When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up

by Jamie Janosz

When Others Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up is the story of eight women called to serve God and who, in doing so, changed the world. They lived at the turn of the century, rubbing shoulders with the well-known men of their time, like John Rockefeller, Marshall Field, and Dwight Lyman Moody. These women—Fanny Crosby, Mary McLeod Bethune, Nettie McCormick, Sarah Dunn Clarke, Emma Dryer, Virginia Asher, Evangeline Booth, and Amanda Berry Smith—were unique. They were single and married, black and white, wealthy and poor, beautiful and plain, mothers and childless. Yet, each felt called to make a difference and to do something—to meet a pressing need in her world. These women wanted to live lives less ordinary. Their stories inspire us to follow God’s calling in our own lives. They teach us that each individual person can make a difference. These eight women will show you how God can use your life to change the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, History, Biography, Religion, Biography Memoir, Faith

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Jamie Janosz is a writer, wife, mother, and works as the Content Strategy Manager at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Her writing has appeared in Christianity Today's Her.meneutics blog, Catapult online magazine, and other sites. She is a contributing author to Moody’s monthly devotional Today in the Word and the author of When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up.

Reviews

[Ruth Hoernig · Rating 5 out of 5]

My intent when beginning to read WHEN OTHERS SHUDDERED was to read a chapter a morning during my time with God. Oh so many mornings I simply couldn't help but read on to the next chapter. I've read many Biographies in the past for a Christian Book award given annually and this would have gotten my highest recommendation. I was inspired by each of the women portrayed. What struck me was how their flaws, or the circumstances of their lives seemed to disqualify them from service, yet they persevered in obedience to God. What an inspiration! Commitment and obedience.

[Jamie Janosz]

Now available as an audio book! Excited to announce this special release:
https://www.audible.com/pd/When-Other...

[Amanda Eastep · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will immediately be drawn in to these women's incredible stories of determination to make a difference. Whether or not you believe God was the source of their strength, you will be inspired. If you do believe, you'll be inspired in your own faith and by what God can do through you. Jamie's research is evident as she weaves fact into storytelling. Also obvious is her deep respect for these humble women who were also extraordinary world changers. This is a book that you will at points be compelled to read aloud to whomever sits beside you, then to your children and friends!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am grateful for the introduction to these extraordinary women. I am happy to pass this book along to my 11 year old daughter; may she be inspired by what a love for the Gospel compelled these women to do, and how God continues to use their ministries.

[R.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Synopsis:

“Travel back in time to turn-of-the-century America. Skirts trailed the floor, hats were a must, and corsets were commonplace. People traveled by horse and carriage, locomotive, or ship. The first skyscrapers were built. The World’s Fair arrived in Chicago.

Life was swiftly changing in the United States, but for most, it was also difficult. Men and women flooded cities in a desperate search for work. Former slaves fled north seeking freedom and education. Crime began to rise as brothels and saloons became commonplace in American cities.

It was in this world that Fanny Crosby, Mary McLeod Bethune, Nettie McCormick, Sarah Dunn Clarke, Emma Dryer, Virginia Asher, Evangeline Booth, and Amanda Berry Smith lived and worked and served. They were ordinary women called to serve God. They followed His leading, risking their own safety and reputation. In doing so, they changed the world forever.

The stories of these eight historic, faithful women will change your life as well as you see what God can do through the willing hearts of ordinary women.”

My Review:

This book was great! It was written very well and I love the way it is laid out. It is not like a biography that just talks about facts or what that person did, it is written in a fiction sort of way, telling the story of each woman. The book is also little, so you are not intimidated by endless words of nonfiction (I am a fiction gal, so if I pick up a nonfiction book, it either never gets finished or it is very small….)

Each woman has three chapters to herself, starting with their childhood, then progressing into the rest of their life. There are quotes from each woman filled throughout the book, as well as favorite scriptures, and accomplishments.

I really enjoyed reading about these women and I encourage you to pick up a copy! It makes for a great history substitute!

“I received this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”

[Dawn Pulgine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight women – bold, tenacious, persistent, and driven. Each unique, yet similar in their passion to serve God and people. The kind of women that many desire to be.

When Others Shuddered is a compilation of their individual stories and their impactful lives. Jamie Janosz, a wife, mother, writer, and professor of communications at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, delves back to the turn-of-the-century. Back to a time when it was believed that women made better homemakers than humanitarians.

Not these women!

Get to know Fanny, Emma, Nettie, Sarah, Amanda, Virginia, Evangeline, and Mary! Why? Because they were “gutsy women who acted an awful lot like Jesus!” When life got tough they were tireless. When their ministries floundered they were fierce. When they suffered poverty they persisted. They believed. No obstacle was too big for them, and God always showed up.

Christian or not, When Others Shuddered will speak to any woman’s heart because these servants gave of themselves much like today's woman. They gave of their lives to “serve a sinful and broken world.” They gave all they had and “refused to give up.”

I love this book because it calls me to higher service and greater persistence. I cherish it, because it reminds me of God’s faithfulness. I recommend it, because it is about ordinary women leading extraordinary lives. The kind of life I long to live.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for our book club this month and absolutely loved it!! This tells the stories of 8 women in Chicago in the late 1800s-early 1900s and really made a difference for many people. These are 8 short easy to read biographies that may leave you wanting to read more about them! It was also interesting to read the history of early Chicago, Moody, the Chicago fire and the World's Fair. These were women who went against what was expected of them to make a difference in the world. I hope this author does another book like this!

[Andie Roeder Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this lovely little book by my professor/mentor/friend Jamie Janosz. For women of ambition, strength, and faith, it's a comforting and challenging look at like-minded women who went before us. For those interested in the history of Chicago or Moody, it's a fascinating collection of stories about a few key players. She researched this well, and the gorgeous illustrations are also by my friend Jonathan Critcher! I highly recommend it!

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanny Crosby, Mary McLeod Bethune, Nettie McCormick, Sarah Dunn Clarke, Emma Dryer, Virginia Asher, Evangeline Booth, and Amanda Berry Smith was the names of the women presented in this book. Each story was inspiring to all Christian women. How did they meet the challenges that God had set for them is an amazing feat. I found the lives of these women extremely inspiring.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book!! So glad I read it. I'd love to read it again. I pray that I can make my own unique path of faithfulness and serving the Lord in my lifetime.

Quotes from the book:
This book focuses on women who lived from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. This was a time of significant change in the US. Women wanted to do more, to serve in more daring ways, to have a noble purpose, to achieve things for God that reached beyond the sphere of their home. (p. 13)

A walk with each women through her struggles and triumphs. (p. 14)

Fanny Crosby 1820-1915
The Crosbys came from Puritan stock - with a solid Christian faith and a strong, serious work ethic. She became blind when she was just 6 weeks old. She developed a cold and a traveling "doctor" prescribed a hot mustard poultice and it left her eyes burned and she was blind (p. 18)

Fanny happily accepted her blindness and believed it led her to do great things in her life. She was a happy and sunny girl. She continued to be spirited and positive in her final years. "I have been careful of cultivating a sunny disposition...I made up my mind years ago that I would never become a disagreeable old woman." She refused to let her blindness, or the trials of life result in a negative perspective. "Suffering is no argument for God's displeasure but a part of the fiber of our lives." (p. 33)

Her life had echoed the Scriptures, as she saw God's will most clearly when her own abilities had failed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (p. 40)

"Emma" Emeline Dryer 1835-1925
She prayed to God asking for His guidance in her life. She asked friends of hers to pray with her that she might understand God's will for her life. They all wrote back and said "yes" she should remain in Christian work. Her dream was to create a training school for young men and women to be trained for Christian service in the church, Sunday s"nchools & missions and to serve families everywhere. (p. 46)

"Nettie" Nancy Fowler McCormick 1835-1923
Cyrus and Nettie never believed their own personal happiness was the primary goal of life. They wanted to honor God and serve others. What would they do with the abundance that God had given them? (p. 63)

Tremendous riches and devastating loss...It was October 1871 & the Chicago fire had gone through the city leaving 1000s homeless. The McCormick family home and factory were destroyed. The McCormick's were extremely wealthy but also abundantly wealthy. Nettie loved the idea that they were investing their temporary riches in the eternal value of God's word. (p. 64-65)

Nettie was often alone as her husband traveled for work. She struggled with loneliness. Also, as a woman of important standing in society, everything she said and did was noticed and critiqued. Despite her personal troubles, Nettie continued to trust in God. One friend said, "she had the most marvelous spiritual life. She had a personal God whom she wrestled with in prayer and supplication and whom she served all day long." (p. 65-67)

Cyrus died a wealthy and world-renowned man, but also a man of deep and unwavering commitment to God. His last words were, "It's alright. I only want heaven." While Cyrus went to heaven, Nettie would face many more years without him on earth. She had a business to run, a family to attend and a great deal of money to give away. (p. 68)

The Wealthiest Woman in Chicago - "Yes, money is power," said Nettie, "but I have always tried not to trust in it, but rather use it for the glory of my Master." (p. 69)

Although the McCormicks did have lavish homes, Nettie always put charity ahead of personal desire. One time, she looked around her home and said, "We do need new curtains, but I would rather spend it for a school." (p. 73)

When Nettie died in 1923, she was 88, her estate was valued at $15 million, which would be over $200 million today. She had given to over 446 institutions over her lifetime. Yet, she was not remembered as much for her material wealth, but for her warmth, gracious spirit & generous personality. She cared about each person and took a vivid interest in the work of Christ, knowing that her treasure, truly, was in heaven. (p. 74)

Sarah Dunn Clarke 1835-1918

One day, they found that they did not have enough money to pay the rent. They were unable to delay payment, so George and Sarah stayed up the entire night praying to God to send them the rent money. The work of the mission was going to well and demand for care so pressing, that the Clarkes could not imagine shutting their doors, even for one night. They prayed for help and asked God to allow them to continue to trust in Him. The next day, a miracle happened. When the Clarkes awoke, they found that the entire yard of their home was covered with mushrooms. These were not ordinary mushrooms, but the best quality type and far ahead of season. They gathered them and sold them to a hotel. The payment was more than enough to pay the needed rent, with some left to spare. Sarah wrote about it, "No mushrooms were ever seen there before - and not any since." (p. 83)

Amanda Smith 1837-1915
Amanda's husband was killed in the Civil War. She was a young widow. Even in those difficult years, she continued to feel a strong sense of God's presence. Her life was simple and she worked long hours, yet she wrote. "I found out it wasn't necessary to be a nun or to be isolated to have communion with Jesus; but, though your hands are employed in doing your daily business; it is no bar to the soul's communion with Jesus. Many times over my wash tub and ironing table, and while making my bed and sweeping my house and washing my dishes I have had some of the richest blessings." (p. 95)

At each turn, God met her financial and personal needs - never far in advance or in abundance - but just enough to meet that moment's needs. (p. 99)

Philippians 4:19 "My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." God would supply her needs - all of them - her financial worries and personal worries should be set aside since she was the daughter of the King. (p. 101)

In Africa, the people's educational, spiritual and physical needs overwhelmed her. She wished her supporters in America could with her and see what she was seeing. She never asked for money - she had never operated that way - but would only make her requests be known to God. Weeks went by without any funds arriving. She would open envelopes with letters, but no money. She continued to pray. Two weeks later, she started receiving envelopes with money. God showed her that when she depended fully on Him, that He would provide. (p. 103)

Evangeline Booth 1865-1950
"It is not how many years that we live, but rather what we do with them." (p. 158)

Two little children walked up to Eva and said, "How do you do?" and she replied, "How do YOU do?" The little girl said, "Are you the lady that is always doing something for somebody?" Eva was touched by this b/c that had exactly described the Salvation Army's work. (p. 160)

She wrote: "What is religion?" It's a life in harmony with the will of God. It permeates everything it is of no value unless it molds and governs every circumstance of life." (p. 161)

Mary McLeod Bethune 1875-1955
Each night she would pray to God that she could be educated & most of all, be delivered from the crabgrass. (p. 168)

Whatever Mary did, she did it with excellence and a positive spirit. (p. 170)

After completing her one year study at Moody and filling out the application for missionary service, she received stunning news. They had no openings for Negro women in Africa. As she had done so often before, she turned to God in prayer. "Whenever the Lord says no to me," said Mary, "I look into my heart and search my motives. For it is only the selfless me that God can use. At Moody, I saw that part of my wanting to go to Africa was a desire for travel. So I gave it up." (p. 171)

She wanted her home to be a place of inspiration for others - the demonstration of how dreams can become reality. Mary wrote: "When I wake up in the morning and look around, see my glass windows, I see my Bible on the table, see the rug on my floor, my bathroom, my bathtub, I have a thanksgiving in my heart for what God has done for me." (p. 182)

Conclusion - Being that Kind of Woman

We need to be that kind of woman. We need to be women who do not "shudder" in the face of fearful or uncomfortable situations, but who do the right thing and bravely step forward in faith. These women teach us that being a woman of faith is not always easy, but it is always rewarding.
Each of us has an individual path to follow - no two look the same. What they have in common: 1) experienced hardship, 2) served with faithfulness, 3) bravely faced opposition, 4) ignored societal rules, 5) found their value in Christ alone (p. 183-186)

[Dana Kamstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite a bit different from what I was expecting. I was interested in reading about the women in this book. There were only a couple of names that I recognized, like Fanny Crosby for example, and I could hardly tell you anything about her beyond the fact that she wrote hymns.

Jamie Janosz blends between creative narration and writing out the facts about these women. Sometimes her approach comes across as a bit more of a story, and I really wish she would have stuck with that style a bit more than what she did. I was drawn in and more engaged with this novel when that happened. But often, she would take the reader to more of a bird’s eye view of these women’s lives, and summarizing them.

The layout was quite well done. Each woman had three chapters telling about her life. Most of the chapters spanned from birth or young child and ended with when she died. In between, Janosz wrote about her accomplishments and hardships, as well as some of the relationships, marital, friendships, or professional, each woman formed in her life. After every couple of women, there would be a short chapter discussing the affairs most prevalent to women of the time, things like education or suffrage.

At just under 200 pages, this book was a pretty quick read. The way it is broken up also makes it easy to put down and pick right back up. There are discussion questions in the back of the book that would help a small group utilize this book for a study.

**I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review**

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Unsung and unknown women have the greatest share in pushing on God's work among the lost" (89). I, for one, am thankful that Jamie Janosz has done the work of researching each of these notable women and is now singing their praises.

This was an inspiring and encouraging first book of the year. Each of these eight women had a particular vision for where their talents and passion could meet the great needs of the world. Each of them was convinced that the word of God and prayer could accomplish mighty things and they sought out the poorest, the rowdiest, the farthest, the least of these in order to share with them the riches of God's word. I was inspired by the sincerity of their convictions and their sacrifices. Rather than a how to or self help book, I was glad to read a book of stories that inspired me to find a way to serve the least of these. And now I've got eight new female role models to share with my daughters as well.

(Is it weird that for some reason I got hung up on the fact that the title never truly seemed to fit. Where are these "others" who "shuddered"? These women were determined, sure, but the title kept bugging me. That said, the catchy title and quirky cover design were appealing enough to make me buy the book... And I don't regret that!)

[Lisa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book leaves you asking what influence do I have that can make a difference in others lives and spreading the Gospel.

[Carol Van Der Woude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I posted a review on my blog: www.carolvanderwoudern.com

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by Aunt Joan. It's amazing how much one single person can accomplish (with the help of God). It's amazing how much one person can change the world.

[Sara Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Very inspirational.

[Debbie Beeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring.

[Donna Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking

I learned about women not usually mentioned in history. Makes me evaluate my own life. Also gave me ideas for things I can do.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up by Jamie Janosz contains eight short biographies of women who lived between 1820 and 1955 who influenced their world for God. They came from different walks of life: some single, some married, some wealthy, some former slaves. They were ordinary women except, as the title indicates, they didn’t “shudder,” they didn’t turn away from circumstances or tasks that many of us would have, and thus they can inspire us.

They are: Fanny Crosby, Emma Dryer, Nettie McCormick, Sarah Dunn Clark, Amanda Smith, Virginia Asher, Evangeline Booth, and Mary Mcleod Bethune.

Along with more detail about the life and faith of these women, there are three chapters on “Woman and Education,” “Women in Missions,” and “Women in Politics,” detailing a bit of the history of the times in each of those areas. A final chapter wraps up “Being That Kind of Woman,” discussing some of the key features they had in common. None had a trouble-free life: some dealt with poverty, health issues, marital problems, deaths of children, opposition. None were faultless or flawless. But each sought to follow God in the way that He led them and relied on Him for what they needed to do so.

Most of them had some connection with D. L. Moody and/or the Moody Bible Institute. That’s because the author is a professor at Moody and her initial research into Emma Dryer’s life led her to a study of all these women.

If you like biographies, you will probably like this book. If you don’t like biographies but feel you might be able to take them in smaller doses, this book is worth a try. If you like hearing how God has worked in people’s lives and get inspired by them in your own – which is why I like biographies – you will glean a lot from this book.

My full review is here: https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2017/0...

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Others Shuddered was a really enjoyable read. Janosz makes these 8 women's lives come alive in a way that conveys plenty of history without the writing becoming too heavy. I also, wasn't aware when I started this book that all these women would be interlinked with each other and with D.L Moody. At first, I was little bummed about it, but as I kept reading it really inspired me to see how God networked his children to work together. Each of these women was somehow connected but at the same time pursued God's personal call for their lives. It's like each woman was a drop of paint and on their own, they were beautiful colors, but when seen together it turned to be a masterpiece of art.

Another thing I really loved was that I have never heard of any of these women before. It was like discovering these hidden gems in our past. And I am astonished for how much they accomplished in a time when women were told to stay home and raise the kids. It did make me sad about the marriages that had problems, and for so many children to die. I can't imagine how much harder life was back then.

I received this book for free for my honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eight women's lives spanned from mid 1800s to mid 1900s. Fanny Crosby and Evangeline Booth are probably the most well known, but the other women were also what we can call today influencers, positive influencers, on society. Their stories inspired me as they overcame challenges, loved and served God, and were persistent in their callings. The book ends with the biography of Mary McLeod Bethune, born to parents who were slaves, raised in poverty, became educated by God's provision, founded schools to educate black children and young people, and appointed by FDR as Special Advisor for Minority Affairs. Her statue representing the State of Florida was just dedicated in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capital in July, 2022. She and the other seven women in this book are women to emulate.

[Tomi Alger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about women who felt the call of God on their lives and then lived to spread God's love and minister to others. Women include Fanny Crosby, Emma Dryer, Nettie McCormick,, Sarah Dunn Clarke, Amanda Smith, Virginia Asher, Evangeline Booth, and Mary McLeod Bethume. As the author pointed out: they endured hardships, served with faithfulness, bravely faced opposition, ignored societal rules, and found their value in Christ alone. It is an interesting and valuable read.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aug. 2020: 3⭐️

It was really cool to read about these women and the work they did to fight injustice and share God's love and glory. However, the writing in this book wasn't particularly good — it read like some of my middle school essays at times and it couldn't really keep me engaged for very long. Also, the way the author, who is white, described and characterized the experiences of the two Black women in this book did not sit well with me at times.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about all these ladies. There was something about each woman that contained information that I did not know. I had heard of all the woman but one. I wasn't aware of the relationship to Moody Bible Institute to all of these.
IT made for a very good discussion at book group.

[David Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not Great

I liked the fact hat the author tackled a subject that his often over-looked but I would have liked to have seen more discernment on the women who were chosen to write about. Not all of them were Scriptural in their work.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of the UMW Reading Program. Women who were strong in times when it was difficult to be strong. These are women who members of United Methodist Women strive to be like.

Easy to read and understand.

[Angela Mitchener · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded to 3 simply because the writing needs some good editing. There were moments of such distraction due to the style of writing. But the actual stories of these women are so impactful. Their stories definitely need told.

[Janet]

UMW Reading Program 2020

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

United Methodist Women’s reading book club choice. Interesting read,

[Sarah Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved learning the history and these amazing women! The book felt very academic in it's "story telling"