I remember when I was younger...so much was going on...much change...and I was a bit confused at all the hurrah...
I was raised Southern Baptist, and due to the fact that abortions were done at a hospital in my city that was supported by my denomination...I transferred my membership to the Independent Baptist Church.
I was convinced for about 6 years of that time that it was wrong to be dressed in men's clothing...so I gave up pants. I also gave up shorts and any scanty clothing.
I was convinced that I was growing closer to the LORD by all of this sacrifice...it was a lot like lent...only it lasted for 6 long years of my married life.
I led a pro-family, pro-life group during that time with many speaking engagements in churches, including the Independent Baptist and Pentecostal churches. Not wearing pants was to my advantage in convincing those pastors to allow their women to stand with us against the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment)
The LORD let me know it was ok to go back to my previous dress-code through my husband. During the time that I didn't wear pants, I learned to be a submissive wife. Somehow, my change of attire had a direct effect on my attitude as wife.
I remember during those early adult years having the LORD ask if I knew that I was a Pharisee. "I can't be a Pharisee, LORD, You called them vipers!"
I know I was struggling with accepting the new styles of worship. Years before, I had been at a Billy Graham crusade where a black lady sitting near us kept shouting back at Billy. My mother told me that's how they did in their church...they talked back to the preacher.
I also was struggling with all the Jesus Movement and those praying and singing in the spirit. In fact, I remember delivering telephone books to a Pentecostal church...locking my children into the car as I ran up steps to deliver the phone books. I was terrified!
I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit over the telephone, as a dear black woman prayed for and with me. She is my spiritual Mama until today.
For Easter service this year, my husband and I attended our youngest son's church on Friday evening. The service was very contemporary. I had been there a couple of times before, but it was my husband's first time. I was wondering how he was going to react.
I've been in on-going change mode for some time now...I can worship with any people...regardless of race or nationality...and I can worship in all types of music. If the words are based on the Word, then, I can freely worship.
I am also enjoying all ages! I love the elderly...but I love the babes...the children of all ages. I love working the those ESL people in my church. I also love the younger women that I'm Bible studying with on internet.
Last, but certainly not least, I love chatting with, ministering to, and being ministered to by the daughters and sons the LORD has given me across the globe...on face book and on website.
I take my place in these Last Days...and like Esther knew...I was born for a time such as this!!!
Thank You, LORD, for placing me in my spot...to do the work You've given me...and to receive Your reward. I Glory in the fact that I am a friend of God!!!
Woo Hoo!!!
Love to all of you,
Mama/Sister/Aunt Teddi
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