by Lisa Prysock
After the divorce of her parents in 1878, her mother was left homeless after managing White Hall for forty-five years. Laura’s older sisters, Mary and Sarah, became highly involved in the women’s rights movement at this point. They invited Laura and their younger sister, Annie, to join the movement. In fact, Louisville, Kentucky would be hosting a national suffrage event. Laura was convinced to be a presenter at the convention by her sister, Mary, and Lucy Stone, President of the American Woman Suffrage Association, when they came to meet Laura, likely at her mother’s home, now in Lexington, in 1881.
This action by the Clay sisters gave birth to the Kentucky Woman Suffrage Association. Laura went on to serve for the Kentucky Equal Rights Association as president. Her sister, Mary, went on to become the AWSA president in 1883. These women’s rights groups lobbied successfully for all sorts of reforms for women such as protecting married women’s wages and property, requiring mental hospitals to have female doctors on staff, inducing universities to admit women students, raising the age of marriage consent from twelve to sixteen in Kentucky, and establishing juvenile courts. They also inspired the University of Kentucky to build its first dormitory for women.
Laura went on to be very active in the National American Woman Suffrage Association, speaking alongside many other colleagues and leaders in the movement, traveling nationally, and establishing suffrage societies in nine states. There is a wealth of information about the speaking and many leadership roles Laura Clay took on as a leader for women’s rights. Unsurprisingly, and perhaps sadly, Laura never married as far as I can tell, but some of her sisters did marry and were also very active in the women’s suffrage movement.
Power Verses
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Proverbs 31:10, ESV
Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord. Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, and Lord of hosts is His name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth He is called. For the Lord has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God. For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. Isaiah 54:1-7, ESV
She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. I Samuel 1:10, ESV
Then Eli answered, Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him. And she said, Let your servant find favor in your eyes. Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew His wife, and the Lord remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, I have asked Him from the Lord. I Samuel 1:17-20, ESV
And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. Ruth 3:11, ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11, ESV
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28, ESV
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. Acts 16: 1-5, ESV
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. Proverbs 14:1, ESV
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. Psalm 46:5, ESV
Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27, ESV
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s eyes is very precious. I Peter 3:3-4, ESV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7, ESV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolator), has no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Ephesians 5:1-5, ESV
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; for you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7, ESV
For You formed me in my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14, ESV
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel! Psalm 128:3-6, ESV
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks to the enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5, ESV
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet, for Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. I Timothy 2:8-15, ESV
And you have been filled in Him (Christ), who is the head of all rule and authority. Colossians 2:10, ESV
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. I Corinthians 11:3, ESV
But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, C
hrist died for us. Romans 5:8, ESV
Proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:31, ESV
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. Luke 1:45, ESV
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26, ESV
House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14, ESV
He who finds a wife find a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22, ESV
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like a rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4, ESV
He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous Mother of children. Praise the Lord! Psalm 113:9, ESV
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5:22-24, ESV
Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. Acts 8:22, ESV
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. I Peter 3:1-2, ESV
Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. I Timothy 3:11, ESV
But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side. Luke 9:47, ESV
I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. Jeremiah 17:10, ESV
You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. Song of Solomon 4:7, ESV
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:25, ESV
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30, ESV
Book Club Questions
1. Name at least three to five Scriptures which show us how valuable women are in God’s eyes.
2. Thinking back to the days in which the apostle Paul wrote that women should not teach a man, that they should be quiet, and submissive, how do you think this verse is misunderstood in today’s society? Are there examples in the Bible where women were placed in authority? Tell us about those situations.
3. Thinking of some Christian women in authoritative roles in today’s society, how are they following God’s plan for their lives?
4. How can a modern-day Christian woman behave toward her husband and still honor God’s Word and plan for her life? What happens in our marriage when we don’t approach our husbands with respect?
5. Are there still times when a Christian woman or even a Christian leader/teacher in the modern-day church should be quiet/submissive? If so, give some examples.
Author Biography
LISA M. PRYSOCK is an award-winning, bestselling, Christian and inspirational author. She and her husband of more than twenty years reside in Kentucky. They have five children, grown.
She writes in the genres of both Historical Christian Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance, including a multi-author Western Christian Romance series, “Whispers in Wyoming.” She is also the author of a devotional. Lisa enjoys sharing her faith in Jesus through her writing.
Lisa has many interests, but a few of these include gardening, cooking, drawing, sewing, crochet, cross stitch, reading, swimming, biking, and walking. She loves dollhouses, cats, horses, butterflies, hats, boots, flip-flops, espadrilles, chocolate, coffee, tea, chocolate, the colors peach and purple, and everything old-fashioned.
She adopted the slogan of “The Old-Fashioned Everything Girl” because of her love for classic, traditional, and old-fashioned everything. When she isn’t writing, she can sometimes be found teaching herself piano and violin, but finds the process “a bit slow and painful.” Lisa enjoys working with the children and youth in her local church creating human videos, plays, or programs incorporating her love for inspirational dance. A few of her favorite authors include Jane Austen, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. You’ll find “food, fashion, fun, and faith” in her novels. Sometimes she includes her own illustrations.
She continues the joy and adventure of her writing journey as a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and LCW (Louisville Christian Writers). Lisa’s books are clean and wholesome, inspirational, romantic, and family oriented. She gives a generous portion of the proceeds to missions.
Discover more about this author at www.LisaPrysock.com where you’ll find the links to purchase more of her books, free recipes, devotionals, author video interviews, book trailers, giveaways, blog posts, and much more, including an invitation to sign up for her free newsletter.
Links to Connect with Lisa:
https://www.facebook.com/LisaMPrysock
https://twitter.com/LPrysock
www.LisaPrysock.com
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J6MBC64 Amazon Author Central
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-m-prysock
https://www.facebook.com/groups/500592113747995/ (Lisa’s Facebook reader & friends group)
Other Titles by Author Lisa M. Prysock
To Find a Duchess, an Inspirational Regency Romance
The Christian Victorian Heritage Series:
Hannah’s Garden: a Turn of the Century Love Story
Abigail’s Melody
The Lydia Collection
The Redemption of Lady Georgiana
Protecting Miss Jenna
Persecution & Providence
Arise Princess Warrior, a 30 Day Devotional Challenge
The Shoemaker, an Old-Fashioned Regency Christmas
Story
Whispers in Wyoming, Contemporary Western Romance
Dreams of Sweetwater River
Marry Me Katie
No Place Like Home
All That Glitters
The Legend of Lollipop
Holly for Christmas
Becoming Princess Olivia
BRIDES OF GRACE HILL, Generational Series Historical Saga
Geneva
Annabelle
Victoria
Tracy Jo, Coming Soon...
Brides of Pelican Rapids, a Mail Order Bride Series
Lottie’s True Love
Jenny’s Secret Diary
The Belles of Wyoming
The Prairie Princess
Hazel’s Tribulations
Holliday Island Resort
Blitzen the CEO
North and South
Minnesota Bride
Georgia Peaches
A Persevering Heart
Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Bride Series
Lydia’s Lot
Contemporary Christian Mystery & Suspense for your reading pleasure...
WHEN MS. PEPPER ANNE Barrington isn’t driving her convertible Aston Martin or writing her bestselling mysteries, she’s busy solving real-life dilemmas happening to her three grown children or the guests visiting her Atlanta bed and breakfast, Edgewater Coventry B & B. It seems to Miss Pepper, there’s always an air of romance, mystery, and perhaps a little adventure and mayhem at the restored 19th century plantation.
When handsome handyman and popular up and coming musician, Bradley Fielding, inherits his grandmother’s Victorian estate in Georgia, he relocates his band from Nashville to Atlanta to oversee the renovations. He decides to stay at the Edgewater Coventry B & B while the Fielding house that has been in his family for generations is being remodeled. All kinds of things begin to go wrong, including the disappearance of his sister and an antique pocket watch.
Patricia Johnston, avid reader and administrative a
ssistant to Miss Pepper, is perhaps the most disturbed of all when she is framed for stealing Brad Fielding’s antique watch. She’s off to the wrong start in her new job—and with one of the country’s most eligible bachelors.
Don’t miss the adventure, romance, humor, and sometimes mystery in "A Persevering Heart," Book 1 of the new, exciting Christian and inspirational series, ‘Georgia Peaches,’ where each novella ends with a happily ever after in spite of a number of obstacles.
https://www.amazon.com/Persevering-Heart-Georgia-Peaches-Book-ebook/dp/B085XTXSZR/
Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brides
Lydia’s Lot
DON’T MISS THIS CHRISTIAN Western Suspense Mail-Order Bride story in the sister series for ‘Brides of Pelican Rapids.’ Did you know Ella Milton has a cousin named Milly Crenshaw, a matchmaker in Boston? Check out this fun, action-packed novella with a forbidden love story about a U.S. Marshal in Iowa, a Boston Bride, an orphan train, and an amazing Irish setter with a significant role in the story.
https://www.amazon.com/Lydias-Westward-Hearts-Mail-Order-Brides-ebook/dp/B0889X8WTQ/