Just some words of encouragement and peace...

“Mary has chosen what is better, 
and it will not be taken away from her." 
– Luke 10:42

Today I was reminded that sometimes forgiveness and healing have to precede reconciliation. And that’s okay.

 As we discuss difficult issues like language, gender, and power, let’s be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, avoiding unnecessary offense while speaking the truth.  Let’s do our best to steer clear of sarcasm and disdain as we challenge our brothers and sisters to make the Church more equitable and just. Keep me accountable, friends, because sometimes it’s hard. 

In the meantime, some words of encouragement for my ladies, particularly those who have been confronted with difficult memories because of all of this:

Please know—

You are free. 

You don’t have to submit. 

You don’t have to accept. 

You are not conquered. 

You are not colonized.

You are free. 

You are loved. 

You are cherished.

You are respected. 

You are valuable.

You are free.

You are strong. 

You are brave. 

You are a survivor. 

You are a woman of valor. 

You are free. 

Because if you’re like me, you’ve got that thing inside of you that is so resilient and wild and full of love and grace that it cannot be silenced, nor can it be named. 

And that thing inside of you—that gift of God that tells you that you matter and that you are safe—it can never be taken away from you. 

You are free indeed.