Nougat 8

Blessings one and all! Special blessings to all women in this ministry! March 8 is International Women’s Day and it gives opportunity to explore the inroads made for the development of women, while dreaming about working solutions to some of the egregious wrongs against women simply because of their gender. With that in mind, please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve been accused by many of having a feminist agenda in my reflections and work. And, if feminist means thinking like a woman and pushing for equality, fair and favorable treatment of women and children – yes I do; and so should you! I agree, there may be grey areas for many of us who are people of faith. That’s normal. In those moments/instances do stand by your convictions.

However, we are charged to ‘do good to everyone’. While the charge prioritizes those in the family of faith, suggesting that we are still to do good to all people. And all still means All! Yes indeed. So our stance ought to be ‘what does God’s agenda for women look like, especially in regard to doing good?’, then ensuring that our work and witness reflect this.

In that vein, I invite us to consider some of the women in Jesus earth-walk. Some interesting characters jump out at us in John’s gospel, beginning with Jesus’ mother. At the wedding where we meet her, she is the one who pushes for divine intervention and transformation in a situation that could quickly become embarrassing. After noting the timing of the request, Jesus yields to her request, signaling the beginning of His public ministry. Jesus wasn’t invited to the wedding because of what He could offer; rather; He provided because His mother asked and there was a need.

Whether it’s the woman He encountered at the well in Samaria, the woman thrust before him half-naked at the temple, the grieving sisters who were his friends, and the other Marys with whom Jesus related, we see Jesus affirming the dignity and rights of women. His actions were not necessarily common in his context, so much so that there is a school of thought that argues that the gospel might have been written by a woman!

That thought aside, we are presented with a model for ‘doing good’ to all, especially those who are in the family of faith. Jesus’ actions were to Jew and Gentile alike, to women of influence as well as those on the fringe, challenging us to now do likewise. Siblings, I dare to suggest that when we advocate for human dignity and rights, it’s more of a Jesus agenda than a feminist one.

So, the only thing left to ask is – as we put the spiritual gift God’s blessed us with to use, are we placing restrictions on its use, or will we allow God to guide us. May God’s light shine forth from us in all we do, so others will see what we do and glorify God in Heaven (see Matthew 5:14)

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May all we seek be found in Christ