“There’s a Woman In the Pulpit” Blog Tour

One of the best things that ever happened for my ministry was to find this group of women who didn’t care whether I was speaking or writing, they heard my story – they listened to my voice – even when I found myself hardly able to speak. A true gift of God for anyone, a treasure beyond measure that we gradually were able to name on that first Big Event (BE) continuing education cruise where it felt like we already knew each other even though we had just met IRL (in real life). We had read each other’s’ blogs and stories and we already knew each other even though we couldn’t pick one another out of a crowd.

For me, it started with a Friday Five when I had a story to tell. If you go look at the entry, you’ll see I only alluded to the story instead of actually telling it. And many times I have found myself saying, “I’m a better speaker than writer. I know how to tell a story. I just don’t write that well.” So how did I get in this blog ring? Because I had to be in this precious community! I was drawn in by the laughter, the knowingness without a huge explanation, a camaraderie that was past “esprit de corp.” They got it! and I had to be part of it, too. The compassion and depth of care that spread instantly across the wires with prayers raised around the world still brings Holy Tears to my eyes as I think of things past, present, and even things to come. The Communion of Saints has a richness it had never had until RevGalBlogPals began to pray for one another and network with each other from Texas Sheet Cake of Solidarity to the TownCar of Justice, the Preacher Party, and jokes that weren’t really that funny but brought just the right note of healing laughter. The Body of Christ became so much more real in the cyberspace-blinking-cursor world where I was connected more deeply to Christian clergywomen, faithful lay women, precious men who valued women and God in ways that are best described as mysteries of faith. I am forever blessed to be a RevGalBlogPal and A Woman in the Pulpit.

The stories in this book are a glimmer of all of those things – the Worst Communion ever! Oh what a story! And how blessed I am to have a bit part in it. Liz and her presence during sacred transitions. I hear her accented voice as I read the story. I will also forever hear angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven sing because of Liz’s voice and clapping during our singing at worship during the first BE she attended. There are some things, once you have heard them, you carry them with you forever. The prayers are Holy Ground on paper bringing a bit of heaven to us here. The pray-ers voices echo in my head as I read, a privilege of liminal space. When I read the stories writen by those I’ve never met, I thought “Oh, yes.” There’s a resonance of knowing in the stories of ministry. Stories of power and grace in the midst of every part of ministry and life. There is breadth and welcome, grace that goes far beyond the “good manners” hospitality when the stories and prayers are shared by RevGalBlogPals. There’s really much more than “A Woman in the Pulpit.” There’s a communion of women saints in the pulpit standing together answering the call of God on their lives doing all they can to support one another as they do what God wants them to do. These particular women paused for a little bit to tell some of stories.

Don’t miss out! It’s so worth hearing the stories. The prayers are numinous. The Communion of Saints and the Body of Christ are all in “There’s a Woman in the Pulpit.” It’s a joy and privilege to be included as a contributor. It’s a Blessing in a Book. #AWOMANINTHEPULPIT

There’s a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments & the Healing Power of Humor (SkyLight Paths Publishing).

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.