Articles

Dear Younger Women of our Church,

This world is not kind to you. It calls your Christianity narrow-minded, your biblical obedience brain-washed, and your church commitment old-fashioned. You are supposed to be gorgeous, accomplished, and successful all the time–not to mention present and mindful. By following Jesus, you swim against a swift and strong current, and we applaud you. You are doing a great job!

Dear Older Women of our Church, 

Studies show that older women feel invisible. They no longer display the celebrated beauty of youth, the magical gift of fertility, or the fresh face of potential. Though they fight to believe God’s truth about aging, the culture sure doesn’t make it easy. 

But older ladies, you are not invisible to us. You are not irrelevant.  Don’t think for a minute that your work is done around here. We honor you and we need you.

I’ve been meeting with some younger women recently. Across from each other at Starbucks, lattes in hand, we chat about life, and I find myself sitting up a little straighter and wondering if my gray roots are showing. I’ve been wanting a younger perspective on women’s ministry and a chance to get to know these women better, and you know what? They’re all really great: insightful, thoughtful, and God-glorifying. They want to build the kingdom…

We have an exotic tropical plant in our home called “The Night Queen” (Epyphyllum Oxypetallum), also known as Bethlehem Lily or Cactus Orchid. This plant produces occasional flower buds that take a few weeks to mature and be ready to bloom. One of the fascinating and unique characteristics of this plant is that its flowers bloom at night and wither by early dawn. Earlier this year, this plant brought so much joy into our home…

Throughout my college career, I’ve been able to stay involved with the church, get good grades, and work part-time. However, one area I fall short in is growing relationships with the people I go to school with. Sure, I’ve made friends on campus and talk to people in class, but I’ve failed at truly investing in my relationships with those people.  Since my freshman year, I have been in the mindset that college is only temporary. I…