Many Thanks!

I’d like to thank those who came out to “Chillin’ Time” last night.

It was very kind of all of you to come and offer your support and well-wishes as Natalie and I embark on a new phase in our lives. I apologize for my awkwardness. Generally speaking, the limelight doesn’t suit me, and I never know how to handle positive feedback or praise. Extra special thanks to James and Susan for organizing things, and to Toby and Nick for saying such wonderful words.

I believe that the Holy Spirit has moved amongst this group, and that God himself had a hand in orchestrating so many moments that we experienced over the last few years. I feel blessed to have been a part of it, and humbled that you more or less entrusted me with the awesome task of teaching (a task I took quite seriously…most of the time).

I was so touched last night by the kind words that many of you had for me and Nat. I get so wrapped up in the Bible and the message that I’m trying to communicate that I often fail to build relationships or notice that I’m building relationships. There are so many folks in this group that I really only see on Tuesday Night, and yet I feel like I know you so well. How fortunate I am to know you.

I know that God will continue to move among FCC and “El Grupo” aka “Tuesday Night.”

Nat and I will be around town, let’s not be total strangers!

Oh, and the Kindle was probably the coolest gift ever. Seriously, I’m geeking out!

The Role of Women in Church/Society/Etc

You may have noticed that our meeting schedule does not feature passages from Genesis next week. There is a very good reason for this. Over the past few weeks something has been stirring. I have been confronted with some thoughts on women and the roles that they are to play in church and society.

I’ll go ahead and give away my hand and make it known that I think that women have been historically marginalized in Western Culture and that a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Bible are very much at the center of this phenomenon. I’ve actually heard accounts of this first hand:

• I have heard stories of women who struggle with their place because they feel that the Bible speaks disparagingly of them.
• I’ve heard men admit that they have a misogynistic view of the world. Furthermore, they feel that they are justified in this view because of certain Biblical texts.

Quite frankly, it all saddens me. I think that anyone reading the Bible with an astute eye would come away with some images of some extremely strong women.

At any rate, that’s what I’d like to look at next week. If you have questions or suggestions or passage that have been particularly difficult for you, let me know in the comments (or send me or James an email). I’d especially love to hear from the ladies out there!

Below you’ll find a tapestry of some strong women of history!

Rosie the Riveter

Queen Elizabeth I

Mary and Jesus (Michelangelo’s Pietà)

Wonder Woman

Queen Boudica

Mothers