Ted Decker talks about his early life on the mission field in Indonesia. Friend
Louise shares about her childhood in British West Indies. The woman next to me at the
craft show speaks about being born and raised in Jerusalem. Each of these folks celebrate
who they are in their space. And I add my few notes: I was born and raised on a farm, moved up the
road after marriage and lived the first forty years of my life at a R. R. # 2
rural route address.This doesn’t quite compare with the adventure of the first
three, and yet each memory proves sufficient.
I find some similarities to this
illustration in our writing world. I see Sandra Orchard’s list of
accomplishments, Linda Hall’s impressive covers and Jan Cox’s creative art,
each celebrating who they are in their own right. I remember sitting in Jean
Little’s living room many years ago and looking at her collection of books with
the words, Jean Little, written down the spine. And I thought, some time, me too. Today, I look at my bookshelf and think, ‘well done – you have contributed in
different ways’. More recently, I read where Alice Munro has retired from
writing. How can one totally do that? We
learn from those who have gone before, or lovingly walk with us, don’t we?
Last week, I saw the obituary of
Dr. Margaret Mahoney from Toronto. “One of two women in her program (DDS) at
University of Toronto in 1944.” I graduated from UofT in 1982 and I too
remember being one of two women in some subjects in my program toward
ordination. Now, after my doctorate and serving as adjunct professor in Women’s
Study of a conservative seminary, I may be the only ordained woman. What would
we do without those who go before us and forge the way?
It is good to look at where God leads
people, to celebrate the gifts God gives them and to acknowledge opportunities placed
on their path of life. It is exciting to reflect on how one part of our life
fits with another and we realize God has crafted an amazing journey.
At times, this has taken me into
trouble zones, from losing friends to tripping on other people’s interpretation
of my words and actions. An important part of my life’s walk has been and continues to promote women’s
equal place with men in the leadership of the church and to see how God honours
Watch for the sign-posts. The directions can be very interesting.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Blessings,
Donna Mann
Agnes Macphail series: (Brucedale Press/Pt. Elgin)
A Rare Find: (Castle Quay Books Canada)
WinterGrief: (Essence/Belleville)
Take Time To Make Memories (Manna Publications)
6 comments:
Amen to this. Each of us has a unique purpose
Donna, thank you for generously highlighting the accomplishments of others, especially those women who have gone before, and helped pave the way for succeeding generations.
Your own accomplishments continue to accrue to the blessing of people's lives and pointing to the mercy and grace of God, and in honour of Him. ~~+~~
Amen! to both of your comments. Oh, but sometimes we go where angels fear to tread.
I was trying to remember when I first met you, Donna. I know you were in a leadership position - I think you might have been leading worship at a God Uses Ink conference. Ever since that moment I recall how something drew me near to your spirit. I remember many of our interactions from the visit and sweet angel you and Heidi brought me after my Mom passed away to our many online sharing and working together moments, to the privilege Gilles and I had witnessing first-hand your onstage creativity. Blessed and thankful that you, RR#2 gal, have made a beautiful mark in my life and many others, too! Great post.
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Thanks Glynis and N.J. - and here I am thinking I'm the blessed one in having you both on my contact list. <3
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