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A woman architect in ancient times?

She’erah’s family is mentioned in five verses in 1 Chronicles 7:20- 24. In this brief detour from the list of genealogy, we learn some interesting facts.

She’erah is the granddaughter of Joseph (yes that Joseph with the coat of many colors, vizier to Pharaoh)

Two of her brothers get themselves killed for cattle rustling.

Her father, Ephraim, goes into deep mourning  for his sons.

There is a late-in-life baby (as a result of dad’s mourning)

and She’erah built Lower and Upper Beth Horon and Uzzen She’erah.

Then we are right back to the begats.

Wait, hold on. That’s all we get? What is the story behind her building these towns (two of which are still standing today)? What was the reaction of those around her?

Something I find helpful to remember is that when you know about someone’s family, you in a way know the person. With her grandfather being Joseph, suddenly we have opened a whole new world of what we know. She’erah and the clan would have had access to all of Egypt’s knowledge and resources. Where she still might have gotten backlash from her more Hebrew clan, Egyptian women had more independence, managing their husband’s estates, or even their own.

We also know the generational legacy that was passed down of the younger sibling being favored above the older. Ephraim over Manasseh, Joseph over his ten elder brothers, Jacob over Esau, Rachel over Leah, Isaac over Ishmael. I’m sure sibling rivalry could have been present.

So now we can see She’erah’s picture a little more clearly. A brilliantly minded woman determined to prove herself and her abilities. Raised in Egyptian courts, yet also Hebrew. A strange mix of cultures and dynamics that shape She’erah and nurture her gifts.

She’erah’s legacy is not only the towns she builds for  generations to come, but also how she starts the work of unearthing the deep-seated rivalry that is entrenched in her family.

I pray you’ll enjoy She’erah’s adventures, as she learns to trust the Lord and those around her.

Best Regards

Naomi

Author Interview from Naomi

1)Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

   She’erah’s character is so far from my own. She has big ideas and the need to be in control. Think of Lou Flemming from Heartland, or Dr. Mike from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Whereas their grand plans are truly necessary to their community—the doers wouldn’t get anything done if there was no dreamer casting the vision— they can come across as demanding and abrupt. There is only one way of doing things, and it’s their way. I found it difficult to get out of the way of my helpful, think through all the options, accommodating self to dial into She’erah’s drive. When I got stuck I would watch another episode of Heartland or Dr. Quinn to figure out what drove these powerhouses and what made She’erah get up in the morning.

2)Favorite/ Life Bible Verse

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for man. This is such a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be a pastor, missionary or Christian author to serve the Lord. You can serve the Lord by using your gifts and abilities. Are you stuck in a job you don’t love? You can work for God’s glory. Stay at home parent? Whatever you do… I went on a mission trip to inner-city Los Angeles in college. One of our stops was preparing meals for those who are HIV positive. I was fighting a cold and due to the people we were serving being immunocompromised, I was assigned to folding t-shirts in a cubicle (that probably are still in there to this day.) This wasn’t what I came to do. But the Lord pressed on my heart that verse and I realized serving God doesn’t have to be a grand production. Everything has value.

3)What is your vacation spot?

I love road trips!  This summer we vacationed in the Four Corners area. Our home base was in Cortez, and we took day trips to the surrounding areas. Exploring Durango, swimming in lakes in Utah and Colorado, Seeing the architectural wonders at Mesa Verde, taking a steam train, and enjoying family and the slower pace.

4)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair

You most definitely will see my rescue doge, Freeway. He hangs out near by and makes sure I’m staying on task. He makes sure he gives me breaks to adore him. He is (by our best guess) part German Shepherd, part Rottweiler,  maybe Shiba-Inu? He’s got short legs and a curly tale.

5)What does success as an author look like to you?

I love when I get word that people are reading and enjoying my books. I read each review on Amazon, and am encouraged when readers reach out to me and let me know that something spoke to them from the journeys my characters went on.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

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