Excerpts from God Called, She Answered: Moving Past History and Tradition into Ministry Leadership.
Excerpt 1
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain
“An equally important day is the one in which you commit to walking in the “why.” (Geraldine Pinkston)
Excerpt 2
Note: Throughout the book, when I refer to God, his name will be written without the letter “o”, (G-d). This reflects reverence and reminds us that his status is far above ours.
Sometimes we approach an assignment from G-d with goosebump excitement. But, sometimes the thought of the assignment shifts our minds into overdrive as FEAR grips our feet in the paralyzing quicksand of doubts. Our FEELINGS cause the experiences to be different, but the response must always be the same: trust G-d and with your doubts and fears and move forward.
INTRODUCTION
Initially, I resisted (writing, God Called: She Answered: Moving Past History and Tradition into Ministry Leadership.) since my little mind could anticipate that this task would be anything but easy. I tried to dismiss the mounting discomfort as an attack of gas and not a prompting of G-d. I reasoned with Him on a highly intellectual level based on a very foundational principle: Fear rules. Writing this kind of book would be too personal. There would be too much opposition. The book would be looked upon by some women as promoting women to act like men and undermine male authority. It would be considered by some men as being another example of frivolous female emotionalism. Somebody, somewhere, somehow would misunderstand, misquote, or mistake this book as something it is not…
The book was begun in the fall of 2019. Almost 4 years later, I am trusting G-d and moving forward!
Excerpt 3
God Called, She Answered: Moving Past History and Tradition into Ministry Leadership
Book Excerpt (Trust in G-d)
(Note: G-d will be used to reference God. It is an acknowledgement of His holiness).
Our faith is so important, particularly during the difficult trials of life. The greater the trial, the deeper the faith required to stay connected to G-d, our source. He promises to be our healer, shepherd, protector, and comforter. He promises to be a constant companion. The Apostle Paul’s Faith had to be steadfast and unmovable as he continued his journey to Rome–his final destination. Paul knew
satisfaction and suffering. He knew hard work, and hardship. Paul learned that there are some storms in our lives that can’t be subdued by our gifts and talents alone. During these times, only G-d can ensure our victory.
These are complex and demanding times for many of us. Loneliness and loss, depression and wandering are pulling at G-d’s people like never before. We are dependent on G-d’s grace to carry us through adversity. He desires to use every situation for His glory and for our growth. Increase your faith. Stay the course. He wants to help you.
Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are standard requirements for women called into ministry leadership today. Thanks to G-d, we can encourage ourselves through the stories of Biblical examples and early ministry giants that came before us. We can gain strength if we understand that to completely answer our calling, G-d must pour out His favor on us. He will seal every outcome for every position He chooses for us. And we can breathe a sigh of relief during adversity knowing victory is not determined solely by our strength. We can be lockstep with Paul in knowing, “It is not I but the grace of G-d with me.” For this, we can all be grateful! (Excerpt from Chapter 7)