The Center for Leadership Excellence, in partnership with COSROW, is pleased to lift up the voices of women in ministry encouraging fellow women in ministry. Please enjoy this month’s Encouragement from Kim R. Smith, lay leader for the Sound District. Kim also has a website where you can find more of her writing and a podcast! Anyone can sign up to receive Encouragement emails here.
Read Numbers 27:1-4, The Message
The daughters of Zelophehad showed up. Their father was the son of Hepher son of Gilead son of Makir son of Manasseh, belonging to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They came to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. They stood before Moses and Eleazar the priest and before the leaders and the congregation and said, “Our father died in the wilderness. He wasn’t part of Korah’s rebel anti-God gang. He died for his own sins. And he left no sons. But why should our father’s name die out from his clan just because he had no sons? So, give us an inheritance among our father’s relatives.
Sisters
There have been times in my life when I have stood before a board table full of men to plead my case or that of another. Nine times out of ten, I knew more about the topic and had more firsthand experience than they did, yet just standing in front of men who all looked alike…I could feel myself shrinking. Even now after twenty years of public service, I am still watching women shrink. In 2024, I ask each time a pastor calls me to speak, “Is the congregation alright with a woman delivering the message?”
Now more than ever, we sisters in faith need to stick together. We need to encourage and strengthen each other as we seek to grow into our God-given voices. Imagine these five sisters entering the tent full of male leaders. They were there to seek justice for themselves and other women who would follow.
They must have been intimidated, scared, and unsure about asking for a change in the law. Yet, one of the five was the first to say to the others, “we are worthy too.” I picture her with red hair! Another had to suggest the risky approach. Still others must have encouraged and assured the sisters. Then, TOGETHER they entered and were able to find the courage to use their voices. Their bravery changed their paths as well as many who followed.
We know that the work for the rights of our sisters in faith is not over. We know that we will need to be confident, equipped, and courageous enough to use our voices for each other now and in the days ahead.
Can we be as brave as the daughters of Zelophehad?
As we continue to move through Advent, who are other brave women from the Bible whose stories inspire you?
Is there a woman in your circle of influence who is trying to find her voice in this noisy world?
What can you do to help her stand tall and speak her truth?
In partnership,
Center for Leadership Excellence and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women