When a Prophet Arrives, Let Her Speak

Sunday, September 7, 2025

The Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp (he/they)

Executive Director, LOVEboldly

Queer Christian

As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore, Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.”

(1 Samuel 1:12-15)

Women, particularly BIPOC women and trans women, have been devalued, extremely limited in their social, political, and religious roles, and practically turned into baby-making figure heads to show off in public while their husbands are given nearly limitless freedom to pursue whatever careers, hobbies, or passions—including women not their wives—they choose. Of course, this dehumanization of women is even more powerful in white supremacist, colonial, and Eurocentric narratives.

North American Indigenous traditions and cultures long situated women as leaders as have other pre-colonial cultures around the world.

Despite their marginalization, women have shown up as leaders in many contexts from their local communities to global affairs and not only in the last two hundred years. For example, many people of many identities know to stay out of the way of a Black woman on a mission, in fact many of the rights we enjoy today were won through the efforts of Black women who either got tired of waiting or knew from the start that waiting wasn’t an option. Yet, when women prophets arrive men and often other women treat them like Eli treated Hannah. All the worse, girls are taught that smiling and sinking into the background is the best way to be in the world.

Reflection

If you’re a cisgender man, how have you contributed to the marginalization of women? If you’re answer is “I haven’t” you need to keep thinking.

If you’re not a cisgender man, take a break and do something good for yourself.

Action

When you meet a woman prophet, listen to her.