God did not make human beings to dominate others or to be dominated by others. God made us in love, by love, and for love. We aren’t made to carry the burden of domination; we are made to wear the yoke of love.
Category Archives: Musings of a Middle-aged Ordained Woman
Remembering How to Lead (MMOW8)
When we back our theology up to the beginnings of our faith origin stories we start with equality and mutuality as God intends. It was human behavior that brought about the discord between us. It was not God’s design that we compete for power or control of others.
Learning from stories, part 2 (MMOW7)
God’s provision isn’t the extra we get over and above our needs. All that we have and all that we are is God’s provision. Our very life is a gift of our Creator. Nothing is of our own creation. We have an active role in nurturing and maintaining our lives but our life is a gift. Whenever we begin to live as if we know better than God what the design for our life should be, we disrupt the equitability and mutuality of God’s Kingdom.
Learning from Stories, Part 1 (MMOW6)
Like the sower who scatters seed with the joyful energy of abundance, it is God who relentlessly seeks us to show us how to be fully human as God made us to be. We participate with God, following Jesus, shining God’s light of Love on the pathway of the Kingdom-on-earth-as-in-heaven.
Undiscovered Biases, Part 2 (MMOW5)
When I accept the role of leader in a group, I also accept the responsibility and accountability that comes with the authority given to me. To want authority without the accountability and responsibility is not leadership. Jesus-led leadership is never assumed but always an answer to an invitation.
That First&Last Thing (MMOW4)
The Kingdom-on-earth-as-in-heaven is about all people being equal. There is no status, no rank, no superiority. In God’s Kingdom there is God and all of God’s beloved children. This is the foundation on which forgiveness, mercy, grace, and redemption, as Jesus shows us how to live them, work.
Eyes to See (MMOW3)
Jesus-led leaders don’t attempt to control anyone or anything. … Jesus-led leaders use the power of their position to equip and enable others to fulfill their ministries in the Kingdom-on-earth-as-in-heaven.
Undiscovered Biases (MMOW2)
In the “Musings of a Middle-aged Ordained Woman” blog posts I want us to explore Jesus-led leadership, whether woman or man. I think we’ve tried (unconsciously or consciously?) too long to lead with power rather than by journeying with others from cooperation to collaboration to communion. I hope you find it helpful. I hope you share it with those you know who want to be Jesus-led leaders. I hope you share your thoughts and experiences with me.
A Little Background (MMOW1)
But both our culture and our society on a larger scale, and our families and communities on a smaller scale still in many ways live a pattern than continually enforces the idea that women have to be less so that there is room for the men. We have to remember that God made the world with room enough for both – for all of us! – to be fully and boldly human.
Mother Nancy's Coffee Thoughts 