Why Women Shouldn't...

One of the most awesome and thrilling moments, for sure of this transitional phase of life, and perhaps even of my married life, occurred less than two short weeks ago. As we sat on the bed together, Christy had just clicked the "register" button, signing herself up for her first class toward ordination. The journey to that point is quite a story in itself, one perhaps Christy herself may share at some later time.

I'm not sure what emotions your mind started conjuring up when you saw the title to this blog, "Why Women Shouldn't..." Perhaps you had feelings of curiosity; "I wonder where he's going with this?" Perhaps you had feelings of agreement; "I hope he talks about not working outside the home or not being in significant places of leadership." Perhaps you even had feelings of anger and frustration; "How's he going to tell a woman what they shouldn't do!" Yet, truth be told, I worded the title that way in an attempt to draw you in. Had I wrote out the entire title it would have said: Why Women Shouldn't Accept Less Than God's Best.

I am married to one of the most gifted and talented person on the face of planet earth (and no I'm not trying to kiss up - it's just the plain truth). Over the course of our 17 plus years of marriage, I've watched her blossom into who she is today; which by the way, doesn't even compare to who she'll be tomorrow and in the days to come. I've watched her grow and flourish as she has provided invaluable leadership and mentorship in our home, at her school, at the church where we served, as well as in the district in which we're still a part of.

And yet, as wonderful and capable a leader as she is, the world was almost kept from the future Rev. Christy Van Steenburg (again, the "why" goes back to the journey to get here). I don't know exactly how Christy's ordination, and the process thereof, fits into God's greater plan for her, our family, and ultimately the Kingdom, but I can tell you one thing: I am so excited and blessed to watch it all unfold.

I am so proud of my bride for not accepting less than God's best for her. I am glad she didn't minimalize the call of God in her life to something less than what it really is. I am humbled by the thought that other women out there might be inspired and encouraged to step into God's best for them simply by being around Christy and hearing her story. If you're reading this blog and that's you, my prayer is that you would radically follow God's radical call on your life and that you would never accept anything less than God's best for you, whatever that might mean for you.

P.S. While this blog was written to brag on my bride and to share the grace of God in her life, so as to spread it to other women, this is a message for all of us, regardless of gender. Male or female, know this: God has an amazing plan for your life. Are you willing, whatever the challenge and whatever the cost, to fully pursue it with the same passion with which Jesus fully pursued you? Might we all, unequivocally, answer with a resounding, "YES!"

Barry