Seller of Purple

I would like to pay tribute to one of my favorite heroines of the Bible, St. Lydia of Thyatira. In Acts 16, we learn that Lydia, St. Paul's first European convert (along with her entire household), was a successful businesswoman--a dealer in purple dye, or purple cloth. She opened her home to the follwers of Jesus Christ, and risked all that she had gained in order to further the Gospel. Her hospitality and generosity are not as widely known as they might be, so I believe it is important to spread the story of her conversion when I have the chance. Let her story be an inspiration to women to open our hearts and homes to serving others and the Lord.