This is a post I wrote almost a year ago. A lot has happened since this post was originally written, several edits have been made. Perhaps I share this to remind myself of the bigger picture.
Recently, one of my friends who has watched the significant dishonouring of older mentor-friends, had written some heart-felt thoughts on what she is seeing. She is questioning her place in leadership as a woman in the church. Her post is a cry for justice and freedom in a world that has held women in a position contrary to our design for centuries. Maybe I’ll just let her tell you:
Recently, one of my friends who has watched the significant dishonouring of older mentor-friends, had written some heart-felt thoughts on what she is seeing. She is questioning her place in leadership as a woman in the church. Her post is a cry for justice and freedom in a world that has held women in a position contrary to our design for centuries. Maybe I’ll just let her tell you:
As those of you who are near to me know, my entire spiritual landscape has been in near complete disarray for a good couple months. I am disappointed by decisions that appear to forgo grace, gentleness, love and relationship in favour of appearances and theological nuance.
I have seen my spiritual mentors and matriarchs being called out on their decisions in trying to set healthy boundaries, create appropriate spaces for spiritual growth, and walk boldly in the direction in which God is calling them. Seeing this affliction makes me question my own positioning in leadership as I continue to look to their example. Not because I fear that they were bad role models but because I know they are great ones. How can I stand in agreement with them? How can I expect to be built up if they are being cut down?
In trying to articulate my frustrations and additionally my desire for both spiritual diversity and wellness, I stumbled upon Larry Osborne’s Accidental Pharisees. This book so clearly outlines where we can go wrong in trying to force propriety. The chapters on how uniformity destroys unity sum up so much of what I am learning through the turbulence of this month:
“We become accidental Pharisees when we lay down boundary markers that are narrower than the ones laid down by Jesus and then treat people who line up on the wrong side of our markers as if they were spiritual imposters or enemies of the Lord. Our goal may be to protect the flock. But boundary markers that are narrower than the ones Jesus laid down don’t protect the flock; they divide the flock. They sow discord among brothers, something God says he’s not too fond of. (Proverbs 6:16–19)” pg. 201
As I was responding to her post, I realized what I had to say was bigger than a comment and decided to invite the world into my thoughts and what I have learned and am learning in this crazy time.
I have been following God and learning to step out boldly in obedience (often awkwardly executed) to follow where he is leading me. Part of this role that I find myself in requires pushing hard against the old way of doing things. The way that says women can lead women’s ministries, meet during the week and sip tea and talk about “women things” rather than take an active role in ministry to all. I gotta be honest, that is not my jam... I drink tea but I also wanna kick some serious ass! My desire to do fun, aggressive things is not an attempt to be like a man, they are ME! I am a warrior woman! I too was created for battle.
I have been consistently shut down by male leadership in walking in my purpose. I see it for what it is, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood (Eph 6). I have repeatedly been knocked down and have to go deeper and deeper to find the strength to get back up again. Honestly, it's exhausting.
Paving the way is really hard work. It requires endurance. It requires "big girl knickers". It requires integrating feelings with God's word. It requires knowing what to agree with. We cannot pick sides of right vs. wrong. Rather, we must find the TRUTH and agree with Him. When picking sides it is entirely too easy to align with division. That also is not my jam.
When we find ourselves really struggling and feeling like there is no end in sight, keep going! This is about you! What are YOU going to do when you are following the path in front of you and all you can perceive is resistance and rejection? Keep going! It is a test of our faith and an exercise in endurance. The battle gets tougher as we become exhausted, when our endurance is being stretched. Like our physical bodies, our spirits need conditioning and training. It is easier to overcome when we have developed the necessary "muscles".
There is a stirring within women all around the world! This is a good thing and it is TIME! There have been many forerunners and pioneers. They have laid the groundwork to enable this next wave of Women Warriors. Let's not let them down! Let us grab hold of God and each other and take this next step. It is TIME for us to press in! It is time for us to build each other up and stop tearing each other down. Let's not let Satan win! (Spoiler alert, he doesn't...) We have two choices, align with Papa God or be complacent. God is calling us to do the hard things. Let's DO THIS!
