Women I Love

I remember when I walked into Mars Hill and was afraid of the other women around me. They didn’t say much, which made me feel different from the get-go. And they all seemed so pretty, put together, and too busy with their spouses, children, and current circle of friends to honestly say hello to a new woman.

This was just my impression. I think a lot had to do with the fact I started by attending Ballard where it may seem to be the rule rather than the exception that you can wander in and out of that building without so much as a ‘hello’ from a greeter, especially if you are shy.

But I got adopted in. And instead of seeing a bunch of mute Christian Barbies running around Mars Hill (how judgmental I have been!), I see real women, reflecting Christ and showing me another snapshot of a woman striving to look like Jesus. This is just a brief list of women I see Jesus in, and I’m writing it not to make them puffed up, but because you may also struggle with knowing women at Mars Hill or seeing how Jesus is actively transforming the ladies into the likeness of Himself…

Thank you, Renee. You are a beautiful example to me of the kindness of Jesus. Even yesterday, you offered hospitality to a stranger here at Mars Hill, and you faithfully and quietly continue to serve the body in a way that is so crucial, keeping our kids safe.

Thank you, Cambria. You have shown me Jesus in so many ways I don’t know where to even begin. But you have an eye of love that always has you thinking ahead and planning to find ways to bless people through what you have been given. I cannot think of anything that you have held on to for yourself. You share everything. You are the best example of stewardship I know, in all areas of your life.

Thank you, Danielle. You work so faithfully in connecting people to Community Groups. You are very quiet, but your actions shine and when you speak, your words are gentle and thoughtful.

Thank you, Lauren. You were the first woman to have a real conversation with me at Mars Hill and truly ask about my life. You had no obligation to talk to me, but you did. And you actually listened. In a world and culture that almost never listens and is too busy in their own world, you actually give people your ear and truly hear and take them to heart.

Thank you, Crystal. You talked about gluttony in the midst of your own struggle, not when it was neatly tied-up and behind you. Your brutal honesty and confession cut me to the heart. You are brave and love Jesus much.

Thank you, Katie G. You have prayed me through some of my most fearful times of my life, and spoken the Scripture into my life so well. The Holy Spirit has used you to convict me and to encourage me, always building me up.

Thank you, Terri. I don’t know why you always have a huge smile & hug for me, or why you choose to believe in me. But you do, and you always offer words of encouragement and help, and see no person’s thoughts or feelings as trivial.

Thank you, Rynnah. I know you’re my sister, but you don’t have to pet my head when I am sobbing and you do. It means more to me than any words. Thank you.

Thank you, Sandi. You explained to me why I wasn’t a good fit for the job I’d applied for. No one ever takes the time to do that, and I felt honored that you both took the time and told me the truth.

Thank you, Annie. You were pregnant when I met you, and the wife of our Community Group leader, and you adopted me like a sister in the midst of already having many friends and connections. You have always treated me with love, like family. You have never judged me, even though I deserve it.

Thank you, Katie L. There is not one fragment of pretentiousness in you. You are sincere. You are not catty or manipulative at all. You are fun, honest and I enjoy having you as a friend and neighbor.

Thank you, Wendy. You let me ask questions and always answer honestly and with Scripture. You always focus everything back on Jesus. You truly desire to please the Lord more than man, and yet you are so honest with me about the struggle between. You are a courageous woman.

Thank you, Hannah, Candice, Shelly and Laurel. I don’t know why God gave you to me as friends and co-laborers in Christ, but I am so blessed by your stories and by your presence in my life.

Thank you, women I have not named — so many of you have blessed my life and probably don’t even know it. I no longer am a stranger and alien here at Mars Hill, but have been adopted into the family and especially by you ladies.

Look around; we are surrounded by women who love Jesus. What a blessing!