25/12/2021
I want to tell you my most favourite historical midwife story of all time:
The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, ‘when you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the birth stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him, but if it is a girl, let her live’. The midwives however were followers of God and so did not do what the King of Egypt had told them to do. Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, ‘why have you done this?!’ The midwives answered, (this is my favourite!) ‘Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women, they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive’...
they were such badasses! Defying the King of Egypt, Their slave master and oppressor! It takes courage, resolve and faith to be so bold as to stand up against such an authority... midwives are still doing it today- defending and supporting women and babies despite what is expected of them under repressive governance. This Christmas, I salute you midwives 🤟🏼✊🏼
Wishing you all a restful holiday season. For me, this is a time to remember the birth of Jesus and reflect on his life.... also, what a woman Mary was, giving birth outside the system 😄...
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