ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of Etty Hillesum, Kathe Kollwitz, Caroline Stephen, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and Ita Ford. All six of these women used their talents of self-expression to build up community and to create hope in times of darkness, giving witness to the power of the integration of the human and the divine. Kathe Kollwitz shone through her expression of art. She used black and white in her prints and drawings because she believed in the power of line and gesture. Saint Teresa was a teacher of mystical doctrine and a poet. Robert Ellsberg summarizes Teresa’s life as a woman and a reformer who based her authority on private visions. Julian of Norwich wrote sixteen “showings” or revelations of God’s love and made a significant contribution to Catholic spirituality. Writing about the central problems of the spiritual life, Julian represented the feminine teacher and feminine insight that are rare in Christian traditions.
