As a daughter, sister of 2 sisters, momma of 2 daughters, and friend, I get the chance to talk to my fair share of other women, but it’s not often that in those conversations, multiple generations come together to talk openly specifically about being a girl or woman.
Since 2012, October 11th has been declared as International Day of the Girl by the United Nations as a global moment to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. This year Pulpit Rock got to team up with some partners with like-hearts: Tirzah and the local chapter of Christians for Biblical Equality. Women from these organizations and from Pulpit Rock had a wonderful afternoon discussing the ways God has called us, worked through different ages and stages, and connects us in community.
We heard from 6 different girls/women all in various seasons of life for some spotlight interviews. Then we had a chance for conversation around the tables, sharing experiences, stories and thoughts. At my table we had a teen, women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s – some married, some single, some with kids, some in ministry, some students and all had time to share. These conversations were so much fun!
Our afternoon sitting together let us share and celebrate all of the many unique ways God has created us and called us to be in the world. Our discussions were really encouraging, as well as a time to step into the shoes of other women. I learned from Shannon about some of the joys and challenges of being a middle age single woman without kids. I got to hear from Sues about what it’s like for her to be in ministry unexpectedly in her 60s. Bethany shared about being called to be a pastor in her 20s and one of my favorite moments was when Raedyn, a middle schooler, got to tell us what it’s like to be 13 today.
While none of the women’s stories exactly matched mine – I found myself in them. I saw our similarities, I learned from our differences, and I saw how much each of us embody the creativity and beauty of our God.
