What is Required?

Hi there, Diamond Glamour Girls,

Maybe you can relate to what I am about to write. Maybe not. It depends on where your stand is in life. What is required of me? (Hew 5:3) Have you ever had someone require something of you that so over the top you with sorrow (Jer 8:8) that you couldn't function correctly or think for yourself to answer?

At the time I had just lost my aunt, my Tia as we called she. She had passed away. At the same time or shortly after I discovered my own mom was aging and it would be a slow and long time with her and her husband they both are ill and slowly leaving. All I could think of was my own children, how would I manage a life without. How I would financially support them and myself. How I would survive?

I was attending a church I loved with people I loved. It was all overwhelming. (Job 6:27) My earthly father had already died and this left me feeling alone. I thank the Lord for taking the place of my father during times of need.  I was serving under someone we had philosophical fundamental differences. (1Cor12:5) Differences of how a woman should be. I believe women have a voice in church and church life. (Ps 142:1) I also believe in a woman's right to choice. (Jer 25:10) I believe woman's right to employment. Most of the woman in the Bible are employed. I also believe in a woman's right to be respected. I also believe that if you are personally required to serve under a preacher as a woman I have the right to ask his wife if there is any objection. (Eph 6:7)  If there is then we have to work our differences first. (1Cor7:34) If there was no disagreement and she still says no, then I am free to not serve as in my case. If they can't be worked out then I shouldn't serve under her husband. If what she required is greater than I am willing to give or capable of giving I have the freedom to say NO. My requirement was that the wife approve. (Ps (62:12) Why, serving in a church creates many things positive. The one thing I will not allow it to create is false relationship. It is important for the intentions of the heart to be known from all present, boundaries to be respected and believes to be challenged and mature in the Lord. (Jer 30-24)

 This choice was shocking to a man who believed a woman should submit. We argued constantly. Maybe, I didn't require enough of him, either way I know I still have the same stand today. The greatest part is knowing in my heart grace, superseded all the arguments. Prayer takes care of all answers, knowing the will of God will be done, not of man. I was there for a reason, a purpose and because I was called to be there.

Did I require anything else after that I don't think so. Once my personal world began to fall apart I had to step down from serving and take care of my family that needed me to serve them for a while. I am a woman with an opinion. Not that my opinion is always correct, what is important is that I am allowed to express it.

With the life changes, it is good to know you have another woman praying for grace and mercy in your life.