Story Collective
Lifting Leaders Through Narrative
Biblical narratives detail how God used words to bring creation into being, to offer guidance, and to reveal the divine to us. Words remain one of the greatest tools we possess to advance the kingdom of God in this world. Thus, Sacred Alliance chooses to use stories to advance the lives and stories of women God has called to serve in a variety of capacities.
I poured my life out in volunteer ministry and was halfway through seminary, but there was still no sign that I would ever be in vocational ministry. Worse yet, I was beginning to believe the thoughts that lingered in the corners of my mind—that maybe there was no place for my gender in vocational ministry, and even if there was, I didn’t have what it takes.
Bringing Zack to church was the most challenging hour of my weekly routine. It meant that he had to sit and be quiet. Leaving him in the nursery was impossible, unless I stayed with him, which defeated the purpose. Skipping church altogether wasn’t a good option either: I was a pastor’s spouse (and a pastor myself, taking time off to stay at home), and I deeply believe in the value of raising children within a church community. And so, week after week, we sat. And, while most church members were unfailingly kind and helpful, I could never quite find a way to sit with my own anxiety.
I saw her. I saw me and the space of separation between us was closing in. The pastoral work of “being mom” was happening.
I was happy that others were using their gifts and Kingdom work was being accomplished, but I was growing impatient waiting for my turn behind the men who were being celebrated for gladly stepping in and filling the gap.
I was happy that others were using their gifts and Kingdom work was being accomplished, but I was growing impatient waiting for my turn behind the men who were being celebrated for gladly stepping in and filling the gap.
If I was to leave staff in a place of fear, that wouldn’t be honoring to God. I knew as my emotions began to unravel that maybe I wasn’t done working in this ministry.
I felt there was more for me, but I also was led to believe that God would be angry if I became a preacher and spiritual leader.
This piece is delves into the moral, ethical, and biblical ramifications of the current practice in the United States of separating immigrant parents from their children. In it, we include reflections on the plight of children in the Old Testament; the plight of families in the Western hemisphere; and the ways in which Jesus, a Messiah who saw the suffering of families, stretched his followers’ moral imaginations.
At Sacred Alliance, we are committed to telling a better story, perhaps the best story. We champion narratives of real people leading effectively in their corners of the globe for the good of the kingdom. We’re committed to seeing Jesus’ faithful presence in every nook and cranny of this world, and that means all-hands-on-deck: men and women serving shoulder to shoulder in their areas of greatest giftedness.
As we discern God’s call upon our life, seeking to make the most of the life God has given, the still small voice inside is not the most important voice to listen to. Besides the voice of God—heard through God’s Word, prayer, and a community of believers—the most important voice to heed is the voice of our neighbor.
