arab wanted to buy or trade someland owned by Naboth that was adjacent to the palace.Naboth said no, because it was passed down to him fromhis family. Arab was very disappointed and whinedabout it and refused to eat when he got home. I tookmatters into my own hands and secretly wrote a note toenlist the townsmen to frame innocent Naboth, publiclybut falsely accused him of blaspheming God and theKing. Naboth was stoned to death and his land passedto the King. If killed for a crime it was customaryfor the Kingdom to claim your property. This I knewwell.

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The accounts against me were not all entirely true. Thewriters of the Bible maintained that the “elders andnobles who lived in Naboth’s town and were hisneighbors and because of my orders, they committed aterrible act to him”. Why would those people follow myorders to go against one of their own? Besides that, Ihad already been defeated publicly, so how is itpossible to enlist a group of neighbors to go againstan innocent man they knew? If this account was true,where was the person who could have exposed thishorrific plot against their kinsman? Yet according to(1Kings 21:11) this is what went down.

It’s true; I was a strong willed woman who never backeddown from anything or anyone. In a man’s world thischaracter trait would have been admired, but as awoman, I was chastised for my relentless fiery andportrayed as a wicked woman. I was never afraid tostand strong for what I believed.

Elijah reentered my life and was told by Yahweh howArab will die. It is written in that the Lord said “Inthe very place where the dogs lapped up Naboth’s blood,the dogs will lap up your blood too”. (1Kings 21-17).However, Elijah twisted the message when he confrontedAhab and instead predicted this is how I, the Queenwould die. Arab, to whom I was always faithful, diedand so did our eldest son who followed his father tothe throne.

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Our second son Joram ruled. At the same time a servantof the prophet Elijah crowned Jehu, Joram’s militarycommander, the King of Israel. He commissioned Jehu toeradicate the House of Arab. My son King Horam andGeneral Jehu met on the battlefield. Joram was unawarethat he was about to be usurped and called to Jehu “Isall well Jehu?” Jehu replied with “How can all be wellas long as your mother Jezebel carries on her countlessharlotries and sorceries? Jehu shot an arrow throughJoram’s heart and uttered some long standing wordsabout my character as a witch and a whore. However theBible never offered evidence that I was unfaithful tomy husband dead or alive. I was always a loyal andhelpful spouse and Jehu’s charge of harlotry remainsunsubstantiated. As far as I was concerned, Israel andbiblical scholars needed a scapegoat and I served theirpurpose.

According to the Bible, Jehu raced his chariot intoJereel to continue his insurrection by assassinatingme. I had no illusions of surviving and realized Jehuwas on his way to kill me. I prepared myself calmlyand dressed as a Queen would do, gracefully,eloquently. I applied my eye makeup and brushed my hairfor the final occasion. Some writers tried to portrayme as a real whore by suggesting I did all this to tryto seduce Jehu into taking me into his harem and winhis favor. This is highly unlikely that I, a strongwoman, defiant, now a grandmother but feisty as ever,would take such an approach. There was nothing in my

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DNA, or character that would indicate I would becomeweak as to fear for my life. Applying eye makeup andbrushing one’s hair was often viewed as flirting inHebraic thinking. There were examples in the Bible ofwomen who had painted eyes to lure innocent men intoadulteress beds. Black kohl, which was used back then,was a symbol of feminine deception and trickeryaccording to the men. Yes, I dressed like a womanfirst, a high spirited Sensuous Woman who was dressingnot to seduce but to do battle as a female warrior, aQueen. This was my way of being in control of thoselast few moments. I decided how my attacker would lastsee and remember me, as a royal Queen dressed for theappropriate occasion of death.

As Jehu approached, I decided to use my mighty tongueonce again by calling Jehu Izmir, the name of theunscrupulous predecessor of Omri, my father-in-law.

“Is all well, Zimri, murder of your master?” I askedJehu, knowing all is not well but chose to insult himwith my sharp tongue. Zimri was the name of theunscrupulous predecessor of Omri, my father-in-law whoruled Israel for only seven days after murdering theKing Elah and usurping the throne. It’s unlikely assome interpretations of my life in the Bible will haveyou believe that I was trying to seduce Jehu intosaving my life.

I was indeed pushed out of the palace window by one ofmy servants under Jehu’s orders and Elijah’s

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prediction. Jehu ran his chariot over my dead bodyseveral times. The men went to eat and drink afterwardsto celebrate. But on the outside of the palace walls mybody was eaten away by wild dogs. All that was left ofme was my skull, feet and hands. Elijah’s prophesy (orwas it a plot) was fulfilled. “ The dogs shall devourthe flesh of Jezebel in the field of Jereel, and thecarcass of Jezebel shall be like dungs on the ground,in the field of Jereel, so that none will be able tosay…This was Jezebel” ( Kings 9:36-37).

I died as a Queen. I lived as a fierce and mightySensuous Woman who stood her grounds with no illusionsabout winning against Jehu. As an aging grandmother itwas doubtful that I wanted any parts of Jehu sexuallyor otherwise.

I was the daughter of a King, a wife, mother, mother inlaw and grandmother of Kings. I was a female warriorin a foreign environment where women had little status,and few rights. I worshiped my way and never changed tosuit the opposition. According to some, I meddled inpolitical affairs in a land of strong patriarchs. Forthis and more, I have historically been casted as awitch and harlot but the demonstration of my beliefsand outer determination to worship God as I pleased arethe things that made me who I was; a powerful, sensuousand highly spiritual woman in the Bible.

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CHAPTER TEN

ESTHER, Woman of Influence

I am Esther from the tribe of Benjamin. I grew up anexile in Persia. Esther, my Persian name meant “Star”,a derivation of the root name of the goddess Ishtar.My Jewish name Hadassah meant “Myrtle”, a branch thatsignified peace and thanksgiving. I was living as ayoung Jewish orphan, brought up by my guardian andcousin Mordecai who worked at the palace of KingAhasueras.

King Ahasueras had dismissed his wife, Vashti, fordisobedience. She disregarded her husband’s command todisplay herself before him and a group of drunken guysparting at the palace after celebrating a seven dayfeast. King Ahasueras decided to dismiss and replaceher. He held a royal beauty pageant and I was chosento the throne. Unbeknownst to the King, I was Jewish.

I was going through the twelve months of beautytreatment before meeting the King. I was crowned Queen,but the King had not sent for me in thirty days. Ithought I had fallen out of favor with him.

My cousin Mordecai overheard a disturbing conversationbetween King Ahasueras and Haman, grand vizier, theAgagite, a descendent of an Amalelite King who was an

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enemy of Israel during the time of King Saul. Haman wasfurious with Mordecai for not bowing down to him. Heasked permission of the King to kill all Jews in theregion. The King gave his consent and they scheduledthe event.

Mordecai came to me to see if there was anything Icould do to influence the King to change his mind. Iwas reluctant to approach the King as it was notcustomary to approach the King without being summonedto his presence.

Mordecai said to me “Do not think that because you arein the King’s house you alone of all the Jews willescape. For if you keep silent at this time, relief anddeliverance will rise for the Jews from another place,but you and your father’s house will perish. And whoknows if you have not come to the kingdom for such atime as this?”

The only sense I could make out of this negativeoutcome was to let the King know of my Jewish descentand beg for his intervention on my behalf and mypeople. I fasted for a time and approached the King toinvite him and Haman to a banquet. I hosted two dinnerswith them to engage the King’s attention and interestin me. What other weapon did I have at my disposal?Only my physical attributes, a gift from God, and myfaith were my allies to appeal to the heart and sensualnature in man.

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I dressed as sensually and as provocatively as I could.I approached the King using my evocative beauty tomesmerize him into a state of submission. When he sawme he asked if I would like to have one of his 127provinces in his Kingdom and it would be mine. Ithanked him for the offer and told him what I reallyneeded from him. I announced that I was a Jew andbegged him to spare my people from Haman’s plot to killall of us. I looked directly into his eyes with bothpassion and persuasion, giving him the assurance that Iwas willing to give him whatever he wanted from me tosave my people. His eyes softened and he said yes. Heordered Haman to be hung in the very spot he intendedto hang Mordecai. Mordecai was named grand vizier inhis place and my people were delivered. This event setthe tone for Purim, a celebration ritual of Jewishpeople today. I continued to reign as Queen, honored toserve a purpose much larger than me. I was in the rightplace at the right time, where my choice to do what wasin the best interest of others was in my control. I hadto raise my thinking above just considering me in orderto serve the Divine Plan. Thank God for guiding me.People lived because of me and I am eternally gratefulfor being a Sensuous Influential Woman when it countedfor something other than sex.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

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MARY, Woman of Spirit

I was still a young teen when the Angel Gabriel spoketo me –me, an ordinary Jewish girl, soon to be marriedto a carpenter whose name was Joseph. I was listeningto an inner voice that was speaking only to me, in myheart.

The sound of the words frightened me; the meaning ofthe words shook my soul and caused me to tremble. Iwas to give birth to a son whose heart would be so purethat the Angels would bow before him in honor of hisGod Presence. My unborn Son was to be a deliverer ofmen, the Messiah.

We had often heard the prediction that God would send amerciful one who would become the savior of the world.I trusted that prediction and often imagined what thatpersonage would be like. I imagined holding such achild in my arms and caring for him so intensely thathe would never ever have to suffer from hunger, warmthor unconditional love. I trusted that God woulddeliver such a child to the world but little did Irealize that the soul of the Messiah would be deliveredthrough me, a virgin in heart, body and soul. I waspregnant.

I discussed the vision I had with Joseph, my pregnancyand the visit from Gabriel. Joseph was a kind man, asimple man who could see no wrong in me or what I hadsaid. We bonded over this promise delivered by Gabriel

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and headed to Jerusalem to avoid a scandal in townwhere I might possibly be stoned to death with my baby.We traveled through the desert in expectation ofstarting a new life together. Jesus was growing andkicking inside me. He was a sweet child even before hewas born. He always brought such delight of heart anda feeling of peace.

Imagine the role of mother I had to assume right away.To be blessed with a baby boy who will speak of peaceand actually live what he preached. He would have suchlove for humanity that he would lay down his life,standing for peace. Any mother would love to have sucha child but to live the experience was mine alone. Ihad to live in faith that somehow all of this was realand it would turn out for the good. I too had heard ofthe predictions of one to come who would be of soundmind, body, emotions and spirit. One, who because ofhis heart and unwavering trust in God and love forpeople, would step forward and guide people into abetter state of mind. There was no question about thecharacter of the child I was to birth; he was to be asavior of men. Ultimately he taught me how death hasno cover for those who believe in the word of God.

I knew his life would be short but for how long and howmuch would he accomplish? I could see the promisethrough my son and was inspired to follow his path. Itwas an impelling life full of love, wisdom and highinspirations. I began to measure life in terms of the

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moments of joy rather than years. This made everymoment count so when the final days came, I would beprepared.

Prepared for what? To see my precious son, who did nowrong, hung on a cross for a belief in God’s mercy andglory? Life had no meaning for Jesus except to fulfillhis purpose and live through the challenges for as longas possible. Howis it that life could have such painand sorrow and still celebrates a new kind of lifetaught by Jesus? He was a marvelous divine andinspiring soul. He reflected the highest qualities ofGod in his thoughts, words and deeds. He had no doubtsabout the purpose for his life and the cross he mustbear. He was totally committed to elevating theconsciousness of God in man.

I prayed for Jesus as any mother would. He was my firstborne and was to fulfill a prophecy that was longawaited and needed by everyone. I tried to move on withmy life with Joseph and our other children, knowingMary Magdalene would be by his side as he traveled.

His promise gave us a reason to live, and look for Godto deliver us from the sins of the world. When thosefinal moments came I was tormented yet I understood hismission was to die to rise again. He taught me aboutthe nature of death and how spirit lives eternally.His love was so sincere that it weighed heavy on myheart to see him go even for a short period. He always

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said he would appear to me after death to prove life iseternal and he did.

When I arrived at the tomb, Mary Magdalene was alsothere. We shared Jesus’ life, his mission, his love.I was proud to be from the blood line of Nathan, Davidand Bathsheba’s son and continue the prophesy of goodwill on earth.

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CHAPTER TWELVE

MARY MAGDALENE, Woman of Passion

I am Mary Magdalene, a controversial woman to mostpeople. I played many roles in how other peoplecharacterized me; harlot, rich woman, wife, mother,secret lover. To some I was thought of as the secondmost important woman in the New Testament after theMother of Jesus, Mary. Mary and I knew each other. Weshared our joys and our trepidations about her son,Jesus. No one really knew my complete relationshipwith Jesus because it really was not designed to beshared with anyone except me and Jesus.

I entered into a sensual sacred love for this mancalled Jesus. Whenever I was around him I always felt Iwas a part of something bigger than myself. I lovedeverything about him; his mind, his heart, his physicalbody, and most profound to me was his spiritual beliefsand the way in which he exemplified Divine will. He

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was an extraordinary human being full of kindness andlove to everyone he met.

Yes, I acknowledged him as the very special man that hewas; a man with the vision of a God of Peace. He waslike no other man I had ever known, physically orspiritually. He embodied this Spirit of God so deeplyand completely that he became the Son of God in mymind, heart and my soul. He radiated God’s bestfeatures to me, love, peace and wisdom, especially hiscompassion for other people. So much so that he causedme to see beyond race, ethnic beliefs, social status,social norms, age, culture traits and treat everyone asGod’s sons and daughters. Through his deeds and wordshe showed me how to embrace and uplift people and sentme out into the world to teach others. He taught fromhis heart. He was so wonderful in all kinds of waysyet despised by other men for being so.

I should know about these things. You see, even in myown story, people have casted me according to what theywished to believe or not. They actually knew nothingmuch about me nor did they understand the relationshipI had with Jesus and they never will. They can onlyspeculate and use conjecture because they never sawanything except what we allowed them to see. Thoseother moments were spent outside of the arena of publicattention. They were private and shared only throughour sacred loving. But to give you some kind of idea

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about how I felt about this man called Jesus, let’simagine me as some have depicted.

There was one particular story I would gladly claim, ifI indeed was the Mary mentioned in the Bible who kneltbelow Jesus and admired him at the position from hisfeet. I would have taken that position any day to washhis feet with every fiber of my hair and being. I toowould have been willing to do whatever it took to keephim comfortable.

Overwhelmed with light shining from within him wheneverhe touched me, I was deeply emotionally and spirituallyturned on. It made me feel the kind of sensations thatonly a sensuous lover could express. I wanted to servehim, listen to him, and make love to him every chance Igot.

Yes, I would have touched his feet often; soothingthem, feeling the strain and used the only thing thatwas near which was my hair. I would have stroked histoes one by one, weaving a sense of relief for him torelax and enjoy. With the fibers from my skull I wouldhave shown him how magical and symbiotic pleasure thosemoments meant to me. We shared many occassions when Icould feel his passion, his belief in the God of Mercyand his willingness to share this message and teach usall how to love.

Most leaders during that time in history did not allowwomen a place at the table or their inner circle.

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Jesus did not discriminate against me because of myfemale gender. He invited me to sit at the table withthe men, treating me as their equal. I was honored tobe welcomed there by him and felt included in hisjourney. Sometimes I was the only one Jesus couldconfide in as a confidant. He revealed his emotions oflove to me for his fellow man kind. I loved this manand all that he represented to me as a man, a leader, asavior, a Son of God.

He spoke softly and endearing as if he was floating onair from the love he felt from God. Graceful likeclouds, he moved amongst us, teaching us wisdom andsharing the love from God he had received as the Son ofGod.

Jesus rarely spoke in negatives, but instead he wouldalways show us the bright side of life throughmeditating on the will of Divine. He showed me how totap into this source and what it meant to have joy inthe likeness of God through my every thought and deed.Moment by moment I was encouraged to use my thoughts ofGod as a guide and measure of what was right, and holy.

Jesus and I spent hours, days and nights together as hetaught. As one of his closest Apostles we slept underthe moon together using starlight to see how perfectGod had made everything. I felt so alive in hispresence, as if God was surely there in the flesh. Imeditated with him and gave thanks for every moment I

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could spend with him. He was a highly sensuous beingand hard to resist loving.

I was sometimes referred to as the Apostle of theApostles. They said I was courageous, brave enough tostand by Jesus in his hours of suffering, death andbeyond. This was not a sacrifice for me. It was anatural response as a sensuous spiritual woman to bemoved by Spirit.

Yes, I committed myself to this Man of God that I couldfind no fault, and he found none in me. Those sevendemons they spoke about were negative thoughts and myactions toward other people. Jesus released them fromme by showing me their emotionally effects. Hereminded me that I was forgetting that I too was achild of God and should honor myself and others; tocast out any negative thought that kept me from seeingDivinity’s potential. As his maid servant, I servedJesus. I loved him as I would a husband, teacher andspecial friend. Other women should be so lucky to havea man in their lives like him.

Jesus needed someone like me by his side to comforthim. Mary, his mother was not able to because she hadother children at home. But it was clear that Jesusneeded the tender care and touch of a woman to respondto his gentle soul. He especially needed me when hewas in spiritual turmoil about the plight of mankind.He wept and I washed his face, touching his flesh andtears with my lips and hands. I massaged his temples,

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hands and feet regularly to ease his strains. Thesewere highly sensuous moments to me. My heart was soopen to his that I could feel love coming out of hispores. I worshiped him in so many ways that only awoman, perhaps a character like mine could ever worshipthis Man of God….with all my might and with all of mysoul.

Can you imagine the experience of sharing love with aman as pure in heart and soul as Jesus? He was myillumined eternal lover and I was willing to give himwhatever he needed.

During my weak human moments, I felt life was too bigof a chore for me to continue. I found patience andpeace in Jesus. He never hurried through his acts oflove to me. He never made me feel like time was passingus by. I learned to live in the present moment withhim, where everything was just all right. No worriesabout what if, what should have, or when. We livedevery moment as if it was the last so nothing was everlost on preparing for tomorrow. We lived in momentswhere all of our senses engaged themselves in ourexperiences of time together. He mesmerized me withhis look of innocence yet his words were as profound asantiquity. I wanted to be with him forever, even indeath. There’s no way to measure the profound impact wehad on each other and my soul grew exponentially justfrom loving him.

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I was there with him during his last days during themourning. I saw him drag that cross on his backpassing me. I was so ashamed and guilty as if I shouldhave done more for him if I could. My heart seemed toswell within my bosom. I watched as I heard themessage, straight from his heart to mine, assuring methat we would meet back at the Tomb, where he would beburied in three days. He had already given me lessonson how to live, now he was to reveal to me how to diein body but not spirit. He told me and others that hewould transcend death and allow us to visit in personone last time before transcending into the Holy Spirit.He wanted to reassure us that there was eternal lifeafter death and the way to have a peaceful transitionduring death was to live a peaceful life in body andspirit.

Do not take the life of another just because we don’tsee eye to eye, he taught. Yes, we spoke of the evilways of men and how real they can appear. But heencouraged us to see beyond the actions and forgivethem for they know not what they do.

The mission he taught cost him his young life, hangingthere on the cross; bleeding with sweat falling fromthe crown reef they placed on his head.

I bowed down at that moment because the pain fromwitnessing those acts of men was unbearable. I shookmy head in such shame and remorse. When I finallyrealized that I had lost track of time during my

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weeping, I found everyone had left except the body ofJesus. I saw him in his final moments, limp, lifeless;except his body glowed even in the darkness. It keptits glow and his shadow was casted beneath me. I couldfeel his spirit transcending as I witnessed thestillness, the silence of his breath. His warmth wasstill in the air and descended on me. I could sensehis presence, still alive and surrounding me. Hereappeared beside me at the tomb as I knelt down toreceive his radiance. I was forever transformed throughhis love.

To some I was a spiritual symbol of discipleship and ofperfect union with him as all women should be to men.

More than any other Apostle I was mentioned 12 timeswithin the Four Gospels, the oldest record written atthe time. I was always at his side like no one else inthe Bible, except Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whom Icomforted from the time we met until the very end. Iwas committed to him from the beginning to the end.

I am the blessed Mary Magdalene, a true follower,comforter and lover of Jesus the Christ, descendent ofBathsheba and Netzevet.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.S. Empress is a woman of many talents and has livedmany lives. As a business woman, wife, mom, sister,daughter, best friend, associate, rebirth single womanhas successfully reinvented herself to live herpassions as a writer. A wife for 21 years and motherof one son, she always had an inspiration to reveal

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untold truths based on researched facts withinterpretations from a woman’s point of view.

The 12 women written in her book embodied Empress totell their stories behind the written scriptures in theBible. Their inspirations to her were paramount to theevolution of mankind and thus she felt compelled towrite about women who manifested revelation through thesacred art of loving, birthing the souls to fulfillhuman prophecies.

Empress loves to travel, host small dinner parties forher friends, plays tennis, golf and loves to sail andswim.

She holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, aMasters Degree in Public Administration and Management.

She is the author of Lifting the Veil, Secrets of theSensuous Woman, Sensual Pleasures of Eating Cookbook.She is the founder and CEO of Sensuous Living, LLCproviding products and services for the Sensuous Womanat www.sensualifestyles.com.

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