March On! Shining the Spotlight on American Baptist Women in Ministry
On the very first day of my very first week as National Director, I received a letter from Ronny Lanier (Rev. Veronica Lanier). Not just any letter, not just a run-of-the-mill, mythic million dollar, multiple mailing, but a one in a million exceptional epistle, a letter written specifically to me, for me.
As I was starting a new ministry but feeling overwhelmed by the old, that letter reminded me of my call, re-connected me to God’s claim on my life and reinvigorated me for the journey.
And a light shone.
After that letter, I heard from many of you who shared that Ronny too has written to you over the years, and that Ronny too has been a mentor, a light to you. Ronny is someone who continually shines the light on women in ministry, not just me but you too.
Everyone needs a ‘Ronny’ in their life, someone who believes in them, celebrates their gifts and affirms their call, someone who is their advocate, their mentor, their friend.
Someone who shines the light to remind us of The Light and Christ’s call to let our light shine.
Since that time Ronnie has called me not once, or twice, or even seven times, but seventy times seven!
Each time she calls, she enthusiastically asks (or rather bursts out!) "Do you know what?" And each time I think it is different news she has to share. But each time, it is the same old story: "You are called, you are chosen."
Same old story. Same new Light.
A reminder of The Light that is part of our old, old story, and The Light that calls us anew.
Sisters in ministry, YOU are called! YOU are chosen!
Let your light shine!
Join me in shining the spotlight on women in ministry that the gifts our generous God has poured out on so many can be shared with a world in need and will shine the light of Christ on all. March On!
Your partner in ministry,
Pat
Rev. Patricia P. Hernandez
ABWIM National Director
[email protected]