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. 

thestainedglassceiling.com

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.