This past Saturday, our church women's ministry partnered with another group to host a "Pad Party" at our church. May 28th is International Menstrual Hygiene Day; a day set aside to bring awareness to menstrual health and the wellness of women all across this land. We decided to host the party to bring attention to the women and girls in many African countries who lose a week of work and/or school during their time of menstruation. Locally, we decided to help a battered women's shelter in the City, by supplying their facility with feminine hygiene products.
Never before have I seen women buzzing around a room celebrating blood, and I'm not talking about the blood of Jesus. Women were laughing, playing games, setting up the tables covered with feminine products, eating refreshments, talking, listening and sharing all around a cause that has been used against us to bring shame. What is shameful about having the ability to produce life? What is shameful about the body knowing that when there is no egg fertilization each month, this is a set time to cleanse itself? That's biology. That's science. That's a miracle! AND it is beautiful, not to be looked at with disdain or disregard; but rather to be celebrated and honored.
Though I don't have daughters, (I've been blessed with 2 charming sons), I want little girls to know that you don't have to run and hide. Menstruation can be a time to really listen to your body and get in tune with Creation. Get in tune by eating right, drinking water, doing light exercises and learning to rest when needed. Maybe menstruation is God's way of saying "listen to my voice as I speak through your body". Learn what truly makes you tick and don't be ashamed! (For my Sisters who suffer with migraines and severe cramping, often due to fibroids, I am sensitive to your plight and I still believe that this is a time of stillness.)
But why am I really writing this message?
I am typing this at the church right now, after preparing the boxes (on top of boxes) to be picked up tomorrow morning by the shelter staff. I just took down the #menstruationmatters signs that donned our red walls and I realized the room was still. No more chatter, no more eating, no more sniggling and laughing and no more picture taking. Just silence! Just me, God and boxes of pads. I began to reflect on the boldness of our women, who for weeks brought their sanitary items to church and placed them in the "treasure chest" in the church vestibule. I was grateful for my special Sisters in Atlanta, who heard the call and sprang into action, by having their own pad party of sorts to add to our party. I thought about the mother, at my boys school, who saw my video and immediately ordered products online to be shipped to the church. I was in awe of the person from New York, whom I've never met, who sent 2 shipments of products to the church in my name. I reflected and I saw God's hands! I saw God's hands at work through all the people who participated in the project.
I could hear God whispering, " Do you hear me now?"
You thought I gave you the ability to speak so you could travel the world and talk about your book and what you've done for yourself. NOT!
You thought I allowed you to go to Spelman College and then to Podiatric Medical School just so you could make money and live well. NOT!
You thought I allowed you to preach and teach my Word, so people could be mesmerized by your knowledge and insight and impressed with your abilities. NOT!
You thought your gifts and talents were just for you. ABSOLUTELY NOT!
He said, I've given you the stage to be the mouthpiece for someone who has not yet found their own voice.
I've given you the platform upon which you will stand and show someone else the way.
I AM TOTALLY HUMBLED!!!
I love what God told Moses in Deuteronomy 11:22-25, (from the Message Bible)
That’s right. If you diligently keep all this commandment that I command you to obey—love God, your God, do what he tells you, stick close to him—God
on his part will drive out all these nations that stand in your way.
Yes, he’ll drive out nations much bigger and stronger than you. Every
square inch on which you place your foot will be yours. Your borders
will stretch from the wilderness to the mountains of Lebanon, from the
Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand
in your way. Everywhere you go, God-sent fear and trembling will precede you, just as he promised.
WHAT?!
You mean if I keep listening to the whispers of God, keep His commandments and move by faith into action, then nothing and no one can stand in my way. My God today!
The whispers of God might be a crying child.
The whispers of God might be a woman running from a domestic violence situation.
The whispers of God might be women in foreign countries who need your attention.
The whispers of God might be a loved one trying to get on their feet.
The whispers of God might be children whom the world has given up on.
The whispers of God might be a tough time in your marriage, after you've been hurt.
The whispers of God might be the beggar on the side of the road (especially if they are standing in front of a fast food place).
The whispers of God might be an annoying neighbor or coworker.
What has God been whispering in your ear that you KNOW He is waiting for you to act upon?
Will you spring into action or will you sit back in the recliner of life and relax?
Will you be the mouthpiece or will you recoil in silence?
Will you take them in or will you put them out?
Will you keep driving past them or will you bring them a happy meal while they're on the corner?
Will you fight for someone or will you just give up and wash your hands with the situation?
Learn to recognize the whispers of God. No really, stop and listen! That very thing that you are struggling with, just might be his whisper.
If you sit still long enough, you will hear him speaking. The decision on how you'll respond is totally up to you!
Now walk it out...........
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