I was sitting in the Wednesday night prayer service the week
before we left for Canada. Brother
Brian went to his son Daniel’s baccalaureate service at the high school, and
Greg Land was speaking.
As he began to talk he said, “Brian asked me if I would
preach for him tonight. I told
him, ‘I’m no preacher but I can speak.’”
At that moment the thought that had been working its way to
the surface over the past two years finally became clear. That thought was “I’ll never be asked
to speak like this in my church.”
That’s when I knew I had to go.
It’s been a long journey, not a snap decision. I’ve been debating the idea that women
need to be allowed into leadership roles in the church with friends and family
over the past two years. I’ve
spoken to my pastor on several occasions.
I have shared my thoughts with the women in my Sunday School class, who
are so dear to me. I even
presented the idea to the deacons at our church.
In the end, few minds have been changed about the role of
women in my church. But mine has
been completely changed. And so I
find myself with no other alternative than to go.
After having a final talk with Brother Brian, we both agreed
that it was for the best. He said
he had seen many people leave churches for the wrong reasons, but he felt that
my decision to leave was valid. I
assured him that I was not hurt or angry or upset. I just know there is a better place for me out there
somewhere.
I’m saying goodbye to a church that has been a part of my
life for more than 35 years. The
people there are like family. Yet,
I have great peace about it. I
know it’s the right decision and the right time.
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