1984 and 2013

My mom, the Rev. Diane W. Bragg, and me at her ordination to the priesthood, 1984

In 1984, my mother was ordained an Episcopal priest. She was the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of Methodist ministers. She was also the fourth woman ordained in the Episcopal Church's Diocese of Texas.

I remember my mom's early years as a priest very well. She struggled to find her way as a woman in the midst of a sea of men, but she found her way. She struggled to find clergy attire that worked because all the clergy shirts were still made for men (even the ones made for women had a certain manly quality to them). She struggled to gain acceptance among her colleagues in other denominations and among members of her own congregation. It was all a struggle, but she took it on, and loved and ministered to those whom God placed in her care.

So, it's 2013, and the struggle isn't over for women who choose to go into ministry. We're questioned and looked down upon and threatened and told that our gender is inferior. There are those who yell loudly that women should just. be. quiet.

We just got a bit louder today.

Today, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America elected its first female Presiding Bishop, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton. I wept upon seeing the results appear on my computer screen. A woman! Really! It is historic, certainly, but it is something so much more than that - it is beautiful. It is beautiful to see a church body realize together that the Spirit is lifting up a different kind of leader than what we've had before.

Some are saying, "What's the big deal?"

Well, besides the fact that Bishop Eaton appears to be incredibly gifted for the call she has just received, the big deal - quite frankly - is that we've never done this before in the ELCA. It is - quite truly - a new thing. New, joyous, beautiful. But also: New, scary, unknown.

It's OK.

It's OK because we've done new and scary and unknown before, and we've done a pretty good job with it. It takes a lot of faith to do new and scary and unknown, but isn't that what the people of God have always been called to?

One of the first things Bishop Eaton did today was to thank the pioneers who paved the way before her. I often do this, too - and I always - ALWAYS - include my mother in that list. I saw the hard work it took for Mom - the gut-wrenching work - the long days and longer nights - the missing of holidays with family and friends - the struggle for self care - the deep love for others she showed. And it was done with grace, with deep peace, and with patience.

I am a pastor today because of my mom - because of other women in many denominations like my mom - and all those who have been steadfast in their faith and hope and love. And I weep with joy today, in thanksgiving to God for pouring out his Spirit upon all peoples (cf. Acts 2:17).

May God be with us as we walk faithfully on.