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Some 'Thou Shalts' From Synergy

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When I was a freshman at Calvin College (closer to 20 years ago than I like to think about) I got mono just before the start of the January interim. Being the conscientious (if babyish) 18-year-old, I asked my dad to call the professor and see if there was anything I could do so I didn’t have to drop the “Food and Culture” class I was supposed to take.

The professor, Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige, allowed me to read some books and write a paper and still eek out a “pass” in the class. I’d always appreciated that measure of grace she extended me.

In this morning’s plenary session at the Synergy Conference in Orlando, I learned a whole bunch of new reasons to appreciate for my almost-professor.

Among the wonderful insights and challenges Dr. Loyd-Paige shared with us, here is a list of her “Thou Shalts” when it comes to following a calling as a woman. I love these (and these are direct “quotes” from her PowerPoint):

Among the wonderful insights and challenges Dr. Loyd-Paige shared with us, here is a list of her “Thou Shalts” when it comes to following a calling as a woman. I love these (and these are direct “quotes” from her PowerPoint):

Thou Shalt….
-Not compromise femininity or ethnicity for sake of leadership role
-Not be intimidated by those who question your ability to lead
-Be wise in establishing personal relationships
-Not to a superwoman
-Be a stista to your sister in ministry
-Welcome blessed alliances
-Be assertive, firm and fair
-Not oppress others
-Be a role model
-Not take yourself too seriously.

Of course, she expounded on each point. But I love the way these stand alone in easy-to-remember morsels (Note: the “blessed alliance” is Synergy-speak for us working along with our brothers in Christ). I think we’d all do well to print these up and tack them above our workspaces.

I wonder what sorts of “Thou Shalts” others have come up with in life as you’ve tried to live out your callings. Anything you’d add (or subtract) to this list? How might any of these help you live out your calling?

Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on March 6, 2010 2:32 PM

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