Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us

Written by Jasmine L. Holmes

Narrated by Lauren Angel

Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Maria Fearing, Charlotte Forten Grimke, Sarah Mapps Douglass, Sara Griffith Stanley, Amanda Berry Smith, Lucy Craft Laney, Maria Stewart, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

These names may not be familiar, but each one of these women was a shining beacon of devotion in a world that did not value their lives. They worked to change laws, built schools, spoke to thousands, shared the Gospel around the world. And while history books may have forgotten them, their stories can teach us so much about what it means to be modern women of faith.

Through the research and reflections of author Jasmine Holmes, you will be inspired by what each of these exceptional women can teach us about the intersections of faith and education, birth, privilege, opportunity, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominantly white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books and church history to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith.

Join Jasmine on this journey of illuminating these women-God's image-bearers, carved in ebony.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChristianAudio.com
• Release date: Nov 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781545919385

Jasmine L. Holmes

Jasmine L. Holmes has written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Fathom Mag, Christianity Today, and The Witness. She is also a contributing author for Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Our Identity in Christ and His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God. She teaches humanities in a classical Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where she and her husband, Phillip, are parenting two young sons.

Reviews for Carved in Ebony

[Tracy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great narration. I enjoyed the retelling of the lives of these black women that I probably would never of known. Author did excellent research to write this book. The book made me want to take a closer look into black history.

[Taylor Bays · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent read! Thank you, Jasmine Holmes, for these beautiful stories!

[nadinec.keels · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While Black women have played critical roles in the shaping of American and church history, so many of their names are often left out of history books. Author Jasmine L. Holmes highlights ten of these American women in Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us.Now, I won't take for granted that everyone knows this: This biography/memoir isn't just for Black people to read. You don't have to be a woman to read it either, any more than biographies and memoirs about men should only be read by men. This book is for anyone with an interest in American history, especially pertaining to church history in America.I appreciate a certain kind of balance the author applies to this narrative. She conveys the importance of the admirable work and accomplishments of the women in this book without placing them on pedestals, as if they must have been flawless figures that everyone should agree with on every theological or social point. The author doesn't shy away from unsavory aspects of history that others don't always touch (for instance, someone being an abolitionist didn't necessarily mean that person loved or accepted Black people), but the book isn't a mere indictment of America's shortcomings or wrongdoings either.The author uses a nuanced brush to illustrate history here in a way that makes a case for faith while serving as a challenge to herself and to the reader. And her points I found most inspiring are that fame is not the only measure of one's impact, and even an impact that isn't broad can be deep._________Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes brings together the author’s life experiences and multiple biographies as she offers lessons and thoughts about living life as a Black woman of faith. Each chapter commences with an engaging story or narrative before relating the biography of the featured woman. Holmes then concludes the chapter by reflecting on the woman’s life and offers her own hopes for the future.Carved in Ebony features ten women who were chosen because of their activism and deep faith. Elizabeth Freeman, Sara Griffith Stanley, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Amanda Berry Smith, Maria Fearing, Maria Stewart, Lucy Craft Laney, Charlotte Forten Grimke, and Sarah Mapps Douglass. All these women were previously unknown to me and each one amazed me with their bravery as they lived out spiritual truths and led faithful lives. As a mid-thirties, white woman, I may not be in the target audience for Carved in Ebony, but I am glad I read this book because I learned from the featured women as well as the author’s perspective. Not only are there truths that challenge and encourage me, but the book offers insight into what it means to be a Black woman in today’s evangelical church culture. It grieves me that racism still exists and that it is alive in today’s church. Despite the evils against her Black ancestors, the author doesn’t hate on white people. She detests racism and American chattel slavery, but she does not abhor other people based on their skin color.I recommend Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women who Shape Us by Jasmine L. Holmes to any Christian woman who is willing to listen to the stories of others with an open mind and willingness to grow.Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.