Encouraged

People have become so accustomed to men in the pulpit that they have trouble imagining a woman delivering scripture with authority. People get caught up in the deep intonations and growls of the male preacher. There are female ministers who try to immolate the male tones and growls when it is not necessary to deliver the inspired word. Limiting yourself is limiting God. For me it can be stifling to be held prisoner by what people think they know about me. Once ordained you learn to develop a thick skin against those things that assault your sensibilities. Maybe you learn the gracious smile or the concerned nod. It keeps you from speaking out of your emotions. One of my mentors, God rest his soul, used to say, “Everything is a grace my dear.” Grace is defined as the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. No matter the obstacles that you face, God’s grace is available. Enjoy your calling to serve. Survival… • Don’t allow your emotions to control your tongue or actions. • Take deep slow breaths and it is ok if you tell someone that you will get back to them with a response. • When you can, speak a relative scripture in your responses, this will sometimes shut down a harsh conversation. • When a congregant wants to conference with you, have another cleric sit in with you. • When the communication becomes abusive, do not be afraid to end the conversation immediately unless you are certain that you can defuse the situation. Pray… Lord, please turpentine my tongue that I may communicate effectively and lovingly. Amen.