Reflecting back

 

This lament was written by Baptist minister Alison Mackay

This little 7 year old girl who would skip to school full of joy, loving Jesus and knowing he had his hand on her life:
Would one day be told "Maybe you should be happy being a minister's wife!"

This young woman in her 20's overcoming the feeling of inferiority and growing in the confidence of her calling:
Would one day be undermined as the men she worked alongside took her ideas and presented them as their own.

This woman in her 30's, bringing up three small children while throwing herself into a ministry of a growing church:
Would one day be asked, "So who is your male headcovering?"

This woman in her 40's embarking on further study, feeling the future is bright and God has an amazing plan in store:
Would one day be told "That church you have enquired about for settlement just had a woman minister, they need a man next!"

This woman in her 50's, recovering from divorce and breast cancer, yet determined to continue to serve Jesus:
Would one day be told "You can't preach here, we don't have women in our pulpit!"

This woman in her 60's, reflecting on this long journey of joy and pain, opportunity and frustration:
Today, as retirement comes closer, thanks God for this final ministry, and the fact that the best wine is served at the end.



If you have something creative to share with the wider Baptist movement, please contact projectvioletlament@baptist.org.uk