Jun 20, 2023·edited Jun 20, 2023Liked by Karen Gonzalez
Karen, first of all - I love receiving your updates! Life in Mexico sounds like it's been so good for you! I love all the photos, too. Second, I resonated with all of this so much, particularly about the church. I do believe there are exceptions for women / women leaders. I believe my church is one possibly. My experience as a pastor within my community is truly wonderful. And yet, my community is small and there are so many outside barriers to growth and sustainability that I believe are directly related to my gender/identity. That part is so discouraging. What's more, I really want my daughter to grow up in a healthy faith community that I can trust and because there are so few, I feel added pressure to continue creating this space myself. Not sure if this all makes sense. Mainly, thank you for naming all of this. Great food for thought.
Hi Dear Karen, I have been tracking a long the road with you as I can, listening and learning. I so appreciate your openness and vulnerbility in sharing about such weighty matters. Thank you. You have such a gift to help neighbors catch a glimpse of the challenges and how hard it is to always be forced to make space instead of finding room for yourself and others. Grateful for you and your sharing. I hope our paths cross again someday soon. Peace
So much to think about, especially from a perspective of a woman of color. But, as a Latina, i find true community in my large evangelical church. We have a diverse mix in the groups of which i am a part & we are able to share our different points of view. I believe the number one way to combat loneliness & share Jesus's message is in groups & community. Our church offers this in so many venues. It is about building a community of believers to go out as disciples of Jesus.
Karen, first of all - I love receiving your updates! Life in Mexico sounds like it's been so good for you! I love all the photos, too. Second, I resonated with all of this so much, particularly about the church. I do believe there are exceptions for women / women leaders. I believe my church is one possibly. My experience as a pastor within my community is truly wonderful. And yet, my community is small and there are so many outside barriers to growth and sustainability that I believe are directly related to my gender/identity. That part is so discouraging. What's more, I really want my daughter to grow up in a healthy faith community that I can trust and because there are so few, I feel added pressure to continue creating this space myself. Not sure if this all makes sense. Mainly, thank you for naming all of this. Great food for thought.
Hi Dear Karen, I have been tracking a long the road with you as I can, listening and learning. I so appreciate your openness and vulnerbility in sharing about such weighty matters. Thank you. You have such a gift to help neighbors catch a glimpse of the challenges and how hard it is to always be forced to make space instead of finding room for yourself and others. Grateful for you and your sharing. I hope our paths cross again someday soon. Peace
So much to think about, especially from a perspective of a woman of color. But, as a Latina, i find true community in my large evangelical church. We have a diverse mix in the groups of which i am a part & we are able to share our different points of view. I believe the number one way to combat loneliness & share Jesus's message is in groups & community. Our church offers this in so many venues. It is about building a community of believers to go out as disciples of Jesus.