Continue the Journey

Nancy Carmichael / Women’s Ministry Director

It’s probably not good theology to say that God is tricky … So instead, I’ll say God has a good sense of humor. That statement is theologically sound, I am sure.

I think of the road to Emmaus, when JESUS is walking with those two men who are telling Him the whole story of what had transpired those days prior to His resurrection - all the while, not knowing they were talking to the resurrected man Himself.

“Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

 “What things?” He asked. (Luke 24:18-19)

Come on now, that’s funny.

Or how about the story of Eutychus? (Acts 20:7-12)

He’s the guy that fell out of the third story window when Paul was preaching on and on throughout the night. I picture him drifting off in that hot, crowded room … not that I could EVER relate to falling asleep in church, mind you … and then it happens. He falls out the window, and everyone thinks “well that’s it for Him” (this is not the funny part by the way) … and then here comes Paul; he gives him a hug, brings him back to life, goes back upstairs ... (“now where was I?”) and continues, preaching through the rest of the night.

Hysterical.

And then there’s the story of how God brought me back on staff here four years ago to fulfill the role of Groups Director. Within the scope of that role was also directing women’s ministry. Now mind you, had that been the pitch, “will you be our women’s ministry director?” I would’ve done a Jonah and run fast and far in the other direction. “Why?”, you ask? Let’s just say that’s a role I’ve never felt qualified (nor, if I’m being honest the desire) to fulfill, for too many reasons to get into in this short blog post. In a nutshell, it all boils down to insecurity and comfort zones. 

And I probably don’t need to tell you that God never seems to be put off by inviting us out of our comfort zones and walking us through our insecurities.

Now here I am, four years later, to tell you all how grateful and how humbled I am that He has walked me through this journey as Women’s Ministry Director. I think of all the beautiful women I’ve had the privilege of working alongside: laughing, learning, crying, and serving together. I think of the grace that you all have shown me as I’ve learned to lead, often through trial and error. I think of the way Jesus has loved me so well through so many of you, and the way He expresses himself through each of you.

And I am so, so glad that He “tricked me” … er, I mean that He has such a great sense of humor in placing me in this role for this season.

Moreover, I am excited to see where He will take all of us in this new season for the women of EH Church, and really, for all of us. (Shout out to Rose-woohoo!!)

So, let’s get ready for the next leg of this journey together. 

It’s going to be fun! Ok, maybe not every minute. There'll be some challenges, of course. Maybe a comfort zone or two to journey through. But God’s sense of humor (and JOY) isn’t going anywhere. And I am CERTAIN that is a deeply theologically sound statement!