Before I begin, I think it would be remiss not to recognize the wisdom and brilliance of the four other women who have preceded me in this by answering the call to share thoughts about pledging to Emmanuel Church in the recent weeks of Stewardship. I’ve been inspired to hear from each of them, and it must be noted that (to my mind anyway) each of them has intricately built upon the work of the others with a through-line and a continuity, with every individual part contributing to a whole that is even greater than the sum of its parts. The overall effect has been beautiful, touching, and as profound for all of you, I hope, as it has been for me. With that, I will frankly admit that it was a very poor strategic decision on my part to volunteer to go last. Seriously, how does one follow that? So let me just say you might want to level-set your expectations right now. Continue reading →