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Echoes of Legacy Part 4-Compelled By Ebenezers
In this Echoes of Legacy series, we have explored how the needs of the world and the mandates of Scripture compel us forward. Today, we add a third catalyst: our Ebenezers. What is an Ebenezer? In his book The Strength You Need, Robert Morgan suggests we should navigate life by raising “stones of help.” This follows the example of the prophet Samuel, who set up a stone between Mizpah and Shen after a victory over the Philistines. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “The Lord has helped us to this point” (1 Samuel 7:12). Ebenezers are memorial stones—physical or spiritual markers of places where God provided specific help for specific needs.…
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Echoes of Legacy Part 3-Compelled by Biblical Examples
We are compelled to echo our legacy not only by the needs of the world around us (see Echoes of Legacy but by the weight of Scripture itself. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul boldly invites us into this cycle of discipleship, saying, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1; see also 1 Corinthians 4:16 and Philippians 3:17). Paul was far from perfect, yet he maintained a clear conscience before God. He shared his testimony—his story—repeatedly to spread the Gospel. He refused to let his past as a persecutor define him; instead, he was defined by his story of salvation. The Great Cloud of Witnesses In…
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Echoes of Legacy Part 2-Compelled By The Needs
The Need for Faithful Echoes In this Echoes of Legacy series (check out Part 1 here), one of our main focuses is a central question: Why are we compelled to echo our legacy? It may take several posts to fully explore this, but today, let’s look at the urgent need for “faithful echoes.” Simply put: look at the world we live in. None of us will get it right all the time. In fact, I often use the subtitle “An imperfect woman in God’s perfect plan.” He is always perfect, but I often fall short even as He works out His purpose in my life—and so do you! The Conclusion…
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Echoes of Legacy Part 1-Series Intro
Last year, I spent a significant amount of time reflecting on the past 40 years of women’s ministry—both from a personal and professional standpoint. In 2025, we celebrated the 30th LifeWay Women’s Forum. This leadership training began in 1996 and continues to thrive today, even if it looks much different now than it did at the start! Through this reflection and the current season of my life, I’ve been thinking deeply about those who impacted my calling. I’ve also been considering what I am leaving behind for those following in my footsteps. To be honest, the older I get, the sweeter heaven becomes! Discipleship has been at the heart of…
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Staggering, Yet Compelling Statistics
Women have always been a vital part of the ministry of the church—serving, teaching, praying, and leading others toward Christ. Yet recent Barna Research reveals something deeply concerning: Gen Z women, ages 18–24, are leaving the church faster than men, with 38% identifying as agnostic, atheist, or having no faith at all. That statistic makes my heart ache. If you’re in my generation, you’ve likely witnessed the beautiful growth of women’s ministry in the church—from its humble grassroots beginnings to a nationwide movement that helped women grow deeper in their faith. Some of us remember the prayers, the labor, and the passion it took to build those ministries. But for…
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A Sweet Legacy
Many of you have never heard of Esther Burroughs, especially those younger than Gen Xers. But for many Boomers and some Gen Xers, she was a huge catalyst for women seeking to grow spiritually, share their faith, lead, and minister to others. Sweet Esther transitioned from life on earth to life eternal this past week. This is a great article on her life and ministry. It features her and another pioneer women’s leader of influence. Baptist News-Two Trailblazing Women in Ministry. Esther was a trailblazer before we knew of many Christian women’s speakers and before we even started using the term “women’s ministry” in many churches. She encouraged women’s leaders…
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Obedience and Legacy
Have you ever followed someone who disappointed you? If you’ve lived long enough, it has probably happened more than once. Leaders are human and make mistakes. Hebrews 13:7 tells us to, Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.” We only follow as they are following Christ. Watching their lives helps us discern this. Paul also mentions several times, follow (or imitate) me as I follow (or imitate) Christ. Has anyone ever followed you into disobedience? If anyone can say no to this, I need to meet you! My disobedience can influence others into disobedience. Obedience…
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Are You Reaching the Younger Generation?
This week I want to provide 3 links to helpful information you as you lead the younger generation. 1 In this Brad Lomenick podcast you will hear from Tim Elmore on Leading the Next Generation and a New Kind of Diversity. I’ve learned so much from Dr. Elmore over the years on the younger generations. Photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash 2 I have also learned much from Dr. Eric Geiger, especially while serving under his leadership at LifeWay. This is a great post challenging us to look at the risks and rewards of developing younger leaders. The Rewards Are Greater Than the Risk of Developing Younger Leaders Photo by…
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Marriage Thoughts Part 2
Be sure to read back to see part 1 before reading this second post. This continues my encouragement to a young bride, things I wish I’d known when I married. 3. Remember, your first ministry is your family. Serve your spouse without grumbling when you’d rather do something else! This is still something I am praying to achieve: being grateful I have to close his dresser drawers AGAIN for the 5th time today. Doing it is one thing, doing it with gratefulness instead of resentment is another! If you have children, they too are your first ministry, but do not place your children ahead of your spouse. One day, Lord…
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Marriage Thoughts Part 1
I had the incredible honor of speaking words of encouragement to my niece at her bridal luncheon this past weekend as she prepared to add a new last name to her own. I was reminded of my own marriage almost 52 years ago and thought about what I wish I’d known. So as I wrote thoughts for her, I decided to share them with you in 2 posts. This is specific for those who are married or may get married. As I like to call myself, I am an “imperfect woman in God’s perfect plan.” I wish I’d known these things back in 1971. I have learned a lot, but…
