¡Algo hermoso está creciendo entre las mujeres latinas en el ministerio en Norte Carolina!

Something beautiful is growing among Latina women in ministry in North Carolina!

If you asked people what I did as an EMS chaplain, most of them think I was there to save souls, to make sure the Bible was quoted, and the sinner's prayer was shared as someone was taking their last breath. But by redefining witness—being present and walking alongside, even if just for a few moments. The presence of God could provide the healing someone needs in the moment and those to come.

What if the words we use in our churches are creating barriers instead of opening doors? What if something said as a joke, a compliment, or even a well-intentioned observation is actually diminishing someone’s calling?

Baptist Women in Ministry of North Carolina invites churches to consider these questions through our video, “Things You Would Never Say to a Man.”

I had an interesting conversation with a good friend on World Communion Sunday. She told me about a time when, in a room full of men, she was presenting her thesis on what women experience in ministry, and the question was asked:

“Why are we still talking about this?”

The world shapes the human soul, consciously and unconsciously, through experiences, relationships, and environments that form a person's life. Often, we do not realize how deeply these moments penetrate the soul's core. The soul longs for silence, a sacred space where trauma can be named, pain processed, and the voice of God heard. In silence, the soul finds room to breathe, reflect, and receive grace.

I’m still carrying so much gratitude from this year’s Symposium.

After a year of serving as Executive Director of BWIM NC, it was incredibly meaningful to stand in a room filled with women and allies who believe so deeply in this work and, more importantly, who believe in one another. Throughout the day, I found myself looking around and thinking about the stories represented in that room: stories of calling and courage, joy and disappointment, open doors and doors that are still stubbornly closed.

We never know. We simply never know why Spirit invites us to offer something or be somewhere. Still Spirit is always working in and through and on our behalf, and clearly, we are better together. Thanks be to God!

At some point this spring, I had the idea that we should create a stole that all the women can wear when they preach, much like how the jeans in the book were worn by each of the friends. I mentioned the idea to my friend Susan Linn (the massage therapist in this story), and she immediately got excited and offered to help.

This Sunday after church, my family and I sat down to watch Hoopers, a Disney+ animated movie that came out this year. If you have kids—or if you simply enjoy animated films—you may have already seen it. As the movie came to an end, I found myself unexpectedly emotional.

An amazing week of early mornings and late nights … Of competition and cooperation … Of worship and Bible study … Of connection and calling …

There are moments in life when words simply aren't enough. In those moments, all we can say is: Wow.

Before I use AI, I would like to know how it can help (or hinder) me. If you are thinking along those lines, this Lunch and Learn recording could be a good start.

It has been said that the cries of the world and the call of God may sound the same.

The Good News is that the Spirit will not be contained.

The Good News is that God will not be limited.

The Good News is that Christ has shown us the way.

And we will continue to follow faithfully.

If I am going to follow Jesus, I need to slow down; otherwise, I might get ahead of him.

What once required correction is now testimony to the faithfulness of women who answered God’s call anyway.

I am trying to leave room for the Holy Spirit to rise up inside of me and light my way.

Maybe you need that invitation, too.

Will you join me?