women

Father, I just want you to know that this is it. I've officially given up the search for a man. From now on, I’m done with the whole thing, and I’ll just live for you. Come what may.

There, I’d said the magic words. I cracked my eyes open to see if a man had now dropped out of the sky. Nope. I went about my weeks looking high and low for that man that God was now going to put in my life because I was done with the dating thing. Nada.

But it worked for that other girl! She told me so.

There is a pain that is so potent and yet so personal that words fail to describe it.

It's the circumstance whose description will never escape your lips.

You don't talk about it, but it defines you; whether you run from it, attempt to cure it, or try to ignore it.

You've tried doctors, positive thinking, dieting. All of it has failed. Then you've tried isolating (no one understands, anyway), or feigned apathy, or turned to something, anything that would help you forget or at least dull the pain.

I have a hunch that the most-hated woman in the Bible is not bad-girl Jezebel. It’s the "woman of noble character" in Proverbs 31. One friend whined to me, "I can’t stand that Proverbs 31 lady. I feel tired just thinking about her."  

There’s an interesting new book out titled “Women, God’s Secret Weapon.”  I think the author is trying to promote the value of women in ministry, but I am interested in his use of the word “weapon.”  In our media saturated world it is important to choose words that communicate clearly and it seems to me that too many in the church already view women in that particular way; dangerous, untamed, in need of control. 

Stimulating to read the recent blog about “Loosing theTongues of  Women.”  That debate always motivates me to reflect on a clear invitation or mandate Paul gives Titus regarding women and their voices and influence.   “But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.  Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

Bring out your togas. We're going Greek today.

Sandi told the story of a woman who had an affair with a ministry partner. Kelley talked about protecting our brothers in Christ. Sadly, it's a theme we see in many churches--what happens when ministers, both men and women, aren't careful.

It surprised me to find that this is a theme God addresses.

In May 2008, a group of Christian leaders came together to reassert the true meaning of evangelicalism and to discuss the role of evangelicals in public discourse. The results of the meetings were compiled in a uniform statement, thereafter known as The Evangelical Manifesto.

We're thinking about having a baby. We're not nursery-painting or buying monogrammed burp cloths or anything. We did rescue a friendly, abandoned puppy as a first step in practicing consistent responsibility.

While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”