I know they do it on purpose.
To provoke. Create engagement. Get attention.
And sometimes, I still fall for it.
For example, when the woman who said she feels called to plant a church was asking for prayer and the entire Facebook universe (at least the Christians…) got their panties in a twist, correcting her, reprimanding her, arguing with her.
And somehow, that surprised me.
I fell for it. Again.
I mean, I don’t even know why I get disappointed. Or care, really.
When I first started on this journey to help women shift their paradigms about the influence they are called to carry, I thought the church ladies would be delighted. They would realize their true identity in Christ and a whole new world of freedom to live and lead however they chose.
And yet, some of the most staunch proponents of this message of freedom and partnership and mutuality, the movement Jesus started, by the way, are Christian women.
This truly boggles the mind. But should it, really?
I mean, isn’t it easier to claim your limitations, blame the Bible, and maintain the status quo? The one that delivers you from responsibility and shifts ownership of THE GREAT COMMISSION fully onto the guys? Well, yeah, sure. When you put it that way: more power to the patriarchy!
However, if we were to move the slightest bit toward openness and curiosity and discovery, we could find a plethora of resources and research and good, solid teaching that brings a fresh understanding and deeper insight into God’s plan for his people. And the revelation that it’s not divided by gender or influenced by historical or cultural norms.
Remember, how Jesus came to turn the world upside down? How he did things the opposite of what people expected, how things were “normally” done? How his kingdom was counter-cultural to the world, then AND now?
Man, this is a frame-worthy rant, my friends.
Women reacting to an egalitarian or equality-based framework, denying it’s validity or accuracy are like those in the world up in arms about the movie, Sound of Freedom.
It’s like…what are you thinking? How can you want to hide blatant oppression and victimization and violence? How can you act as if patriarchical, discriminatory systems do not foster and shelter abuse in all of its horrendous forms?
OK, Sue, do you have a point?
My point is, please don’t be afraid of what you do not know or understand, especially when it comes to being a woman in the body of Christ.
We have enough trouble finding our way, using our gifts, changing the world, without our own sisters shaming and name-calling out of their own ignorance. (this)
And yes, I understand the bible verses that will be shared in the comments, the links to the latest message by a dude setting all this “nonsense” to rest.
But here’s what I said to a friend recently, IF you have not read ONE book outside your current framework, explored the times in Jesus’ life and ministry where he challenged tradition and patriarchy and the oppression of women, or had a frank discussion with a leader, teacher or preacher you respect on the actual issue, then please, practice what you preach, and be quiet.
Oops, that just slipped out.
And there are PLENTY of dudes teaching truth on the topic, if that makes you feel better. It’s a simple Google search away…one book away…one tiny moment of movement to open your mind (and your heart) to hear what the Father is saying in and TO this generation.
I implore you, don’t let reality of who you are in Christ be silenced because of the generations of bad theology and interpretation that were NEVER installed for your good.
You are a co-equal, a co-heir, a co-victor and a co-creator with Christ. We share the responsibility, calling and ownership of this thing called the Gospel; you know the one that tells us to bring deliverance to the oppressed, set the captives free and preach the good news? How can we do that if we are the ones opppressed and living in captivity, of our own freewill?
I hope you will choose to take a step toward freedom today, friend.
I believe in you!
Sue