Another Day, Another Rant

Well, well, well, what have we here?
I believe that this is Friday yet again. Time for my many, many thoughts of the week.
Where do I start? I'll put this out there; I was not made for 8:00 AM classes. Sure, I'll be awake for about four hours; but then, if I don't take a nap, I turn into the Wicked Witch of the West (not Elphaba, I mean the ORIGINAL evil-looking one). It's taking me awhile to adjust, but I'm getting there.
Ballroom has begun again, and I'm soooo happy. I missed seeing my group of friends and getting to dance the night away. And we're doing Rumba this semester! That is my FAVORITE style. Happiness.
We had our first break...and also our last one until March. MARCH, people! If you're a student, you will understand. You can only go so long with the daily grind of classes, studying, and for some people, work, before you lose your mind. It's going to be a long semester....
Fun fact: My mom was born on the exact same day that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. Sometimes I wonder if the oratory angel that watched over him jumped to my mom. Seriously, this is one of the most gifted speakers that I've ever heard. She just oozes wisdom, and is constantly seeking to improve and to learn more about our wonderful Savior. If ever a person was meant to be a pastor, it was her.
Speaking of women pastors...
For several years now, since we've moved to the south, my mom has had to constantly fight against the stigma that women can't be pastors. Ministers, yes. Evangelists, yes. But Pastor? Heaven forbid! All because of one little verse (how often does that happen?), many powerful women of God have been restrained from sharing their gifts with the world and being recognized for their hard work.
Forgive me if I seem to be oversimplifying things, but I'm of the opinion that God doesn't give you a gift and then tell you that you can't use it. Being a pastor means a lot of things; you don't just get up one day and decide that you want to be a pastor. If anything, many pastors tried to avoid the calling when they first got it. Pastoring takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice. It isn't easy, by any means. So when a woman of God gets their calling to become a pastor, it isn't something that they take lightly.
My mother has studied and continues to study; she graduated from a Biblical Theological school. She does just as much work for the church as dad (her co-pastor) does. So it really irritates me when my mom is called "First Lady" or when people take issue with her sitting in the pulpit. While she doesn't do this for recognition, it still is a matter of respect to call her by the title that she worked hard to earn. Nothing against First Ladies; they have their own part to play in the church. But my mom isn't one.
Being a Children's Pastor myself, I don't run into the same issues that she does. But I have preached a few times, and felt the same resistance. How are we supposed to encourage young people, any people, do stand up and follow God's calling in their life if we sit there judging how old they are or what gender they are? That's  not what God wants us as the church to do. Thankfully, mom has a strong support network that lets her know that she is appreciated.
If someone has worked to earn something, we're supposed to respect that. If someone has earned their doctorate, we call them Doctor. These people go through years of schooling, which is by no means easy. Both my mom and I have worked hard to earn our title of pastor; why is it so different to call them doctor and us pastor?
Seems simple. But all of these years has shown that some people can't let things be simple.
Here's what I'm driving at: Respect your pastors. That's one of the rules in my Kid's Church class. These people have devoted their lives to serving God and leading His people; their age, status, or gender has nothing to do with it. If we're too busy judging the vessel, then we'll never get to taste the juice inside.
Don't be caught up in the hype. Search out the truth for yourself. Don't let anyone tell you how to think, how to worship, how to pray...make it so your relationship with God is what informs your decisions.
Alright, I'm done. I think I've vented.
So if you happen to know a woman pastor, show her your love and support. You never know when she might just need that extra encouraging word.
I leave you with a quote from "The Matrix" (one of my mom's favorite movies) spoken by Morpheus:

"Free your mind."