Asherah

A few days ago Good Morning America had a great special on how women see themselves and treat one another. It discussed how we women hurt ourselves with our constant evaluating...I started thinking...yes, she is right! We are made in God's image and we shouldn't constantly evaluate and question and judge...we degrade the image of God by degrading ourselves and each other! Each thought of too big, too ugly, too round, why did she wear that? ...all of them are degrading ...

The woman on the interview said something I really liked. Instead of walking into a room and checking out all of the women, their bodies, and their outfits and taking mental notes, we should compliment each other! Just randomly, we women should say to one another, "I really like that blouse!" or "You look so pretty today."

Two days later, Nathan and I went on a dinner date...I walked in and the hostess starting checking me out...I was worried. Did something not match, did I forget part of the outfit, etc.. and as I am worrying, she complimented me on my dress. It felt good! It gave me a boost of confidence! And, I remembered that interview!

By honoring the image of others, we honor the image of God! Why aren't we complimenting each other more? It seems so basic...it would make a huge difference!...marion...

Here is the news...

I am moving to a different church this year! I have not been able to post the news until after May 18th. I had to follow the United Methodist rules! I am the new pastor of Broad Street United Methodist. The church is located in a section of Portsmouth, Virginia called Port Norfolk. Nathan's church is about 10 minutes away from mine. We are very excited! This is the next part of our faith journey...and, the next part of my call story into ministry...

I shared with a church members at Williamsburg UMC that I was both happy and sad about the move. I told her that it will not be easy to say goodbye to the people and the church of Williamsburg; however, I am excited about where I am going and the people I will meet. The church member used a great word...she said that she prayed that I would have the capacity to hold both equally.

She gave me the word I was looking for to make sense of my feeling -- capacity! I think there are many times when we rush to the next move, the next event, the next emotion, the next person because it is easier than dealing with what is at hand. But, to have the capacity to hold both equally and respectfully ... that is harder, and that requires honesty...

I like that thought...I pray that whatever is happening in my life, I can have the capacity to hold all the important feeling and emotions equally without rushing over one or the other ...

...marion...