What are You Holding?
- edenmunciepastor
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Encounter: In reading the passages for this week in our 730 Challenge, notice where God’s activity through women has the power to affect generations after her.
Each week during our staff meetings, we dedicate some time to create a message for our sign out front. As many of us know, thousands of people pass by our sign each week—at least in their cars—so we strive to connect with them through a simple message that aims to encourage, provide hope, or serve as an invitation to a ministry or event.
With Mother's Day approaching, we began brainstorming words that would encompass the various ways women have “mothered” us, celebrating the joy of motherhood while also acknowledging the pain and grief that some may be experiencing. We quickly realized that our sign wasn’t large enough to capture all that women have represented for us throughout history and in our personal narratives.
In our 730 Challenge reading this week, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that the hope of the world will be birthed through a woman, portraying motherhood as a source of wisdom for her children and community. Additionally, the Apostle Peter encourages husbands and men to honor women. The timing of these readings couldn't be more fitting!
Moreover, today I came across a blog post by a Covenant colleague that prompted me to reflect further on the significant roles women have played in God’s kingdom of love. It's profound to read through the list of what women have held in the Bible. Here's the link.
So, what did we decide to put on our sign? Simply this: “Happy Mother’s Day - You are loved” A message to every woman, everywhere, who has held something or someone for God’s sake. Remember, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another… Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.”
Holding with you,
Pastor T
Reflect:
Read “What Women Have Held in the Bible” by Pastor Lynette Sanchez . Take a moment to journal about the significant ways women have impacted your life along the various paths you have traveled since childhood. In what ways were they essential to your well-being and growth? Consider any effects that were not helpful or perhaps even abusive—how did these experiences affect your well-being?
Spiritual Practice:
Using your imagination in prayer, reflect on how God might be inviting you to nurture someone, offer support or wisdom, create spaces of hospitality, or invest your love and care—or simply listen. Perhaps this season focuses on your own children, or envision and pray for God to bring someone into your life whom you can care for as you have always wished to be cared for.
Gather:
In your small group, share about a special woman in your life who has encouraged your faith.