Retelling
Retelling
In Theology class our assignment was to retell a story. I wrote the ending of the Creation story with Adam and Eve dancing through their world after seeing each other as adults. Their world may have gotten more complicated with their curiosity, but add music and we can accomplish anything! Full disclosure, I was training as a church musician. Minds and hearts are moved through music. Retelling the story as movement instead of fallen shame seemed more appropriate.
We have wandered through our preparations for the coming of God with us, Emmanuel. A child named Jesus throughout generations was born. We recall the women that prepared the way through their relationship with our Creator: in the Christian tradition named Our Father. The men all seemed curious as to how this all came to be, but followed with their own unique faith. There is nothing in the story where they called the women humiliating names. I don't recall learning that the women were shamed by the men. I do recall in the story of John the Baptist that the man was silenced until his birth. Some preparations happen in the silence of our hearts.
When my mom was alive, she would always retell my birth story. Dad was watching the news, she interrupted the nightly ritual, they walked to the hospital, and it was proclaimed "it's a girl." I already had three warrior brothers, and with grace still do, watching over me: my three wise men. My father didn't have any sisters so his wife and daughter were here to remind him how complicated the world can be! He got the guy stuff, but we were a challenge. When I could start wearing sheer legwear, lipstick, getting a ride home alone with a guy not him, his puzzlement abounded. When we went out, he opened the door: mom first, me, then him. When we went dancing: mom always had the first dance. He treated us with respect. He taught me to expect it from men, if they didn't show respect or accountability "throw them back into the pond, they're not ready." My parents were my preperation for life.
In the New Year may our lives be filled with respect, love and good health. May the retelling of our stories bring us joy. May our sorrows be few. To the women in our lives, thank you!
Wina