On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple, February 2, 2011, I make to You this presentation of Becoming Women of Peace blog site. I remember Joseph and Mary as they took the Lord to the temple according to the precepts of the Jewish law to present him to the Father and offer a sacrifice. He was set apart for the Lord's purposes, and this too is my desire for this blog site. As I present it to Him, I offer a sacrifice of praise. (Heb. 13:15)
As at the Wedding Feast at Cana, I will fill the water jars and hope that the posts on this site will be turned into choice wine for you.
My dear precious mother, Kathryn, who is so much a part of this ministry was inspired to write these beautiful words for me to share at the first Women of Peace workshop/retreat in September 2001.
"The lives of women move mysteriously in context with water--amniotic fluid--the watery world in which we spent the first months of life, and in turn, nurtured our own children during pregnancy. Our thirst was first quenched by colostrum, sweet watery milk, a veritable love potion, repeated with our own newborns. Throughout generations, the ritual of ablution--washing infant bodies, washing old bodies--equally are acts of tender love. Sacramental waters of Baptismal Initiation, and ultimately, of Resurrection, wash over generations of women as rhythmically as the tide. Our tears of joy, sorrow, and compassion water the earth, from which springs life giving fruit.
Throughout all events, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work Jesus did on Earth. We do so with the particular giftedness of our womanhood. As in the painting, we wear wreathes of flowers, denoting reverence toward the Other, as Mexican women do today when they attend Mass. We are pregnant with wisdom accumulated on our life journeys into inlets, rivers, and randomly, on turbulent seas ready to deliver the Life that is within us to a parched world." K.G. '01
Thank you for visiting.
Grace & peace,
Sheila
p.s. do come again!
Dear Sheila,
ReplyDeleteI know that God will use this website and your sweet, spirit-filled words to bless many women. May we all become pregnant with the precious love of our Savior and be willing to give birth to it in ministry to a hurting world.
I look forward to all the words of wisdom I know God will give to us through you, His servant.
Love,
Dianne
Dear Sheila,
ReplyDeleteI found you through Dianne's blog...I look forward to visiting again and I am excited to see how the Lord is going to use you and your blog. Blessings...
Blessings dear Sheila. May all that you set your hand to prosper, as you share your insights and inspiration. I look forward to many more rich visits.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila, I too found you through Dianne's Blog. I think it is amazing how we as women can connect from around the world and find that the love for Jesus is our common denominator. May God richly bless as you reach so many new sisters through your word. Come visit me when you can. Hugs, Mollye
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