Given Grace Series

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7

Chapter four of the book of Ephesians is one that every individual who ministers in the body of Christ ought to meditate on quite often. Highlighting unity and diversity and the beautiful pairing of these two seeming opposites is a reminder and encouragement we all need. Then comes verse seven, one that in my opinion, every woman in ministry ought to frame up on her office wall or bathroom mirror. (Or perhaps refrigerator if more exposure is desired.) Too often, we ladies are overcome with doubt about our calling to the kingdom. We question what we could or should share. And we grow, too often, all by our lonesome. Yet, right here Paul reminds us that every single one of us is given grace. Period. And we are given grace to grow and serve so we can share that grace with others, because we are all in this together.

With this in mind, I have tried to make it a habit when I have the privilege of sitting with a more experienced pastor’s wife to ask for advice and instruction with questions like “What is something you have learned over the years in ministry?” or “What would you tell yourself if you could go back?”

Truth is, a lot of times, I do mean to ask these questions, but then I get distracted by

the good dinner conversation, a stunning piece of jewelry, or the dessert menu. And when I do ask, sometimes it catches those blessed souls off guard. Throwing out thought-provoking questions immediately after discussing lighthearted topics like dry shampoo, spoiling grandchildren, and failed diet plans would throw anybody off. So much for tact.

Many ladies need more time to think, but for those who have been able to reroute their minds quick enough to answer, I have been inspired, and challenged by their words. And even when their answers have been limited, I am simply blessed and encouraged by who they are, their walk with their Savior, and their sweet smiles even in the most bitter moments of life.

But recently the tables are being turned. Suddenly I have ladies younger in ministry than me asking these questions. Now there are a couple of problems with this. First of all, I feel I have very little to offer them when it comes to wisdom and expertise. And secondly, I am far too young to be the “mature” pastor’s wife! (Though the growing army of beauty aids and hair dyes hiding away in my bathroom closet might strongly protest this fact.)

But as I have come back to Ephesians 4, I am reminded that I, too, have been given grace. And that grace over the past years is not for me alone. With that in mind, I have tried earnestly to think about their questions and to answer them to my limited ability.

So, girls, you know who you are, and as promised, I have begun my list: the things I wish I could go back and tell my younger self, the lessons of grace in my life over the past fifteen years. Sometimes these posts will be longer and were written through watery lenses. At other times they are shorter and I had to stop typing just to shake my head stunned at the simplicity of a truth that took me longer than Christmas to realize. Perhaps you’ll find them helpful or at least amusing, and I’m certain you’ll have your own grace-given lessons to share as well. So my precious sister, wherever you are, remember this Alabama girl in Vegas loves you and is thankful for you.