Walking without fear

One of the things that amazed us about walking the Camino in Spain was how safe it was. We were walking through all kinds of terrain and at all hours of the day, but we never felt unsafe. We even noticed pilgrims walking on their own, and when we passed them, we found ourselves wondering why this wouldn't be the case in South Africa? 

It is a sad reality, but hikers, walkers, runners are urged not to exercise alone, even in places with larger communities. And this week in South Africa, we understand why - we have heard the tragic news of 9 bodies being found in the Ekurhuleni region - all female and most of the ladies were out exercising at the time of their murder. This is totally devasting for the families and friends of these women, and absolutely shocking for our society. 

There are so many unanswered questions at this time, but this kind of tragedy should leave us all asking deeper questions. How can we raise awareness about GBV in one month and the next moment discover that the women in our world are still vulnerable? How can the church help raise awareness? What else can we do to be a part of the change?

I leave us with the words of our Presiding Bishop, Pumla Nzimande, who wrote in her letter yesterday:

"May the loss of these women not be met with another moment of outrage that soon fades, but with renewed determination and sustained action. May this moment deepen our shared resolve to build communities in which every woman and child is safe, valued, protected and free from fear. 

 Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. (Ezekiel 45:9) 

 The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18)"

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Thoughts on International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day (8th March) and so I would like to honour all of our women readers, as well as the women in our community. May God bless you all. 

To celebrate this occasion from a Christian perspective, I offer you three quotes from remarkable women of faith. These ladies may not be known by us all, but their legacy lives on through the witness of their faith. 

 “The moment we come into any trial or difficulty, our first thought should be, not how soon can we escape from it, or how we may lessen the pain we shall suffer from it, but how can we best glorify God in it.” - (Susannah Spurgeon)

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.” - (Elisabeth Elliot)

"Look what the Lord has done for me! My people were ashamed of me, but now the Lord has taken away that shame." - Elizabeth (Luke 1:25)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Did he really say that?

It is very easy to misunderstand what Solomon is saying in some parts of chapter 7 and he could easily be labelled as a sexist. Just have a look at some of these words to see my point, but then I want to clarify the context of what he is saying.

"I discovered that a seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death. Her passion is a snare, and her soft hands are chains. Those who are pleasing to God will escape her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.
... Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman! But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.” (Ecclesiastes 7:26, 28-29)

Firstly, we must remember that Solomon is the guy who refers to wisdom as a Woman in book of Proverbs. We can conclude that he does respect women in many ways, but would also have been a "man of his time", with many different views on the role of women in his kingdom.

Secondly, the woman he is referring to in verse 27, is the 'seductive' woman, and not all women! Ecclesiastes (like Proverbs) were used as teachings to the young men of the Jewish communities, informing them of all the virtues and vices in life. He wanted the younger guys to be cautious of this as they could land up in trouble. He could just as easily used this passage to instruct our young women in today's world too - that we should be wary of anyone who tries to seduce us in anyway. 

Thirdly, his statement about not finding one righteous woman (out of a thousand) and only 1 righteous man, is interesting. However, we must remember that it was only the men who were given religious instruction in their generation - so this actually makes the men look far worse than the women. The men had all the correct teaching and still they didn't get it right. 

Solomon's conclusion is that although God created us to follow Him, we have all turned to go our own way. And so we need to draw a connection to the Gospel's here, where we see the gift of Jesus rescuing us from our sin.

Hope this makes some sense to us all.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

One life is all we have

                                                        

In this month of August, where we honour the women in our communities, I have chosen to share a few quotes from Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orleans. She was a remarkable woman indeed and her complete loyalty to God cannot be denied. Although some of her ideas may have seemed a little strange, she was willing to live and die for Jesus. May these words inspire you today.

You say that you are my judge; I do not know if you are; but take good heed not to judge me ill, because you would put yourself in great peril.

Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/joan-of-arc-quotes

Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.

 Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, nevertheless they give up their lives to that little or nothing. One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it, and then it's gone. But to surrender what you are, and live without belief - that's more terrible than dying - more terrible than dying young.

As you live your one life, offer it to Jesus.

Luke 13:23 (The Message) -  "Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Thursdays in Black

Wouldn't it be amazing to live in a world free from fear and violence? It may seem like a pipe dream to many, but I want to be part of the solution and this is why I strongly support the Thursdays in Black campaign. If you are not familiar with this initiative here is a brief summary of what it advocates:

"We can all be involved in a simple but powerful campaign to address gender violence. Every Thursday, people around the world wear black as a symbol of strength and courage, representing our solidarity with victims and survivors of violence, and calling for a world without rape and violence" (Thursdays in Black website)

I don't know how to change the past, but I certainly want to add my voice to help shape the future. This Women's month let us be mindful of all people (especially women and children) impacted by violence, rape, abuse and discrimination.

For those people who aren't sure if Jesus would support such a campaign perhaps we need to read our Gospels again. If you read the Gospels in light of Jesus' mission to stand with the marginalised you will be surprised at how many stories speak of God's love for those who live on the margins.

Psalm 72:4 - "May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Thank you ladies!

As we celebrate National Women's Day today may we remember that our world would not be same if it weren't for the many courageous, loving and spirit-filled women in our communities. It is not just the women such as Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Mother Theresa, Helen Zille and others that deserve our gratitude - it is also our wives, mothers, sisters and friends that need a mention.

Jesus had a lot of time for women and this needs to be recognised. In a time when women were considered 'objects' & 'disposable' Jesus gave every women dignity and grace. Scripture teaches us that after an encounter with Jesus, numerous women saw LIFE in a different way - He changed their world.

May we seek to honour women in the way that Jesus did.

In the grip of His Grace,
D3LM3