This week, we learned about one of my favorite ladies—Lydia! She was quite an unusual woman for her time. Lydia had her own business selling purple cloth, and she was the head of her household. Since purple cloth was expensive, she most likely sold it to wealthy people, making her a wealthy woman herself.

One day, as she was praying by the riverbank, Paul came by. Before meeting Paul, Lydia was not a follower of Jesus. However, she showed great courage by becoming a person of faith. Her heart opened to hearing Paul’s trusted words, and she even invited Paul to stay at her home. This was the beginning of Lydia’s journey in helping to spread the message of Jesus to her family and others.

Lydia started a small church in her home and likely used her status to offer leadership and gifts to the early church. Because of her courage to follow Jesus, the church grew, and many people became followers of Jesus.

It takes courage to try something new, just like Lydia did by following Jesus. It also takes courage to welcome new people into your circle. Can you be courageous like Lydia? Could you invite new people to church and make everyone feel welcome when they come to visit? See you in church on Sunday. Blessings!