I’d never heard of Rachel Held Evans until I heard she died. Via Facebook just a couple days ago. The New York Times says the following: “Rachel Held Evans’s unique writing voice fostered a community of believers who yearned to seek God and challenge conservative beliefs.”
Challenge conservative beliefs? While seeking God?
Um … yes. The appeal to me was immediate. As I read blurbs from friends of mine talking about what a voice Rachel was for feminism, inclusivity and other hot topics in the church, I found that I couldn’t wait to discover this person and her thoughts on … everything.
Many lines I’ve been fed for years from the evangelical pulpit have been troubling me too. At 35 years old, I’m finally comfortable (okay, it’s been that way for a few years, but you get the idea) saying I AM A FEMINIST. Like, a hardcore feminist. Have a bra? Have a lighter? LETSGO. (Just kidding)
It’s taken time, though. Time to wear away at the bonds (yes, bonds) placed on women in the evangelical community, flex my hands and start to get my circulation back.
Funny how in my early twenties, I would have said, “Yeah, men and women have specific roles that God set up.” I wouldn’t say that now, or a least not so facilely. Back then, I would have said, “Yeah, my husband is supposed to be my spiritual leader.” Um, I would not say that now either. Then, I’d have said, “My unique role as a wife is one of submission to my husband.” Nope. (Quick aside: it’s mutual submission). Even as recently as a few years ago, I might have said that women aren’t supposed to be pastors. No longer. Gay marriage? Well, surprise surprise, I think God might rejoice in it. Yep.
(And what a lovely surprise)
Funny how we evolve. And learn. And change. Towards (I hope) greater wisdom, truth and love.
Not funny. Merciful.
I’m digging into Rachel’s blog and I am already so refreshed. I can’t wait to read more, think more, learn more. The evangelical tradition is patriarchal. It just is. Even my own church community, which I love, holds views that I strongly disagree with. Rachel reminds me I can love the church and disagree. She reminds me that my differing views are not heretical. And that I am free to think for myself. I have God’s Word, God’s spirit, and a community of ever-growing, steadfast, doubting, gay, straight, transgender, married, single, celibate, conservative, progressive, political, quiet and vociferous believers all around me. To help me hone my walk with Christ, the one my heart longs for, the one who thrills me, the one who welcomes me because I am his.
Hurrah.
I’ll leave you with one of Rachel’s striking quotes that gives me such a feeling of new wonder over the grace of God:
“This is what God’s kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there’s always room for more.”
If that isn’t good news, I don’t know what is.