If you didn't know… this:
http://thisiswhatapastorlookslike.tumblr.com has been going on among women
ministers lately. Selfies called "This
is what a pastor looks like." If
you thought you knew what a pastor looks like – or should look like – be
prepared to refocus. I am a female
minister and I realized scrolling through these images my perception has warped
and narrowed over the years. What a beautiful
wake up call.
I know that each one of these women pictured - with
all the other shit in her life - works her hardest to make sure the people
in her community know they are loved by God.
Each of these women is doing her best to live out the glory that is
within her. Each of these women tries to
bring about God’s beloved community here on earth.
I find these pictures beautiful and empowering. (No really,
they make me cry. I’m crying right now)
Perhaps because what I see while looking through these
pictures - are the stories behind the pictures - the balance of life, the
fatigue, the self care, the children, the motherhood, the imperfections, the
pastoral care, writing the sermon, the loss, the love, the family, the sadness,
the goals achieved, the distance, the silliness, the desires, the beauty, the
sassiness, the fun, the questions, the doubts, the scars. It is all so imperfect and all so beautiful! It is so clear – so easy to see the Divine in
each one of these women!
There are some AMAZING women out there doing EXTRAORDINARY
things. I am proud to be among
them.
P.S. To those who
have shared pictures – thank you. You
are an inspiration. Thank you to Kate
McGee who has gathered the pictures in Tumblr.
