"The pioneer faith is neeeded as much in the world today as in any period of time." -- Elder I. Torn Perry
I love the word "pioneer." For me it is up there with words like: empower and freedom! Early in my Christian journey I attended a church that spoke of the church's lack and need of a pioneer spirit. I loved the vision it gave me to "go where no others had gone before" (a little Star Trek fan for sure). I could see myself on this adventure to leave all that was comfortable and familiar to press on for the hope of something greater. At the time, as a single mother, that meant not doing things the way I had watched generations before me. It meant....breaking the mold! For me, changing myself and letting go of the comfort of the easy way out (codependency on a significant other) and finding the strength to become the person I wanted my children to be. My Pioneer Spirit would lead me to plow through a lot of wrong thinking and emotional junk while paving a path toward a stronger, more independent me. It would mean facing "my" fears and unknown obstacles in order to take possession of a land I wanted to raise my children in. It may not have been the prairie fields of the western front but it would be new territory for me and require a great deal of strength to venture toward.
The beauty of this day and time is watching women in the church on the move! The Pioneer Spirit is calling them up and forward to the front lines of life. This is not a women's liberation army that seeks to over-take or dominate men, but rather, they are choosing to no longer hide behind them. The church is challenging the beliefs of the past to occupy a better tomorrow. Christian women are no longer afraid to change or be stretched outside their gener-
ations of comfort zone. These strong pioneers are climbing religious mountains and struggling through emotional jungles in order to occupy the land promised them in the beginning of time…”a land flowing with milk and honey!” Yes, the promises made Adam were also made to Eve! She, the woman, has the same gifts, calling, promises and purpose as the man! God intended that they walk side-by-side in His garden, each giving to creation their special talents and strengths.
It is time to let go of what we have known and take hold of what has been promised! Rise up! Fight your greatest enemy…YOU! Become the amazing woman who is called to co-labor with man and God in dominion over the earth! Embrace your strength andbeauty and PIONEER into a land generations to come after will dwell in.