“I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” 1 Samual 1:15-16

Reading about the 7 prophetesses has been enlightening in that I never realized how consequential these woman are in relation to the broader Old Testament stories that we’re familiar with. There is no victory for Jael without Deborah. There is no water for the wandering Hebrews without Miriam. And there is no Samuel without the fervent prayer and silent devotion of Hannah. 

I’ve found in art and drawing that I’ve found a deeper appreciation for these stories than I have previously. I know I’ve read Samuel before and I know I’ve read this specific part about Hannah but I don’t think I ever stopped to think about it.