Amidst winter storms at the end of October, I flew to St. Louis and met with our seven, still serving joyfully, LWML past presidents. I was aware they got together every four years, but as I packed, I had no idea how to prepare for a meeting with these incredible leaders. How was it possible that I was now to be counted as part of this exclusive group of servants? How would I ever measure up to the responsibilities of the office?
The purpose of this get together, the sixth of its kind, was to allow these past presidents to encourage, challenge, counsel, and support me regarding the responsibilities and opportunities of the office of LWML president. And they did just that. Ida Mall (1991-1995), Gloria Edwards (1995-1999), Virginia Von Seggern (1999-2003), Linda Reiser (2003-2007), Jan Wendorf (2007-2011), Kay Kreklau (2011-2015), and Patti Ross (2015-2019), covered me in prayer during our time together. I know they will continue to pray for me.
I believe each of these past presidents would agree that while this particular group may be exclusive, God has called us to be completely inclusive as we share His saving Gospel with the world.
The reason we share the Gospel? For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3: 22b-24).
And the reason we rejoice as we share? This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
We are children of the Heavenly Father. That sounds pretty exclusive! Let’s continue to share Jesus’ message of salvation and strive to be exclusively inclusive. This news is just too good to keep to ourselves!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday, my dear friends.
Today, and always, we are surrounded by His grace,
Debbie
