March is Women’s History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in our history. As such, here’s a list of five women in the Bible who changed the world.

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” – Luke 1:45

1. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the perfect example of completely surrendering to the will of God. An angel told Mary she would become the mother of the Savior, through the Holy Spirit, and despite the potential shame, she submitted and gave birth to Jesus, marrying Joseph and serving as parents to the Son of God. As the mother of Jesus, Mary bore much sorrow, including watching him crucified on Calvary, but she also saw him raised from the dead.

2. Sarah, the mother of Isaac, played a vital role in the Bible. As Abraham’s wife, she became the “mother of nations” as her offspring became the nation of Israel, which produced Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, because of her impatience, she influenced Abraham to father a child with Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian slave. Thanks to God, at 90, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Sarah reminds us that God’s promises always come true and to abide by his timing.

3. Jochebed, the mother of Moses, influenced history by surrendering her son to the will of God. When the Egyptians began killing the male babies of Hebrew slaves, Jochebed hid Moses in a basket and set it on the Nile River. When Pharaoh’s daughter found and adopted Moses as her own son God arranged it so Jochebed would be Moses’s wet nurse. Even though Moses was raised as an Egyptian, because of Jochebed he went on to lead his people to freedom.

4. Ruth was a virtuous young widow, who after the death of her husband remained with her mother-in-law, Naomi. When Naomi returned to Israel from Moab after a famine, Ruth pledged to follow Naomi and worship her God. Boaz went on to marry Ruth and rescued both her and Naomi from poverty.

5. Mary Magdalene, known as an important witness and follower of Jesus, traveled with him as one of his followers. After Jesus cast out seven demons from her, she remained loyal to him even after his death. In fact, she was the first to see him when he rose from the dead.

Who are your favorite women in the Bible? Share in the comments below.