Women!

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

It was International Women's Day on March 8th. I usually don't spend too much time considering all of our theme days (except for National Donut Day...that just makes sense to celebrate), but I had a moment of reflection on this day. One of profound gratitude really.

I was raised by parents who valued identity and calling over gender. They didn't influence me to be a specific kind of woman...I was encouraged to be me. I had grandparents who believed in me and celebrated every opportunity and lesson that came my way.

I was given mentors and examples at very critical times in my development. Some who spoke to "becoming" in general. Some who spoke to the strength of women specifically. All spoke to having the courage to live in God's realities and not the limited "boxes" of human design. They were Uncle John, Martha, Debbie, Ryan, Uncle Tim, Mike, my BIL Dave, Aunt Marion, Rommel, Chuck, Neil, Aaron, Joyce...and on and on and on.

I was given material to read and view to challenge thought and provide a sense of a larger community of support. Some providing clarity to steps. Others contributing to encompassing kingdom vision. John Eldredge, Ann Graham Lotz, Kris Vallotton, Elizabeth Gilbert, Greg Boyd, The Junia Project, Eleni, Wonder Woman...and on and on and on.

And I married a man who is the champion of my heart. He believes we both live to be who God made us to be, AND we live to challenge and cheer each other on in that journey. He truly is my greatest cheerleader.

I'm left...speechless...and so very grateful.

I know there are religious people who view the roles of women differently and even potentially hold me in judgment for scriptural violation...but I'm really ok with all that. I am. I don't hate them. My life goal has nothing to do with constantly being offended and spending my efforts in argument. I'm really learning the uselessness of judgment in return.

I'm also far more balanced in terms of how I see men. I used to hate them...those oppressors! ;) My Jesus-feminism doesn't need men to be less. No, I support the freedom of men to be who they are called to be...strong in their individual design, mature, secure...not threatened, not emotionally stifled, not religiously small. And even more...I desire amazing partnerships...the beauty of mutual appreciation and release.

So...here's to International Women's Day and celebrations of beautiful humanity as expressed in men and women. God is good. :)