I never thought to explain it, probably because I never asked any of my friends or family if there was a story to the name of their child. This is the story of Saint Clare:
Clare was a beautiful Italian noblewoman who became the Foundress of an order of nuns called "Poor Clares." When she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach, her heart burned with a great desire to imitate Francis and to live a poor humble life for Jesus. So one evening, she ran away from home, and in a little chapel outside Assisi, gave herself to God. Her parents tried in every way to make her return home, but Clare would not.
Soon her sister, Saint Agnes joined her. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Yet they were very happy, because Our Lord was close to them all the time. Once, He saved them from a great danger in answer to Clare's prayer. An army of rough soldiers came to attack Assisi and they planned to raid the convent first. Although very sick, Clare had herself carried to the wall and right there, where the enemies could see it, she had the Blessed Sacrament placed. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters.
"O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." At the same time a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could. Saint Clare was sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she said that no pain could trouble her. So great was her joy in serving the Lord that she once exclaimed: "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?" We should remember this miracle of the Blessed Sacrament when in Church.
Blessed Lord,
Through her form of life,
Clare held firm to her dream
of following the gospel way,
her absolute poverty
made her spiritually rich.
I begin to write
my own form of life;
and ponder long
on how to fulfill my dream.
Amen.
"Abigail"
Abigail Adams, wife to our second President - John Adams, is considered one of the best letter writers in America. It would be through her insightful and communicative nature that she described in vivid detail, clarity and humor, the new nation, the American family, the revolution and war, and the new capital. In many respects, she could be described as a very strong willed driven woman, and one of the first feminists.
Having written letters almost on a daily basis, she mentioned events, ideas, her impressions, and personalities. In one of her many letters to her husband when he was in Congress, she wrote, "Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors...If particular care is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation." Abigail, who was very well-informed, served as an advisor and alter ego to her husband throughout his career.
In 1788 they moved into the finest mansion they could find in Quincy. During the years before her husband would become president, Abigail spent her time managing their new home, devoting much of her time to her children and husband, including the years her husband was the vice-president, as well as her continued writing and involvement in women's issues.
When John Adams became President of the United States, Abigail became the mistress of the President's House. Here she undertook the enormous job of opening the new presidential mansion, which was not yet completed, that was later to be known as The White House. She was quite inventive, having to use many makeshift ideas to get by, as well as use the audience rooms for clothes drying. Abigail entertained on quite a number of occasions, and did so in a formal fashion. To accomplish this, she shut off many of the unfinished rooms and made use of the ones she was able to heat. In her entertaining, she shared the belief, and that of her husband, that the presidency should maintain the same dignity as the courts of Europe.
The same concern, advice and interest that she shared with her husband, she also maintained with her son, John Quincy, who received many letters from his mother as well. She never lost interest in his career, and he appreciated her advice during his diplomatic positions in Europe. Prior to her husband's term ending, she returned to Quincy to look after the home and her family, and suddenly, on October 28, 1818, she suffered a stroke and died. Unfortunately, this occurred when John Quincy was secretary of state, thus she never lived to see her son as president, six years later.
Abigail Adams was a great woman of strong convictions, wonderful intellect, masterful writing and outstanding wisdom. Not only was she instrumental in her husband and son's political careers, but was a forerunner in women's rights and advancements, making her one of America's most distinguished ladies.
"Abigail" in the bible - she was godly in that:
1) She was a wise woman – She recognized the need to humble herself and intercede for her people before David and was willing to do so (1 Samuel 25:28).
2) She was a courageous woman – Abigail risked her life, firstly by not telling her husband of her plans. In those times women were their husband’s property. Nabal was a wealthy man – she could have lost everything – even her life, for taking matters into her own hands. Secondly, going to meet David was very risky – can you imagine riding into that mountain ravine on a donkey (1 Samuel 25:20) and coming towards you are 400 men with swords and an angry leader at their head? (1 Samuel 25:13). But Abigail was a courageous woman and her motive was to plead for the lives of others – she didn’t think of herself – she was prepared to die.
3) She was a prophetic woman – Abigail spoke prophetic words to David. David realized this and as a result much bloodshed was averted that day (1 Samuel 25:33).
4) She was a faithful woman – She believed in God and spoke forth His message to David (1 Samuel 25:26). Abigail was rewarded for her faithfulness – she became wife to David, the future King (1 Samuel 25:42).
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