Saturday March 8, 2008 was International Women’s Day. Even if coming after the fact, I still wish to share some ideas from the International Women’s Day of Prayer held on March 7, 2008.
Just over 70 women gathered in prayer at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Panama City uniting our hearts around the theme “God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding”. The liturgy for the event was written by the Women’s Day Of Prayer Committee of Guyana, South America. Although geographically located in South America, Guyana is recognized as part of the Caribbean Commonwealth due in part to her shores being part of the Caribbean Sea.
Based on the text they provided Luke 10:38-42 , I invited the women (and 3 elderly men) to reflect on some observations made of Mary, Martha and Jesus in the story. I will share my thoughts with you in 3 parts the first of which is included below.
Women Of Wisdom Understand When Courage Is Necessary
It takes courage and boldness to follow the path of discipleship. Mary was both courageous and bold in stepping away from the norm to embrace a new life as a disciple of Christ. It takes courage because discipleship is a costly exercise.
It takes courage to take up your cross and follow Christ.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in The Cost Of Discipleship speaks of it this way – “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die”. The first time I read those words, I knew they were meant for me too. I heard when Christ ‘calls a (wo)man’ because I believe that Christ calls both men and women.
Courage To Say Yes To The Call
Mary responded to a similar call, that compulsive pull to listen to the teachings of Christ. Unlike some who would wish that women listen until they burst at the seams, I believe Mary listened so that she might in turn tell others what she had learnt. For there is Liberation in Jesus’ words and in your coming to know him. Once liberated, you feel compelled and are mandated to liberate others too.
Only those who have yet to experience mental liberation – the renewing of their minds, still have a problem with women’s desire to proclaim that which they have learnt in order to set others free as well.
Courage To Hold Your Ground
Mary chose to to be taught and she would not be deterred from that choice. Wisdom gave her the courage to act and choose the better path. Wisdom helped her to remain steadfast even when the pressure to return to the need to be hospitable was there.
I do not need to get into any deep theological debates about Women’s right to preach. Although, I tend to enter vigorously into such debates. I do not feel insecure when men question my right to preach and lead a congregation. There is no need for that. I stand confidently and boldly declare my sense of call as that which I obey. I fear no man and their criticisms, I fear disobeying God. The latter is of greater importance. To disobey God is detrimental to my present and future life.
Courage To Live Out Your Convictions
So I quite understand Mary’s attraction to the teachings of Jesus. I understand her courage, born of that fear of God. She knew deep in her heart that it was ok, to forgo Hospitality in favour of discipleship. This was not putting down Hospitality. For, to do so would be to reduce the value of the Jewish custom. That would not be true of Jesus’ teachings either. Jesus expected persons to exercise hospitality. He wouldn’t have invited himself to their homes, or accepted their invitations either.
His coming was not to make light of present customs and traditions. His coming was to point out that all present customs, laws and traditions are to be held in new perspective – with him at the center of them all. They were to be viewed in his light, with new understanding from the Word. With Christ as the foundation and the priority, we receive Wisdom to know what is appropriate in any given circumstance. In Christ, we receive the courage to act on our convictions.
That’s what Mary did.
Courage born of wisdom is not permission-seeking. It does not wait for applause or approval. It is doing, spontaneously or after careful deliberation, that which you know you must.
Sisters, are you torn between your fear of criticism from men, but moreso from other women who feel that you have abandoned your ‘God-given role’? Ask yourself, which is more important, fear of human beings or fear of God?
Pray for the courage to do that which Wisdom tells you is right.
Stay tuned for Part 2 – Celebrating Women’s Wisdom: Boldly Breaking Barriers
Marvia
I feel encouraged when I read this article because I made a step in terms of career change and sometimes it is discouraging comments that are made at the decision I made and that is to have an impact and help mold the lives of children in schools. The path is rough but I know I will make wtih God and persons I have as supporters. Thanks for these words “courage born of wisdom is not permission seeking”.
Jacjui,
Thanks for stopping by.
I’m glad that you have been encouraged my sister. You follow your convictions, you may just end up molding the lives of some of the children of your naysayers. We all have something to say about what is happening to and with our children. But very few of us have the courage to make a difference in that regard.
Every blessing in your work.
Marvia