Each month R.O.S.E.S. will feature a different rose in bloom. September's rose in bloom is Rose of Sharon Women's Ministry. Rose of Sharon Women's Ministry is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women to carry out the Great Commission. The organization was founded by Rev. Yolonda Fakir (New Covenant Baptist Church, J.R. Sams, pastor), in November 2006. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and with the assistance and mentorship of Rev. Eileen Little(New Covenant Baptist Church), Teonn Brooks(St. Martin DePorres Catholic Church) and Pastor Karen Carter(Shekinah Glory AME Church), ROSWM made it's debut to the Louisville, Ky. Christian community on June 16th, 2007. The event was called , "An Afternoon With ROSES". It was an elegant luncheon at Masterson's Special Events and Conference Center. For a small donation of $15, women were treated to a delicious, gourmet lunch, while their souls were uplifted by the anointed praise of a true messenger of God, Angela Tellis (St. Stephen's Baptist Church). The anointing of the Holy Spirit blessed the atmosphere and the ladies praised the Lord in unified fellowship! After lunch, the keynote speaker, Dr. Mary Cosby Weathers, (VIce-President of Academic Affairs, SImmons College of Ky.), gave an empowering speech, "Who Do You Think You Are?" The ladies were captivated as Dr. Weathers spoke inspiring words of wisdom and delighted the group with stories of her childhood. On July 28th, 2007, ROSWM co-hosted an event with Women of Vision and Purpose (founded by Minister Nina Stum), "The Violation of Women and the Male Response". During this powerful prayer breakfast and community forum, Rev. Fakir gave a video presentation that represented her personal testimony of sexual and physical abuse, and presented some shocking statistics. Rev. Fakir and Teonn Brooks were guests of Elder Roz Daugherty, on her talk show on Insight's channel 98. The show is called "Living Beyond the Veil" and is aired each Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Rev. Fakir is now a regular co-host, along with Rev. Eileen Little, who has co-hosted the show with her sister, Elder Daugherty along with various other women in the community. 2007 has been a year of development and growth for Rose of Sharon Women's Ministry. It will be exciting to watch this fresh new ministry blossom into what God destined it to be! |
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Issue # 1
September 2007
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| Her name means most noble of women and she ruled Ancient Egypt for over 20 years. Hatshepsut was the first known Queen Regent and the second woman to have ruled as a Pharaoh. She completed numerous building projects and reestablished trade networks building up wealth. Hatshepsut was a peaceful ruler; during her reign Egypt had no major military conflicts. She is the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, ruling from 1479-1458 B.C. Who is Hathshepsut? Hatshepsut was born in the 15th century B.C. to Pharaoh Thutmose I and Queen Ahmose. Hatshepsut’s father had other children with his other wives and when he died; his son by one of those concubines was chosen to succeed him on the throne. Thutmose II married Hatshepsut to legitimize his rule with her pure bloodline. She became Queen of Egypt around the age of 12. Hatshepsut and Thutmose II had a child together, a daughter called Neferure. During Thutmose II reign, Hathshepsut would have been known as King’s Great Wife, King’s Sister or King’s Daughter. Historians have said that Thutmose II was a sickly man and it is believed that Hatshepsut was extremely influential during his reign. Thutmose II is believed to have ruled Egypt from anywhere from three to thirteen years. Like his father, Thutmose II had other children by concubines. When he died, his son Thutmose III inherited the throne. |
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| Omitted from History In the 20th year of Hatshepsut’s co-reign, Thutmose III becomes the ruler of Egypt. It is unclear whether Hatshepsut died or was forcibly removed from power. Near the end of Thutmose III reign, an effort was made to remove Hatshepsut’s name from historical records. Her image was scratched off the walls of monuments and her temple statues were torn down, crushed and burned in a pit. Scholars have speculated on why this was done. However, it is unlikely that Thutmose sought to destroy his stepmother’s images out of resentment or hatred. One compelling argument is that he wanted to reduce her to queen regent status. He may have wanted to destroy the legacy of a female king whose power could challenge his legitimacy to rule. Because Hatshepsut was the most successful and longest ruling female pharaoh, she proved that a woman could be as successful at governing as a traditional male king. Her example might have been an unwanted influence on royal women of future generations to not be content with their roles as wife, sister and possibly mother of king. Hatshepsut's Temple Thustose II efforts almost caused Hatshepsut to disappear from the archaeological records. In 1881 a box inscribed with Hathsepsut’s name was found. Recent tests revealed that the box held a tooth. Hathshepsut’s tomb was first discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1903. The mummies of two seemingly unimportant women were inside. On lay in a coffin with a lid and the other was laid on the floor. The tomb appeared to have been looted in ancient times. There was no indication that this was the tomb of a pharoah as a result Carter resealed the tomb, not realizing he had found the mummy of one of the great rulers of Egypt. In 1906, the tomb was reopened and one of the mummies was removed and identified as Hathsepsut’s wet nurse, Sit-Ra. In 1920, Carter explored the memorial temple Hathsepsut had built and found two emoty sarcophagi, one inscribed for Hatshepsut and the other for her father Thutmose I. In 1989, the tomb was rediscovered but archaeologist could not positively identify the mummy. In June 2007, Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Discovery Channel announced that the mummy was indeed that of Hathshpsut. The tooth found in 1881 fit the mouth. And DNA testing confirmed the identity. Scientific testing has revealed that she probably died around age 50. She may have died from a blood infection as a result of a ruptured abcess after the removal of the tooth. But her mummy also showed signs of diabetes, osteoporosis and mestastic bone cancer among other ailments. It has taken over 3000 years to find perhaps the most intriguing woman of Ancient Egypt. The story of Hathshepsut’s rise to power and the attempts made to erase her from history is a sobering reminder of the struggles faced by powerful women. She had to prove herself worthy to rule Egypt . For her efforts, she was omitted from history to preserve the status quo and keep women in their place. For years, she has been regarded as treacherous and undeserving. Perhaps now, with the discovery of her mummy, the lost queen of Egypt will have her glory. Sources: www.science.discovery.com www.wikepedia.com www.egyptologyonline.com www.answers.com/hathshepsut www.smithsonianmag.com/thequeenwhowouldbeking www.pbs.org/egyptsgoldenempire www.news.bbb.co.uk |
A Right to Rule
Because Thutmose III was still a child when his
father died, his aunt and stepmother was
assigned to rule as coregent until he came of
age. In the first few years of her regency,
Hathshepsut began to gradually transform
herself in to a pharaoh. This was not a
popular move at first and she legitimized
transformation by emphasizing her royal
lineage. She also claimed divine conception.
The chief god of the Egyptians, Amen, was
said to have assumed her fathers form and
engage in relations with her mother. In artwork
Hatshepsut was depicted with a masculine
body, false beard and the traditional clothing
of a king.
Because Thutmose III was still a child when his
father died, his aunt and stepmother was
assigned to rule as coregent until he came of
age. In the first few years of her regency,
Hathshepsut began to gradually transform
herself in to a pharaoh. This was not a
popular move at first and she legitimized
transformation by emphasizing her royal
lineage. She also claimed divine conception.
The chief god of the Egyptians, Amen, was
said to have assumed her fathers form and
engage in relations with her mother. In artwork
Hatshepsut was depicted with a masculine
body, false beard and the traditional clothing
of a king.
She changed her name to the masculine Hathsepsu. She assumed the title
King of Upper and Lower Egypt. However, she was not pretending to be a
man but to secure her position as ruler of Egypt. Historians believe that
while holding court she wore feminine clothing. Some historians believe
that she may have also planned to have her daughter Neferure succeed
her as pharaoh. Neferure was depicted wearing the traditional garb of a
prince. But there is also evidence to suggest that after her father’s death,
Neferure took on her mother’s role as Queen in religious and official
ceremonies. She became the royal wife of Thutmose III and may have
borne his eldest son. Still other scholars say that Neferure died as a teen.
By ruling as pharaoh, Hathshepsut effectively blocked Thutmose III from
assuming full power. He was sent off to the military and eventually became
the commanding chief of the army. Hatshepsut never was depicted as
inferior to Thutmose III. In fact, he was always represented as standing
behind her, an affront to his masculinity. Hatshepsut may have assumed
the role of pharaoh in response to a political crisis. This move could
actually have been an effort to secure the throne for her stepson/nephew
Thutmose III. In ancient Egyptian culture the pharaoh was regarded with
god-like status. She would not have been able to simply step down from
power once Thutmose III came of age. She would be pharaoh for life.
Hatshepsut surrounded herself with trusted advisers including her chief
architect, Senenmut. He was a tutor for her daughter and some scholars
have speculated that he and Hatshepsut were lovers. He had
unprecedented influence and privileges. She is known for being one of the
most prolific builders of ancient Egypt. She is the first pharaoh to build a
tomb in what is now known as the Valley of Kings. Her memorial temple
complex includes a work of perfect symmetry predating the Greek
Parthenon by 1000 years. “Djeser Djeseru” is built into a cliff on top of
terraces that once were graced with lush gardens. It is known by Egyptians
as the Wonder of Wonders. The complex features over 100 images of
Hatshepsut. It was designed by Senenmut; the artwork on the walls tells
Hatshepsut’s life story including the mythical birth story. She had her
father’s remains moved to this grand tomb. The buildings of the mortuary
complex are considered to be among the great buildings of the ancient
world.
During her reign, Hatshepsut had the military go on an expedition to the
land of Punt. Egyptians had not visited this mysterious land in over 500
years. Punt is now believed to have been Eritea or Uganda. The trade
expedition brought a number of exotic items such as ivory, incense. This
successful journey further secured Hatshepsut’s place as leader of Egypt.
King of Upper and Lower Egypt. However, she was not pretending to be a
man but to secure her position as ruler of Egypt. Historians believe that
while holding court she wore feminine clothing. Some historians believe
that she may have also planned to have her daughter Neferure succeed
her as pharaoh. Neferure was depicted wearing the traditional garb of a
prince. But there is also evidence to suggest that after her father’s death,
Neferure took on her mother’s role as Queen in religious and official
ceremonies. She became the royal wife of Thutmose III and may have
borne his eldest son. Still other scholars say that Neferure died as a teen.
By ruling as pharaoh, Hathshepsut effectively blocked Thutmose III from
assuming full power. He was sent off to the military and eventually became
the commanding chief of the army. Hatshepsut never was depicted as
inferior to Thutmose III. In fact, he was always represented as standing
behind her, an affront to his masculinity. Hatshepsut may have assumed
the role of pharaoh in response to a political crisis. This move could
actually have been an effort to secure the throne for her stepson/nephew
Thutmose III. In ancient Egyptian culture the pharaoh was regarded with
god-like status. She would not have been able to simply step down from
power once Thutmose III came of age. She would be pharaoh for life.
Hatshepsut surrounded herself with trusted advisers including her chief
architect, Senenmut. He was a tutor for her daughter and some scholars
have speculated that he and Hatshepsut were lovers. He had
unprecedented influence and privileges. She is known for being one of the
most prolific builders of ancient Egypt. She is the first pharaoh to build a
tomb in what is now known as the Valley of Kings. Her memorial temple
complex includes a work of perfect symmetry predating the Greek
Parthenon by 1000 years. “Djeser Djeseru” is built into a cliff on top of
terraces that once were graced with lush gardens. It is known by Egyptians
as the Wonder of Wonders. The complex features over 100 images of
Hatshepsut. It was designed by Senenmut; the artwork on the walls tells
Hatshepsut’s life story including the mythical birth story. She had her
father’s remains moved to this grand tomb. The buildings of the mortuary
complex are considered to be among the great buildings of the ancient
world.
During her reign, Hatshepsut had the military go on an expedition to the
land of Punt. Egyptians had not visited this mysterious land in over 500
years. Punt is now believed to have been Eritea or Uganda. The trade
expedition brought a number of exotic items such as ivory, incense. This
successful journey further secured Hatshepsut’s place as leader of Egypt.
All that remains of one of the
larger-than-life Osirid statues
fronting Hatshepsut's mortuary
temple at Deir el Bahri.
larger-than-life Osirid statues
fronting Hatshepsut's mortuary
temple at Deir el Bahri.
While at dinner with three other women of God, I was asked the question, "What does an Egyptian queen have to do with empowering Christian women? I mean, why are you giving glory to an Egyptian, when they persecuted Christians?" The question caught me off guard, and I replied, "I'm not really seeking to give her glory, but to learn her story and to tell it to other women." I didn't say much more that evening because the conversation topic changed. But the question lingered with me. What I really wanted to say to my sisters that evening is "Doesn't her story deserve to be heard? Doesn't it concern you that we've all heard about the torrid love affair of Cleopatra but this powerful woman was nearly erased from history? Hatshepsut ruled at a time when women were severely oppressed. “In Christianity, Liberation theology is a school of theology that focuses on Jesus Christ as not only the Redeemer, but also the liberator of the oppressed. It emphasizes the Christian mission to bring justice to the poor and oppressed, particularly through political activism. (Wikipedia.org). James H. Cone, an AME minister, is the leading theologian and advocate of Black Liberation Theology. According to Cone, “If the oppressed are to attain their freedom, they must begin to create a new style of communication which is consistent with their struggle for liberation. In part they must deny the accepted canons of logic, allowing the liberation struggle alone to be the logical test for meaningful discourse. Logical consistency, as defined by the oppressors, is irrelevant”(Dialogue on Black Theology). To develop a theology that speaks to African-Americans, James Cone begin with the person of Jesus, and specifically the Jesus revealed in the Gospel of Luke. In Luke's gospel, Jesus has a concern for the oppressed that is more pronounced than in the other gospels. Luke's Jesus begins his ministry by saying: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19). From this text, Cone draws a fundamental lesson about Jesus: his "work is essentially one of liberation." Jesus inaugurates "an age of liberation in which 'the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news preached to them.'" (Luke 7:22) "In Christ," Cone argues, "God enters human affairs and takes sides with the oppressed. Their suffering becomes his; their despair, divine despair." One will find this same theme and logic in Womanist Theology, which focuses itself on the liberation of African-American Women. “ The goals of womanist theology include interrogating the social construction of black womanhood in relation to the Black community and to assume a liberatory perspective so that African American women can live emboldened lives within the African American community and within the larger society.” (wikipedia.org). In her book, Sisters in the Wilderness, Delores Williams defines womanism: “Womanist theology is a prophetic voice concerned about the well-being of the entire African American community, male and female, adults and children. Womanist theology attempts to help black women see, affirm, and have confidence in the importance of their experience and faith for determining the character of the Christian religion in the African American community. Womanist theology challenges all oppressive forces impeding black women’s struggle for survival and for the development of a positive, productive quality of life conducive to women’s and the family’s freedom and well-being. Womanist theology opposes all oppression based on race, sex, class, sexual preference, physical ability, and caste” (wikipedia.org) It is the theme and logic of Womanist Theology that is the foundation of ROSES. It is our belief that exploring history and expanding our knowledge of women's contributions to modern society and ancient civilizations, will affirm and empower women. We want women to have confidence in their femininity and the courage to challenge any oppressive force that would seek to hinder their spiritual development. We want to encourage women to improve their quality of life, by admitting their shortcomings and errors. It is our hope that we will learn from the mistakes and achievements of our forebears. - Rev. Yolonda Fakir |
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