oozing insghts- a letter from reader and response

Hi Lisa,

I really enjoyed your article, especially the way you join your words and heart with scripture to bring alive your message. A good reminder for me. I laughed when you referred to yourself as a married with children, writer/speaker/artist without an MDiv or PHd, because my gifts and situation are similar. although you are a bit farther on your journey. I am curious what experiences you have had been left out of the emerging conversation, or your observations about this dynamic in general. Do you think men are reticent to hear from women or that "normal gals" are intimidated by men who speak eschatologicalese and hold fancy degrees?

Also, I think practicing humility must be balanced with working toward inclusion and justice for our sisters and daughters. Jesus was willing to suffer, but he was not willing to accept the status quo. How do we practice humility, grace and justice in the name of Jesus?

Blessings, Jemila Monroe

www.quirkygrace.blogspot.com

Posted by Jemila Monroe | Posted at 10/24/2006 7:18 AM

Hi there, Jemila, You ask some good questions.

I don't suppose I've felt "left out" in a sense that there has been some overt message that says, “Stay away”. Prominent “Leaders” if you can really called them that specifically, of the emergent movement, are noticing the dearth of divergent voices in what is suppose to be a dynamic and diverse conservation about Christian spirituality. There is some effort to be more accommodating as well, which is nice to see. One disappointing and paradoxical aspect is a movement (emergent) that is by nature, nurture and period in history, more egalitarian, is also solidifying into an unilateral one.

I have come from a background of subjugation not grace from most of my church experiences, so the emergent movement seems sweet and filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s character in comparison. The reluctance of men from many mainline denominations and backgrounds, marginalizes female points of view, and teaching, and stiff-arms insights of spiritually mature women I believe has been heavy-handed enough to be in error. I've noticed even in contemporary circles men strongly favoring the spiritual insights of men over women as been the norm, except in “liberal” churches. This seems to be to a waste of gifts and resources for the body of Christ.

I think many men, and nearly all mature and spiritually grounded men in my daily interactions are willing to hear my insights. Whether they value them on par with men is hard to quantify. I don't think it's important to know, because it's not edifying. It probably depends on both the manner in which I present insights/ideas, as well as the individual's bent, or even the mood, of the male listener.

I personally don’t feel intimidated by fancy degrees, (et. al.) (I can just speak for myself. Other women may feel intimidated.) ---but I DO believe knowledge most often puffs up. The Bible is true after all and it makes mention of this potential and common trapping. It’s a trap I can succumb to also, even without a fancy title, trust me! (If we’re honest about it, we can ALL fall prey!) I’ve learned we must be in continual Spirit-led awareness and submission to God to avoid a posture of pride. It's our "default setting."

My message is-- the approach to “be heard” mustn’t be how we would-- typically-- try to attain it. It must emulate the paradox of Christ’s servant ministry when it’s done with his “model.” To answer your other question: (How do we practice humility, grace and justice…) I think we practice humility, grace and justice as Jesus did. It has nothing to do with the status quo, but everything to do with patience and grace. He did NOT think of himself first, but became of no reputation, took the form of a servant and loved and sacrificed. We can’t count on people to be fair and noble and gracious, but we CAN work on our response to them and being the embodiment of grace. I hope you’ll keep your eyes peeled for my book, hopefully out next year, where I tackle some of these things, and I invite you to sign up from my articles “ethoughts weekly” at my wit4life.com website, for further contemplations on these and other matters. You seem to be a kindred spirit, my sister, and I pray God will continue to use and bless you. Good Thoughts!