Book Review: Whispers of Mary

Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke reviews a new book by Gayle Somers that explains what 12 Old Testament women can teach us about Mary.

Whispers of Mary by Gayle Somers

Whispers of Mary, written by Gayle Somers and published by Ascension, masterfully covers the lives and lessons of 12 women from the Old Testament, revealing life-changing lessons about Mary and themselves. These strong, mother-warrior women lived in a much different time period and had struggles that varied from typical present-day problems. Yet they all shared the mission of God’s powerful word and laid the pathway for Mary and our future selves and children. This informative and captivating read incorporates thought-provoking questions and prompts, vital Scripture verses, and impactful lessons from an author who beautifully weaves them together. 

While reading each chapter, I was pulled away from the noise of my busy household and enraptured with the powerful messages that the women shared throughout the Old Testament. Each of the twelve chapters is dedicated to a biblical woman and her story as it relates to Mary (Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, and Jael, Hannah, Bathsheba, The Desperate Widow and the Prophet Elisha, Esther, Judith, The Mother of Martyrs, and Mary), and at the conclusion of the chapter there is a special section with questions for personal reflection, and an area for notes, thoughts, and journaling. 

A focus on women's strength and perseverance

I especially appreciate how the author focuses on the strength, and perseverance of the biblical heroines, who raise themselves up to fight for their purpose.  

Rahab is the first feminine type of warrior whom we encounter in Scripture. In Rahab, we meet a woman in the thick of an attack. She deserves our attention as a possible type of mother-warrior who is to come. (page 69) 

Deborah and Jael’s section gives specific examples of their stories showcasing how Deborah focused on the good and noble.  

She was a wise woman who acknowledged God’s greatness and was also able to see what was good and noble in people, not dwelling on what was weak and cowardly. (page 80) 

Most importantly, following the stories and Scripture takeaways, each chapter concludes with a “Pondering” section that gives readers a chance to reflect on the rich messaging and how that might apply to our everyday lives, perfect for a Bible study and self-reflection.  

Here is another example from Deborah’s chapter:  

Do you look for what is good and laudable in clients or coworkers, especially those who are difficult?  

When strong, firm leadership is required in your professional work, can you do it with the feminine humility of a helper, seeing yourself as assisting others with the gift of leadership God has given you? 

I highly recommend this holy-driven book for any female who is looking to deepen her relationship with Mary, and the women of the Bible, but most importantly, oneself. The wisdom and emotion that was evoked from my heart when reading these stories humbled my being and gave me a steady reminder that we can take a step back from our own thoughts, and quietly yet powerfully lead strongly in our lives by following God’s path. 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2024 Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke
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