This is one of the questions that is just for fun! Of course there is no right or wrong answers. Please do not be bound by race, religion etc. And be creative. Joy in Christ!

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

Answers

Well, "ever" is certainly a long time, but in the interest of "fun", and without long thought, here we go:

1. MaryNot only is her willingness to be used of God a special example of leadership, her role in the Catholic Church remains influential throughout the world today.
2. CleopatraThe alliance between Egypt and Rome reshaped world politics and allowed for cross-culturization. Rome became an empire soon after encountering this African Queen.
3. Queen Elizabeth I She carried forth a mandate and colonial imperative that led to the saying "The Sun never sets on the British Empire." English, as a result, is certainly one of the more dominant languages in international circles.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt The former UN ambassador did much as First Lady to carry out the policies of her husband. She was strong when it was not yet politically correct to be so.
5. My Mother What can I say? She influenced me in everything!

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

Since you asked, ignoring Mary [mother of Jesus] here goes..........

5. Marie Curie [1st scientist to win not one but TWO Noble Prizes]

4. Cleopatra [her myth is actually larger than real life]

3. Harriet Tubman [no greater fighter for freedom & justice]

2. Queen Victoria [her rule profoundly defined Western culture]

and my #1 influential woman of all time ......[drum rolls please!!!]

1. Mother Theresa [her compassion for the poor was simply unmatched] QED

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

Jerryl and Bill I love your lists. Umm but I did not a glaring omission YOUR WIFES are not mentioned. I am sure this was a software problem and their names will be listed later;-) Here is my list. Not in any particular order. 1.) Mary McCleod Bethune 2.) Oprah Winfrey 3.) Mary the Mother of Jesus 5.) Golda Meir

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

To Jerryl and Bill sorry about the typo's In my above post. I was so shocked that your fabulous wives were not mentioned. I could not type. Because we all know that without your wifes the two of you would be on a chain gang somewhere. (heehee, I am so funny!)

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

Deborah (The Judge) Eleanore Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, Ophra Winfrey, and My mama

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

In rereading my list I forgot to list the fourth woman who was influential. Drum roll........Nina Simone

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

Denise, I thought your original question asked for the most "influential" not the most "inspirational". My wife is indeed inspirational since she fulfills my dual "love demands" - philios and eros as well as the being the mother of my children :-) I am a prisoner of her love [I think I may have uttered a rare profound thought] so in her absence I might very well be assisting in the roadside beautification programs, e.g. chain gang member. QED

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2001

Yeah, what he said! :-)

Slightly abashed,

-- Anonymous, March 15, 2001