Carolyn Custis James

A child once asked Queen Elizabeth II if her crown was heavy. With the wisdom of a sage the Queen replied, “It’s supposed to be heavy.”

In the late 1800’s, Queen Victoria commissioned the design of a smaller crown to spare her aching neck. Among other reasons for her request, she found the Imperial Crown heavy and uncomfortable. According to Queen Elizabeth, her royal predecessor was removing a important reminder of the burdens that come with leadership, burdens capable of bringing leaders to their knees with a profound awareness of their need for God’s help and wisdom.

Sometimes a pain in the neck can be a healthy thing.

No crown comes with the office of U.S. president. But the one who takes the oath of office is bearing a heavy load nonetheless. Before and after photos of former presidents reveal how the aging process accelerates under the pressures that weigh on the occupant of the Oval Office. Those burdens now rest on President Obama’s shoulders. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to learn he’s already feeling an ache in his neck . According to the Queen, the responsibilities of leadership are “supposed to be heavy.”

Now that the celebrating is over and our new president is already hard at work on a staggering list of problems and crises, maybe our own burdens and aching necks will remind us to pray for President Obama and for the ezer at his side. As we pray for our president and for others in government, we are, as one pastor put it, “seeking to be prayerful partners of God’s shalom that comes, at least in part, through governments, civic leaders, and even presidents.”

“The narrative mode is neither incidental nor accidental to Christian belief. There is no more fundamental way to talk about God than in a story. . . . We know who we are only when we can place our selves—locate our stories—within God’s story.”

This morning I received an email from a friend who wrote,

I find myself in a place I do not like which is feeling so distant from God and not having the confidence that I am hearing from Him; and I am on autopilot just going through the motions (which is scary to me). I know that God is at work but it seems like He is at work everywhere else but within me. (That is the first time I have had that thought!)

Her words speak to a deep place in me which so often in Christian circles we are not free to share with others. The struggle she describes is not only familiar territory for God’s people, it’s an important part of our journey with God. Sooner or later, most of us will know first-hand what she is talking about. Still, when you’re going through it, there’s always the fear of being viewed as a spiritual failure or hearing some quick-fix Bible verse or theological platitude that some well-meaning person thinks will snap us out of it.

Frank came across this YouTube by Andrew Peterson from his album, Love & Thunder, which we posted on the Mt. Hood Climbers blog. But since not all of you visit that blog, I wanted to post it here. If you want to read the lyrics, go here

As I glanced over the last Dallas Theological Seminary alumni newsletter, my eye caught the announcement that the seminary had reached a significant milestone: 1500 female alumni on their roster. As one of the first women to set foot on the DTS campus as a student, I admit my heart skipped a beat when I saw that number. The fact that DTS was celebrating this was even more satisfying.

Rock on DTS!

Here are more encouraging statistics: The latest Association of Theological Seminaries study (2007-08) reported 34% of seminary students are women. Interestingly enough, the same report indicates a significant rise in the numbers of women students between the ages of 40-64—underscoring the happy notion that it’s never too late to get started! Furthermore, women now comprise 23% of fulltime seminary faculty.

This growing trend is one of the biggest success stories of the modern church, and we should be making a lot of noise about it. I know there are still some who question (or flat out oppose) the decision to offer theological education to women and still some seminaries that refuse to admit them. Opinions divide over how far women can go with their theological training and whether or not seminaries are capitulating to the culture (and more specifically to feminist influence) by opening their doors to women. But there is strong biblical warrant for what is happening.

The subject matter alone is reason enough for women to be part of the seminary community at every level. After all, theology is the study of God and no one (not even women) can get too much of that! Hopefully, the presence of women in theological seminaries will correct the misperception that theology is for men only and women should just learn from them.

Let us not forget that Jesus defended Mary’s desire to “sit at his feet” and learn along with His male disciples—a description that identifies her as a rabbinical student. As I noted in my book, When Life and Beliefs Collide, Mary was the first real NT theologian to grasp the meaning of His atonement and the hope of his resurrection. Even Mary’s sister Martha began theologizing as she conversed with Jesus after the death of her brother Lazarus. Then there are His challenging interactions with the Samaritan and Syrophoenician women, as well as His choice of Mary Magdalene and the other women from Galilee to be the first witnesses and proclaimers of the resurrected Jesus. All this in a culture that rarely if ever offered formal education to women, where men avoided public conversation with women, and where a woman’s testimony was inadmissible in a court of law.

I have hard time believing Jesus isn’t rejoicing in the swelling numbers of women pursuing theological studies today.

It is indeed a good thing that more women are walking the hallowed halls of seminaries. What is more, there is a growing recognition that the seminary community needs women. My latest book, The Gospel of Ruth, reinforced this conviction, as I studied the conversations between Ruth and Boaz—discussions over Mosaic Law where Ruth’s insights expanded Boaz’s understanding and subsequent actions. Likewise today, the involvement of women in theological seminaries is changing things for the better. Suddenly a new pair of eyes falls upon the biblical text. A new perspective that has for centuries been missing is now enriching the discussion of God and His Word. And men—both fellow seminary students and professors—are the better for it.

And isn’t this the way things are supposed to be? When God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone,” what part of life did He exclude? Even in seminary—maybe especially in seminary—men and women need each other.

So, I’m celebrating the numbers! It is glorious to see them surging.

And now a word to women seminarians—students, alumni, and professors (yes, this is a commercial): If you’re feeling isolated, alone, or unwelcome, if you’ve hit a wall in your job search, or you simply want to connect with other like-minded women who believe in you and want to see you flourish in your academic and ministry pursuits—Synergy2009 is for you!

Come join us MARCH 6-8, 2009, and let us cheer you on!

I have mixed feelings every time I crack open a new journal or start a new year. There’s something irresistibly hopeful about that brand new calendar and those pristine journal pages.

Maybe this time around, all my journal entries will be upbeat accounts of how well my life is going, instead of those late night wrestlings with God over things that have gone wrong. To quote the optimistic Miss Stacy from Anne of Green Gables, “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.”

Then again, I can’t help feeling a sense of apprehension over what I might encounter as the year rolls on, especially with 2008 ending on such a turbulent note and so much of the past moving seamlessly with us into 2009.

What will I be writing on those pages?

In 1939, at the beginning of World War II, England’s King George VI borrowed the words of poet Minnie Louise Haskins to reassure a worried nation in his annual Christmas broadcast. Words which remain reassuring to us today.

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied, “Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!”

God’s blessings to you in 2009!

Well, it’s over and, if you’re like me, you’re breathing a sigh of relief.

After all the last-minute shopping craziness, the constraints of tighter budgets, those extra activities packed into already over-crowded schedules, that persistent ache inside that no amount of merry making stops, it’s nice finally to land on the after-side of Christmas.

According to the church calendar, Christmas Day is not the end, but the beginning of the celebrating. As reality sets in again—our everyday struggles and those worrying news reports—we have solid reasons to keep on celebrating. Jesus has come, and that changes everything!

Below are excerpts from a 4th century sermon Gregory of Nazianzus preached about Jesus. As we head into another New Year, may thoughts of Jesus rekindle in us the enduring joys of Christmas.

On the after-side and still celebrating,

Carolyn

In the beginning he was, uncaused; for what is the cause of God?—but afterward for a cause he was born. And that cause was that you might be saved…

He was wrapped in swaddling clothes—but he took off the swathing bands of the grave by his rising again.

He was laid in a manger—but he was glorified by angels, and proclaimed by a star, and worshipped by the Magi…

He was baptized as a man—but he remitted sins as God…

He was tempted as man—but he conquered as God; yea, he bids us be of good cheer, for he has overcome the world.

He hungered—but he fed thousands; yea, he is the bread that gives life, and that is of heaven.

He thirsted—but he cried, “If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink.” Yea, he promised that fountains should flow from them that believe.

He was wearied—but he is the rest of them that are weary and heavy-laden.

He was heavy with sleep—but he walked lightly over the sea.

He rebuked the winds—he made Peter light as he began to sink.

He pays tribute—but it is out of a fish; yea, he is the king of those who demanded it…

He prays—but he hears prayer.

He weeps—but he causes tears to cease.

He asks where Lazarus was laid, for he was man—but he raises Lazarus, for he was God.

He is sold, and very cheap, for it is only for thirty pieces of silver—but he redeems the world, and that at a great price, for the price was his own blood….

As a sheep he is led to the slaughter—but he is the shepherd of Israel, and now of the whole world also.

As a lamb he is silent—yet he is the Word, and is proclaimed by the voice of one crying in the wilderness.

He is bruised and wounded—but he heals every disease and every infirmity.

He is lifted up and nailed to the tree—but by the tree of life he restores us…

He is given vinegar to drink mingled with gall. Who? He who turned the water into wine, who is the destroyer of the bitter taste, who is sweetness and altogether desired.

He lays down his life—but he has power to take it again; and the veil is rent, for the mysterious doors of heaven are opened; the rocks are cleft, the dead arise…

He dies—but he gives life, and by his death destroys death.

He is buried—but he rises again;

He goes down into hell—but he brings up the souls;

He ascends to heaven, and shall come again to judge the quick and the dead.

—Gregory of Nazianzus

Momentum continues to build for the Synergy Women’s Network. Last year, contributions from WhitbyForum subscriber covered all of the Synergy2008 scholarships. So before 2008 winds down, I want to give you another opportunity to become part of what we are doing.

Below is the full text of the letter we’re sending to our Synergy newletter subscribers, which I also wanted to share with you. If you’re a Synergy newsletter subscriber, then consider yourself doubly-invited to join us in supporting this signficant effort!

It Takes a Network!

Every once in a while God starts something new.

Five years ago that happened in Orlando. It all started with a few isolated conversations. Women in growing numbers were enrolling in theological seminaries and entering into fulltime Christian ministry. Opportunities for women were limited, yet ironically, doors were opening up as never before.

Little did we know what God was about to do.

Five years and four conferences later, Synergy is a thriving international network, fueling the kingdom efforts of women in vocational ministry throughout the world. Our conferences provide unique opportunities for women to connect, exchange ideas, go deeper spiritually, and collaborate on strategic issues and opportunities of today and in the future.

One young woman who flew in from China for Synergy2008 wrote this on her return flight home:

I cannot put into words what a tremendous encouragement the entire weekend was for me. From one amazing conversation to fabulous workshop to great speaker after another, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of God’s kindnesses and encouragements to me throughout the weekend! The whole conference felt deeply rooted in both heart connections and strong biblical/theological foundations to fuel such a fire. I left feeling empowered and energized to pursue the gifts God has given me!

Synergy Women’s Network (SWN) continues to strengthen and expand. We have formed a strategic alliance with Gifted for Leadership, an online publishing arm of Christianity Today and Leadership Journal. I am writing a regular Synergy column—“Think”—for FullFill Magazine, an innovative MOPS publication for women in ministry leadership. A wide range of leading seminaries, denominations, and parachurch organizations are represented at our conferences.

We’re convinced God has more in store for us.

Today, SWN has reached a major milestone in our development where we must transition from a volunteer based organization to employ leaders who can take Synergy to the next level. The expanding levels of our activities and the amazing opportunities that are opening up necessitate this transition. Specifically, we are looking to hire an executive administrator, a webmaster, and a director of communications.

Will you join us?

We know you are already supporting other ministries and we do not wish to take away from these other commitments. We are also aware that everyone is feeling the financial stresses of the current economic crisis. Yet, despite all of this, we are confident that God’s hand is on this new work and trust Him to raise up friends to join us in funding this exciting effort. We hope you will be among them.

If your heart is with us, if you share our vision, if you want to become part of this ground breaking movement, will you consider Synergy as you plan your year-end giving? And will you also consider becoming a regular Synergy supporter in the New Year?

Looking to the future,

Carolyn Custis James
President, SWN

Donate Online or send your tax deductible donation to:

Synergy Women’s Network, Inc.
P. O. Box 782128
Orlando, FL 32878-2128

Please mention WhitbyForum with your donation.
For questions, contact newsletter@whitbyforum.com

Saturday a scene played out in Platteville, Colorado that looked like a page straight out of the Old Testament book of Ruth. I heard it on the morning news. Boaz-like levels of generosity echo through this story.

Chris and Joe Miller, a farm couple who had finished their vegetable harvest, decided to open their fields so members of the surrounding area could come and harvest what was left.

That sounds like gleaning to me.

The Millers expected around 5 to 10,000 gleaners. Turns out their estimate was wide of the mark. On Sunday 40,000 people showed up to harvest about 600,000 pounds of potatoes, carrots, and leeks.

One women who was heading home with a load of vegetables remarked, “Everybody is so depressed about the economy. This was a pure party. Everybody having a great time getting something for free.”

What a great thanksgiving story! One can only hope the economic downturn will inspire more surprising acts of compassion and grace like this from all of us.

We’re coming up to the two year anniversary of the death of Frank’s brother Kelly James on Mount Hood in December 2006. Those of you who have lost a loved one will understand when I say that even two years later the journey of grief is still new to us. Kelly left a big hole in our lives, and that is especially true for Frank. This has been a time of deep spiritual reflection and honest wrestlings with God. You can read more about that on the Three Mt. Hood Climbers blog.

Karen James just released her book, Holding Fast: The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy, in which she recounts those harrowing days of crisis on Mount Hood in which her husband Kelly and his two climbing partners, Brian Hall and Nikko Cook, lost their lives.

In the book, she tells the story of her relationship with Kelly, their shared faith in God, and her personal journey with grief. She also employs her expertise as an investigative reporter in her search for answers of what went wrong. Her conclusions are endorsed by search and rescue experts who were involved in the efforts to find the missing climbers.

Saturday, November 15, on the Today Show, Lester Holt interviewed Karen about her book. To watch the interview, go here.

She’s also launched a website about her book: http://www.holdingfastforpurpose.com/

Be sure to look up Frank’s article, Balm for Broken Hearts