Okay, enough is enough. I haven’t blogged in a while because I have felt that I have not had anything even remotely positive to blog about lately. I am not always a Negative Nelly, but I am fired up!
I am not here to make mountains out of mole hills over the gender issue. You do not have to convince me of anything. I believe both men and women can equally serve in the Kingdom of God. I know others interpret Scripture different. Fine. The Holy Spirit speaks to us, I accept that. I must admit however, as much as I believe in a person’s right to live by their convictions I struggle internally when I disagree.
I have been frustrated for almost two weeks since Lifeway decided to pull of their shelves the most recent edition of Gospel Today magazine, because it featured five women pastors. I had to see what was so offensive and make a statement I went to Lifeway to specificially ask for the item. I asked for the item and at first, the salesperson looked up the magazine in the computer, made a phone call and proceeded to tell me that they did not carry that magazine. I do not give up that easily. I then approached another salesperson, they claimed to not have the item. I told the salesperson I knew they were suppose to resond that way, but according to Lifeway’s official statement, they could sell the item if a customer specifically asked for it. The salesperson then went to the back to get the magazine. Came out, told me I had to purchase the magazine, and walked to the front with the magazine and I had to buy it immeadiately. I felt like I was buying porn. The only thing missing was a brown paper bag. The article highlights five women pastors, but also notes there are some churches that do not allow women in pastoral leadership positions. Okay. I understand the SBC’s stance. But what happened to the Baptist principle dealing with the matter of conscience? On a side note, more for a humoruous story. That same trip to Lifeway, I had to purchase our pastor’s Bible for her oridnation service. (Ironic, I know.) When giving the name to be inscripted on the front, the sales person said, “Hmm, I’ve never heard of a man with the name Lillian.” I responded, “That is because the Rev. is a woman.” She later got a laugh out of that.
Just when I was cooling off, someone sent me the most recent edition of Southwestern News. I have no idea if they were making a joke or sending a statement, but the cover was entitled, “Biblical Womanhood” and had a woman and daughter in pink dresses. I was peeved.
I guess on top of it, I have been muddling over the issue of the SBC’s support of Sarah Palin as VP. I don’t understand how she can’t be the head of her house, but the head of the white house. She will be putting her authority over men right?
I get all fired up about this and then I watch my pastor be ordained this past weekend and that was so beautiful, so godly, seemingly so right. I watch her and how she has already done an excellent job serving in this role and I am dumbfoudned how people can say the Holy Spirit doesn’t equally equip. I must however be true to my conscience, but also allow others theirs and allow them to disagree with me. Just do me a favor, dont’ tell me that my pastor or I are going to hell beause we feel God leading us in that ministry. Ok I’m done.
