Here is my bible study!!
We met for the first time this morning and as I hope you can see, there are eight of us total. They are all, in some way, connected to the ministry and I feel so privileged to be leading them through the book of Esther. I was nervous this morning in regards to this time, but the Lord was faithful in bringing about discussion. As much as it really was quiet initially, a great discussion stemmed from Queen Vashti and her refusal to obey the king's command in being summoned before him. One of the ladies brought up that she thinks sometimes women, when we get together, don't necessarily encourage biblical behavior in each other, but can instead, encourage stubbornness.... Do you think that is true???? I wish I could have a little discussion with all of you on that topic. Our final thought was our
behavior should be the same whether our husband holds a position of authority over other people or if it is just them and us.... however; we recognized that the repercussions of our behavior might be more longstanding if our husbands are in a position of authority. I am not sure why I really went into all of that dialogue with you except to say, once we became familiar with each other, people's real thoughts and opinions came out. Even the state of some marriages. I love transparency in women. Even if different opinions are held, embraces are quick when tears and hard times are shared. That is what I love about women - no matter what culture you are from. I am looking forward to
the next two months with them......
Quick afterthought: a picture of Gus with one of the boys at the village.... boys are still just boys....
Nice table. I love the dimensions. So which ladies are these I recognize a few of them.Are these your first guests in your home ?
ReplyDeleteCor,
ReplyDeleteYou are the queen of transparency, a great gift you share and I suspect encourages others to share.
Love,
Pop
Wait till John sees the development of his work on SMCA, the pour the roof today! Todd & I and many others ran the conduit yesterday. What great forethought.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Pop
YES women can encourage stubbornness. We can encourage bad attitudes and bad behavior. There are those who seem to always need to be "lifted up" because they have not yet discovered the LIFTER of their Head. We are all going to have down days - no doubt - because we are human - but we definitely need to choose wisely who we are spending our time "socializing" with. Not ministering to, but socializing with. We have to take the gospel to the world, but when we are relaxing with a few friends as Vashti was - are they those who will build us up and draw us closer to Christ or those who "drain the godliness" right out of us. . . . Excellent point, my friend! So thankful that I never feel "drained" on those rare occasions when we actually get to have face-to-face interaction!
ReplyDeleteThe whole stubborn thing. I don't know what you are talking about.....ok if I'm real like you are.....I guess we can spur on stubbornness especially with our men. How was Gus' day. I know God is using you. You are so gifted in this area.
ReplyDelete