I See the Cracks

Last night I had the incredible opportunity to be in a room filled with Baptist Women in Ministry and many of our supporters.  Baptist Women in Ministry (BWIM) celebrated their 30^th anniversary with a heartfelt, empowering, and community driven worship. For 30 years, BWIM has worked tirelessly to advocate, empower, and network with women all across the US.  Last night’s celebration was a wonderful mile marker of such hard work and dedication.   I was proud to be a part of such a wonderful group and I’m excited to see what the next 10 years has in store – when we reach the Promised Land of course.

I must say thank you to the mentors who have encouraged, prayed, and challenged me along my journey.  I would be remiss to not also say thank you to the naysayers who have forced me to stand firm against the storm, to the grenade throwers who have taught me how to minister while broken, and to the roadblocks who have given me new direction.  Thank you!

As I was captivated and inspired by the minds and hearts of countless women last night, I couldn’t help but feel the anguish they’ve felt over the years yet so filled with love.  The journey for Baptist Women in Ministry has been a long and tough road and will continue to be.  Due to the trailblazing efforts of countless women, who became the dynamite to open the path for more of us, I can say – I see the cracks.

The inspiring words spoken and sung, reminded that though we may become weary and tired, our hearts are pained, and our lives broken – we are broken people called to minister to broken people.  In order to move forward, the church must move past the age-old question of who is suitable for God’s work and put our strength and energy in doing God’s work.  We will not lose heart, we will extend the same grace we don’t deserve, and we will give God the glory and the honor for calling us precious children of God, and equipping us for kingdom work. 

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I look forward to the day when Bible verses become more than grenades and innocent, good intentioned people, are not caught in the crossfire.  I look forward to the day when we are ALL recognized as earthen vessels, called by God to for specific purposes. I look forward to the day when my fellow sisters in Christ are viewed as wonderfully created beings in the image of God and worthy of a calling into Ministry.

From the cold shoulders and the chipping of hearts,

I see the cracks.

From the pressure and heat of callous words and scrutiny, 

I see the cracks.

From the expansion of some entities and the contraction of others,

 I see the cracks.

The signs of endurance and stress from carrying the weight of such a heavy calling is evident,  

 I see the cracks.

 Pushing forward without discouragement has left its mark,

I see the cracks.

I see the cracks in the stained glass ceiling.  

I Don't Have the Answers

With great sorrow, I mourn with the community of Davie County, for a life that has ended so early in life.  Rather than ease the pain with clichés of “there’s a reason for everything” or “God needing an extra person,” may we comfort each other and find hope in the God who surpasses all understanding.

I don’t have the answers for why people get sick.  I don’t have the answers for why people are filled with hatred or hurt other people.  I don’t even have the answers for why people die before we would like them to. I just don’t. And neither does anyone else. 

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I would like to think that God doesn’t allow bad things to happen to good people.  But then again, what’s the good in that?  Bad things do happen to good people.  No, it is a not a sign of a gap in their faith, nor a test of their faith.  If we are to believe that God gives us free will, then we have no room to blame the evil deeds of our peers on him. It is complicated, no doubt, hard to understand.

Grief is a necessary emotion; Jesus grieved over the passing of a beloved friend in John 11:35.  The disciples grieved the persecution of their Savior, Mary grieved the loss of her son, Moses grieved for the oppression of his people, and many more. 

In the book of Hebrews, we are reminded that God will never leave us nor forsake us (13:5).  Though we do not understand the depths or breadth of God, nor do we understand the many facets of humanity, we can put our hope on the shoulders of someone much larger, our Heavenly Father.   

Take the time to grieve, it’s important.  When the time has come, you will know when you can move on.  Find comfort in those around you, express your struggles and complaints to God, give thanks for his continued presence, and share the love of Christ to God’s people. 

As you seek to minister to those around you, hang around, hug, and hush.  The ministry of presence speaks louder than words.  Be available to talk and pray, let them know you love and care for them, and then listen without trying to explain the grief away.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Philippians 4:7

Accidental Racism

Brad Paisley’s newest album, “Wheelhouse,” has sparked controversy across the web.  The song in question is entitled “Accidental Racist,” and features rapper LL Cool J.  While numerous critics have admitted this is neither artist’s best work, the song bears good intentions and uncovers a topic worth discussing.

In the song, Paisley asserts that his display of southern symbols, the rebel flag, represents his country pride. They should not be interpreted as racism. Cool J returns the sentiment by requesting that judgment not be passed over symbols, do-rag or gold chains, which he may display. Throughout the song, the two speak of years of suppression and the need for change. Whether you like the lyrics or not, the intentions are clear.  The duo is calling to action today’s generation to put aside age-old stereotypes. The question is, will we respond?

In the past two weeks, I have been more disheartened by the lack of grace and acceptance that is extended to all persons in my community, than I have in a long time.  This includes persons rejected for their race, political position, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientations, intellect, and more.  While I would like to give most the benefit of the doubt, if my observations are correct, there is more to the story.

In those frustrating times I had to remind myself that change is not an overnight process.  As a female in ministry, I also realize how crucial it is to tread lightly in such situations.  Nevertheless, I’m a follower of Christ.  As such, God calls me to live a life that extends the same kind of grace, acceptance, and forgiveness that God extends to me.

Our human nature causes us to be stuck in the mud of our sins. But it is through Jesus’ death and resurrection that we can be cleansed of the muck that covers our lives. With that new life, the role of judge is taken upon much larger shoulders and broader understanding than my own.

If I cannot live a blameless life, what right do I have to point out the sin in others?  Rather than condemn, spread hatred, and ignore entire groups of God’s children, I pray that I’m able to go on this journey with all my brothers and sisters, in love and respect.  

God calls me to love my neighbor, simple as that.  That means until the end of my days, I will love my white neighbor, love my black neighbor, my Muslim neighbor, my homosexual neighbor, and all my neighbors in between.  Will you do the same?

Bonhoeffer was hung 68 years ago today (April 9, 1945), at the age of 39, 
while imprisoned at Flossenbürg concentration camp in Nazi Germany. 
Twenty three days before the German surrender.  
Photo courtesy of www.fishink.us.