Women in the Bible are often forgotten about. Marina Hofman hopes to change that by putting them front and centre in her book, Women in the Bible: Small Group Bible Study.

In 2014, Marina and her husband were involved in a fatal head-on collision north of Toronto.   

"We didn't know if we'd survive," said Marina. "I incurred four lacerations to my bowels and was nearly dead when I reached the hospital. But God preserved my life. At the crash site, within seconds, I was surrounded by emergency workers who prevented me from moving, thus saving my life."

Marina says the women in the Bible helped her overcome the challenges she faced following that incident. 

"Before the accident, I was studying women in the Bible, in an academic sense," Hofman explains. "But after the accident, when I revisited these stories, I really saw other dynamics."

"I realized these women were in situations so much like my own. They were desperate and faced major limitations. In a sense, many of them are broken. I found such incredible inspiration. When I got better and was able to write again, I thought, I want to share these stories with other women because they encouraged and inspired me."

In her book Women in the Bible: Small Group Bible Study, Hofman examines, in each chapter, one woman's story from a fresh and positive perspective and addresses faithfulness, redemption, justice, friendship, and triumph through adversity.

Hoffman also included a study guide with each story that provides insights and key questions to encourage thoughtful reflection and lively conversation.

Today on Connections, Marina shares her powerful story of survival and the inspiration behind her book. She'll also share why we need to shine a light on the women in the Bible.