Fierce Shoes

"The woman who derives her principles from the Bible, and her amusements from intellectual sources, from the beauties of nature, and from active employment and exercise, will not pant for beholders. She is no clamorous beggar for the extorted alms of admiration. She lives on her own stock. She possesses the truest independence. She does not wait for the opinion of the world, to know if she is happy." (Hannah More)

A few months ago I read the biography of a woman named Hannah More. The title of the biography was Fierce Convictions  by Karen Swallow Prior. It is an inspirational story of a Christian woman who was born in England in 1745 and lived until 1833. How she lived her life testifies to the impact possible through one wholly committed follower of Jesus. The fact that she was also a woman makes her achievements even more noteworthy in light of the time in which she lived.

At the young age of just 3 or 4, Hannah began to read. She composed a complete poem at age 4. Unlike most women during the eighteenth century, Hannah was well educated and ran a school for girls. "She sought to advance female education in order to fulfill women as women, not to make them men." (K.S. Prior)

Understanding multiple languages, including Latin and French, Hannah published many works of poetry as well as theatrical works. She was well known in London and interacted with a variety of wealthy and influential people, including William Wilberforce. Hannah became quite prosperous as a result of the sale of her writings.She eventually left London to pursue her Christian faith in a deeper way. This faith was greatly influenced by the book Cardiphonia, written by John Newton.

Hannah's faith drove her to confront important issues of the day: the slave trade, illiteracy among the poor, thereby preventing them from reading the Bible, the need to advance Christianity both in England and abroad, labor conditions, a woman's role in society, and even the mistreatment of animals. Her efforts in all these areas came from this philosophy:

" ' Bible Christianity is what I love.....a Christianity practical and pure, which teaches holiness, humility, repentance, and faith in Christ; and which after summing up all Evangelical graces, declares that the greatest of these is charity.'" (as quoted on pg 155 by K.S. Prior) 

More not only confronted these issues but was instrumental in producing positive changes in all of these areas, including the abolition of the slave trade in England.

So, sisters, my question to you is simple: Do you have a faith that is fierce? Are you passionate about your relationship with Jesus? Just as in Hannah More's time, we have serious cultural issues that need to be addressed:

• Abortion - Do you believe that it is wrong to take the life of a baby within its mother's womb?
• Marriage - Do you believe that marriage is a God ordained union between a man and woman,representing the relationship of Christ and His church?
• Sexuality -  Do you believe that sex has been created and designed by God to take place ONLY within the marriage relationship?
• Biblical Illiteracy- Do you believe that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path?
• Prayer - Do you believe that we should be praying without ceasing?
• Jesus - Do you believe Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life with NO ONE coming to God except through Him?

Dear Sisters, if you do believe these things it is time to put on your fierce shoes! Be fearless, be strong, be courageous. Fight for Truth, Speak for those who cannot speak. Use the gifts that God has given to you, whatever they may be, to bring Life and Light to a culture that loves Death and Darkness. Be fierce for Christ, like Hannah More.

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." (Hannah More)

Unexpected Shoes

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

 A most surprising thing has recently happened - something totally new, totally amazing, totally unexpected. For the past year I have been earnestly seeking an answer to the question: " What do I do now?" The question relates to the fact that I will soon be experiencing the empty nest. It is still a few years away, but it is coming. I want to be prepared and seize the opportunity when it comes.

It came! I was walking my usual route and saw three women sitting outside an apartment building. One woman looked very familiar while the other two were clearly of the Muslim faith, dressed in black robes and head coverings. As I passed them, I decided to take a second look at the familiar-looking woman when I was on my return route. I knew her! I had helped her almost 20 years ago when she was pregnant and needed a safe place to stay. She is from Iraq. I walked to her and said her name. She said mine. She remembered.

I was introduced to the other two women. One was her sister, the other her mother-in-law. Her sister spoke to her in Arabic. My friend was now well spoken in English and translated for me.The sister wondered if I might teach her English. I responded, "I would love to!" We exchanged phone numbers, said our farewells, and I walked home.

A few days later, I texted my Iraqi friend to let her know that I was serious about teaching English to her sister. She replied, "Okay, how about tonight at 5:30?" GULP. Wait. This was happening too fast! This was not how I work. I had not had a chance to plan. And yet, I knew I had to say yes simply to communicate my sincere desire to teach her sister. I texted, "Okay."

That evening I walked to the apartment, unsure about which door was the correct one. My friend was not there either. I texted her to find out the number of the door. She responded with the number, stating that she would be there soon. Totally out of my comfort zone, I began to ask myself what I was doing, how was this ever going to work, etc., etc. Meanwhile, a door opened and out walked the sister! "Well, here I go!", I thought.

I followed the sister into her apartment. She greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. The sister was excited for me to be there. I learned about her family when my friend arrived. The sister cares for two children: one an orphaned girl and the other a grandson. The children spoke English quite well and helped in translating what the woman wanted to say.This woman knew very little English despite the fact that she has been in this country for four years. She welcomed me, offering a plate of fruit to share with her and my friend.

I left that day exhilarated by the newness of it all - the people, the environment, the hunger for knowledge, the eagerness for a friend. Five weeks have passed since that first day. Each week I have forced myself to go. Each week I have left with the joy of sharing my life with another woman, praying that she will see Christ in me. I have made flash cards and thought of creative ways to teach her English as a second language. Her desire to learn is delightful. I was even invited to and attended her grandson's birthday party.

There is so much more I could write but I will stop. I share this story because I want to encourage all of you, dear sisters. Be ready. Look out. Your opportunity may be right outside your door. Your God ordained appointment is coming or perhaps has already arrived. Don't shrug your shoulders or close your eyes. Be bold. After all, it is not just your life that you are sharing. You are sharing Christ. And your labor will not be in vain.

Reflecting Shoes

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as God is Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Five years. That is how long it has been since our world was shaken. What happened? Five years ago my husband was called on a Wednesday and informed that the upcoming Sunday would be his last at the church that he faithfully pastored for over 25 years. The very remembrance of this fateful day still brings a great aching of the heart and tears to the eyes. It hurt then. It still hurts now.
   
During these past five years God has tended and cared for us in ways we could not have foreseen. He has met our physical needs. He has met our spiritual needs. He has poured the balm of healing over our wounded hearts and provided joy in unexpected places.

At this five year anniversary I have decided it is time to make a public declaration of sorts. It is a declaration of forgiveness. I will begin. Although no one has come to me to ask forgiveness, I am moving forward with my statement:

• For granting my husband and family only four days notice before our last Sunday, I forgive you.
• For allowing false testimony about my husband to be spoken, believed, and not corrected, I forgive you.
• For the many "friends" who immediately suspended interaction with my husband and behaved as though he were a type of criminal, I forgive you.
• For removing from my children the delight of returning home to the only church home they had ever known, I forgive you.
• For denying my youngest child the pleasure of growing up with his church nursery companions, I forgive you.
• For the refusal by the leadership to bless my husband in his work, I forgive you.
• For the overall disrespect shown to the faithful spiritual leadership of my husband for over 25 years, I forgive you.

Dear Sisters, forgiveness is so very hard, but we must. Our Lord has instructed us to do so ! While offenses against us seem to be looming towers, they are really quite small when weighed against those sins we have committed against a Holy God. He offers us forgiveness through His Son Jesus. We can offer no less to those who have done us harm.

As a five year veteran of the heartache inflicted by a church on its pastor, allow me to encourage my fellow PW sisters. Life does move on. Healing comes and it must include the extension of forgiveness by you to those who have brought hurt. Will you forget? No. But you must forgive.

POSTSCRIPT: I want to add a hearty thank you to those who continued to show kindness, grace, mercy, and friendship even after my husband was no longer a part of the church. Thank you. May God bless you for your love and care.