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AN
AUTOMATIC RESPONSE
I find myself humming, sometimes even
outright singing, whenever I see the words of Psalm 84.
How lovely is your dwelling
place,
Lord
Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the
courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out
for the
living God. (v. 1-2)
I cannot help but think of the passionate
melody of a worship song I sang almost once a week during high
school. Better is one day in your courts, than a thousand
elsewhere, the chorus goes, quoting straight from Psalm 84:10. I
sang those words at conferences and youth group, fast-paced and
accompanied by pounding drums. I sang them in quiet reflection
at Sunday school and at Easter morning youth sunrise services.
As young Christians, my friends and I sang those verses and
believed them with every drop of sincerity we had.
As Sara Wilhelm shares in this issue of
E-Quality, the “youth group experience” for many young
Christians is an experience that strengthens our commitment to
and understanding of Christ. This was the case for me. I was
mentored by adults whose hearts and flesh really did cry out for
God. And I was encouraged by my peers to live in that way
myself, fully and authentically. My church experience in high
school built the foundations of my faith, for which I am
extremely grateful.
So today, I read Psalm 84 and hum that
familiar melody. It is…automatic.
As I went off to college, I discovered a few
other faith matters that were automatic, for both myself
and others around me. An obvious one turned out to be
the immediate “no!” response to any question of a woman pastor.
A less obvious (but just as significant) one was the feelings of
insecurity and worthlessness that arose as many of us young
women worried about finding our “future husbands.” Whether
intentionally or unintentionally, youth group was a place where
I missed the message that women are inherently and fully equal
to men, and subtly but strongly, the message of inequality
followed me. It became…automatic.
Just as I was taught in youth group over and
over again about concepts of God’s love and greatness, I find
myself hoping and praying that youth groups are also teaching
and re-teaching God’s heart for reconciliation and freedom in
Christ—that young people are learning the biblical concept of
the full equality of women and men of all ethnicities,
socio-economic classes, and ages.
So that one day, maybe young women will know
the truth of God’s love and believe their inherent worth,
that they will sing the words of Psalm 84 and believe
that they can use their leadership gifts for God. May it be
soon!
In this issue:
Pamela J. Erwin shares her insights into
empowering women from her years working with youth
ministry majors.
Sara Lynn Wilhelm describes the importance
of teaching and practicing gender equality and
justice with youth.
Megan Greulich reviews the Christian
dating book for teenage girls, For Young Women
Only.
Heather Scheiwe presents ten ideas for
practicing gender equality with your youth group.
Ashley Pikel reviews Teenage Girls,
a practical approach to mentoring and understanding
adolescent girls.
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Blessings to you,
Megan Greulich
E-Quality editor
Would you like to
share your story with the readers of E-Quality? If you
have an article you would like to submit for consideration, send
it to
cbe@cbeinternational.org. We also welcome your feedback,
comments, or suggestions.
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