It seems that Bob tends to hang around women who are leader-types, pastor-types, visionary-types, bishop-types. With the exception of me, of course; I'm an Ipod type.
And Bob's secret is this, working with these women is full of joy. And so much more.
I for one don't get all high and mighty that our denomination ordains women, because in the history of the world it's only been for the past 35 years. Sure that's great, but all in all we're not that far ahead of denominations who do not ordain women. And besides, counting our Senior Pastor, there is barely even a handfull of female Senior pastors in the whole denomination. So, friends, let's not get too self righteous over that one.
But I will say this, take a look at these pictures and you will see the front lines of those who pave the way (pave as in present tense) for women's leadership in the church. And they do it with wit, wisdom, elegance, and grace. They do it with style, smarts, and strategy. With all their hearts and souls.
So, while I'm thinking on how "Two Tickets to Paradise" would be a great karaoke tune, these women are discussing how to bring about peace in Kenya, how to be in the city for good, how to be a relevent vessel of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe I'm still at princess camp, but holy cow, these women are intense.
I'm not a theologian but I have read that part in the Bible where it says that men and women are both created in the image of God. I also believe it to be true that God is neither male or female, no matter who translated all the pronouns into the HE-English. You would think that it would be a no-brainer.
In many ways for these women it was -- it still is -- a no brainer. They are simply called to be pastors. Even with the biggest, baddest push back they could get. And they've all gotten it, friends. Hense, strong women.
Before I go crass how about if I sum it up this way: The glory of God is women and men working together. That's the best way I've heard it said. And there's so much work to be done. There's so much joy to be had in doing that work.
Why am I getting so philosophical? Because dear friends from St. Paul came to Des Moines this weekend. See photos and captions.
Anyway, so that's Bob's secret. Calling all men: don't be threatened by strong women. Be thrilled. Be glad for strong women. Enjoy strong women. Let strong women do their thing and we'll all be better off. Work together people!
As always, I thank you for coming on over. Take care.
With love, T
photo top: The Rev. Susan Tjornejoy, our pastor in St. Paul; Bob; Margaret Obaga, aka Auntie Margaret to the kids, who really must be the Bishop of Kenya one day
phtoto middle: The Rev. Rachel Thorsen Mithelman, Bob's supervisor; Pastor Sue, The Bishop-to-be Margaret, bad-hair-day-me soaking up the woman power in this photo op
photo bottom: me and my Margaret, just trying to get through one single day without a downfall of snow; Margaret preached at our church for Mission Sunday; four different services, four different sermons; with prayers for Margaret's Kenyan homeland which is in great distress now making it very difficult for Margaret to be so far away.
Margaret Obaga for president!
Bob has a secret. Strong women are not to be tolerated. Strong women are not to be mediated. Strong women are not to be politely affirmated.
ummm...you're not just an iPod type - you are an incredibly strong woman. You don't have to be high up the corporate or church ladder to be a strong woman. Strong women are everywhere - some are just celebrated more than others.
ReplyDeleteWhat worries me is not the men who are intimidated by strong women but other women intimidated by strong women. Why must we bring the fear and hate on each other? We need to celebrate each other and be strong together!
Lots of hugs your ways sweetie!
Thanks for this lovely post, Terri. How good it is to see four--count them, four--strong women in these pictures. It's an inspiration I need these days. And the prayers for Kenya--Amen, we must keep praying. I find myself all weepy-eyed when I read about it. Having spent time in Kenya, and knowing dear people like the Obagas and many others--it all makes it so real.
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