Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
Living out the Christian faith through a community or denomination that differs from the one to which you are accustomed. Presently, as part of my seminary study I am serving as a pastoral intern with a Mennonite congregation. This is new experience for me and the congregation.
However, on my spiritual journey, God has blessed me to share and minister in Pentecostal congregations, Baptist - Free Will, American, Missionary, and Progressive, Apostolic, United Methodist, and Nondenominational Congregations. God gave me the understanding long ago of the need to connect and share with the Body of Christ in meaningful ways.
I understand there are times that traditions, trends, and lack of understanding that interferes with our fellowship and interrupts our worship. However, quieting the biases, pride, and fears of our ego will allow us to be still and be led by the Holy Spirit into Truth so that we may worship God with pure hearts.
Often I am asked do I miss the rhythm and vibrancy of my home congregation. Reflecting on this question, I find I do not have time to adequately respond to the inquirer. My home church is full of the Holy Spirit and believes in the Bible as our rule and practice of faith. We are Baptist by belief, Pentecostal by experience, Holiness according to the Word of God, and Saved by Jesus. At any given service there may be expressions of jubilant praise in Holy Spirit dancing, tongues of praise, shouting, rejoicing in song, prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, deliverance, exaltation, sermons, Bible study, testimony, solemn reflection, and however else the Holy Spirit leads. My point is that often we construct beliefs about people based on false assumptions or faulty information. We need to get to know the other members of the Body of Christ so that we can work together.
Have you considered becoming informed, involved with other believers so that our fellowship and worship within the Body of Christ becomes intimate and intentional?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Have you considered: Fellowship Responsibilities
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
In this postmodern society, priority is not given to the responsibility each us has to those sharing fellowship with and through Jesus Christ, our risen and soon returning Savior and LORD. Yet, we should be very mindful of how we relate to one another and how we reflect the image of God to unbelievers.
Being a believer and disciple of Jesus is a magnificent responsibility. I dare say that we are woefully inadequate to approach this task in and of ourselves. However, as the Holy Spirit leads, guides, comforts, and teaches us we are equipped and prepared for the task. However, it takes consistent and intentional time spent in sacred meditation, listening prayers, and shared hopes and joys to sustain us and lift us to greater dimensions of witnessing.
Everyday, we must be open to seeking possibilities to demonstrate the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Each day we must crucify our flesh - our aspirations, preferences, and biases so that we may cultivate growth in the fruit of the Spirit. Breaking up the fallow ground of hearts and spirits with the transforming truth of God's Word. Encouraging ourselves with psalms and hymns, provoking one another to good works and more deeds that cause others to look at us in wonder and long to know the God of our salvation. Our actions, behaviors, and choices must reflect God...our greatest witness is made in the times when others watch us in challenging situations, awkward or unexpected changes to our plans.
Begin and end each day intentionally asking God to reveal to you what must die in your life so that others are drawn to the light and life of Christ Jesus. Live and love in such a way that you have people asking you to share your faith. The people in your everyday life: family, neighbors, colleagues, clients, and even enemies are watching you. Make sure they get a view of Christ that is not distorted by your emotions, pride, or lusts.
Have you considered how your life reflects on Jesus and the Body of Christ? Are you strengthening the Body of Christ? Is the fellowship of believers stronger because you are a part of the Body? Is there anything you can give up so you have more to give to the fellowship of belivers?
I am going into my prayer closet now, asking for nothing - but listening to hear what and how I can decrease to allow Jesus to increase in me. I want to be an essential and meaningful part of the fellowship! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus our LORD.
In this postmodern society, priority is not given to the responsibility each us has to those sharing fellowship with and through Jesus Christ, our risen and soon returning Savior and LORD. Yet, we should be very mindful of how we relate to one another and how we reflect the image of God to unbelievers.
Being a believer and disciple of Jesus is a magnificent responsibility. I dare say that we are woefully inadequate to approach this task in and of ourselves. However, as the Holy Spirit leads, guides, comforts, and teaches us we are equipped and prepared for the task. However, it takes consistent and intentional time spent in sacred meditation, listening prayers, and shared hopes and joys to sustain us and lift us to greater dimensions of witnessing.
Everyday, we must be open to seeking possibilities to demonstrate the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Each day we must crucify our flesh - our aspirations, preferences, and biases so that we may cultivate growth in the fruit of the Spirit. Breaking up the fallow ground of hearts and spirits with the transforming truth of God's Word. Encouraging ourselves with psalms and hymns, provoking one another to good works and more deeds that cause others to look at us in wonder and long to know the God of our salvation. Our actions, behaviors, and choices must reflect God...our greatest witness is made in the times when others watch us in challenging situations, awkward or unexpected changes to our plans.
Begin and end each day intentionally asking God to reveal to you what must die in your life so that others are drawn to the light and life of Christ Jesus. Live and love in such a way that you have people asking you to share your faith. The people in your everyday life: family, neighbors, colleagues, clients, and even enemies are watching you. Make sure they get a view of Christ that is not distorted by your emotions, pride, or lusts.
Have you considered how your life reflects on Jesus and the Body of Christ? Are you strengthening the Body of Christ? Is the fellowship of believers stronger because you are a part of the Body? Is there anything you can give up so you have more to give to the fellowship of belivers?
I am going into my prayer closet now, asking for nothing - but listening to hear what and how I can decrease to allow Jesus to increase in me. I want to be an essential and meaningful part of the fellowship! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Daily walk as people of God, people with a godly identity and purpose.
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
You will not now be named, She who is given up; and your land will no longer be named, The waste land: but you will have the name, My pleasure is in her, and your land will be named, Married: for the Lord has pleasure in you, and your land will be married. Isaiah 62:4 (BBE version)
Thou shalt no more be termed, Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed, Desolate: but thou shalt be called, My delight is in her, and thy land, Married; for Jehovah delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. Isaiah 62:4 (Darby)
We are no longer known as those foraken, abandoned, or unwanted people. We are now known as daughters of the King of KINGS. Our land repreents our existence, our purpose in being alive, that which we do to survive...is no longer known as depraved, despised, or desperate. Our existence, our purpose, and all that we do is now married to God.
Our covenant relationship with God changes our identity and purpose. Live a life that is divinely delightful, we are called to a fellowship with God. We are no longer whatever identity or name people understood us to be before salvation, we are now holy for He is holy.
1 Peter 2:1-3 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
Daily walk as people of God, people with a godly identity and purpose. We may need to reevaulate certain behaviors, relationships, and activities and some things will have to change. However, there is nothing we will sacrifice that will equate to the sacrifice Christ Jesus made for us on Calvary.
You will not now be named, She who is given up; and your land will no longer be named, The waste land: but you will have the name, My pleasure is in her, and your land will be named, Married: for the Lord has pleasure in you, and your land will be married. Isaiah 62:4 (BBE version)
Thou shalt no more be termed, Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed, Desolate: but thou shalt be called, My delight is in her, and thy land, Married; for Jehovah delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. Isaiah 62:4 (Darby)
We are no longer known as those foraken, abandoned, or unwanted people. We are now known as daughters of the King of KINGS. Our land repreents our existence, our purpose in being alive, that which we do to survive...is no longer known as depraved, despised, or desperate. Our existence, our purpose, and all that we do is now married to God.
Our covenant relationship with God changes our identity and purpose. Live a life that is divinely delightful, we are called to a fellowship with God. We are no longer whatever identity or name people understood us to be before salvation, we are now holy for He is holy.
1 Peter 2:1-3 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
Daily walk as people of God, people with a godly identity and purpose. We may need to reevaulate certain behaviors, relationships, and activities and some things will have to change. However, there is nothing we will sacrifice that will equate to the sacrifice Christ Jesus made for us on Calvary.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
How does your spirit feel?
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
As we near the end of Lenten season, let's assess our spiritual health. Examine our spiritual reflexes/responses to the word and will of God. Just as we get an annual physical this season marks an excellent time to spiritually check up on ourselves.
Now let's start with our heart. How is your heart, is it contrite and broken? Do you have a clean heart?
Consider Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me and Psalm 51: 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Now let's look around the mouth and examine the tongue. Is your mouth and tongue consecrated to the Lord, do they edify and encourage? Again, let's go to Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.
Tongue presents us with more spiritual considerations, Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Time for a hearing analysis? God is wondering can we hear Him now? Checking our spiritual ears, Mark 4:23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” 24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
Our spiritual reflexes, this exam will reveal how willing, ready, and submissive we are to the will of God. Often in the natural we are not allowed to operate heavy equipment, drive vehicles, or be responsible in situations that require the capacity to react or respond quickly while maintaining our balance. The same is true spiritually, if you have not been allowed to minister, lead, or do something spiritually maybe you need to train and condition your spiritual reflexes.
Reflexes, there is a condition that would cause a lack of reflex action, but apparently it is a symptom of a variety of conditions that can impact our reflex response. Isn’t that just like our spiritual life? Are there aspects of your life that are numbing your reflex responses? Lifestyle? Habits? History?
Luke 11:28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Jam 1:22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
We need to condition ourselves to live out the word of God, we serve the true and living God, Jesus is our risen and soon coming Savior and Lord. We must be ready to answer when He calls, directs, or sends us.
Spirit Check!
It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the power, the strength, the boldness, ability, and the confidence to be witnesses for Jesus. We can't do it on our own.
If we want to be a bolder witness for Jesus, we need to be praying for it, obeying the Lord, and submitting to the will of the Lord. Don't be scared of experiencing God. Don't be scared of being a witness for Him either. Are you healthy enough to go from ashes to fire? Are you willing to do what it takes to accept and acknowledge humility and feel the fire?
Lenten season takes us from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday, we going from being publicly marked with ashes to affirm our humility, meekness, and submission to Christ Jesus. Throughout this season we reflect on our spiritual well being to strengthen and develop our spirits to be boldly afire just as on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost filled believers.
During this season, I check up to see if I have a need to change my spiritual diet or adjust my spiritual agility and endurance training. I pray this was useful to you.
I am on my way for further analysis. I have found some areas of my spirit that need special attention from the Great Physician, I am going to allow the Holy Ghost to operate in me, on me, and through me so that I may gain greater strength, wisdom, and capacity to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Rev. Kelly Oglesby
As we near the end of Lenten season, let's assess our spiritual health. Examine our spiritual reflexes/responses to the word and will of God. Just as we get an annual physical this season marks an excellent time to spiritually check up on ourselves.
Now let's start with our heart. How is your heart, is it contrite and broken? Do you have a clean heart?
Consider Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me and Psalm 51: 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Now let's look around the mouth and examine the tongue. Is your mouth and tongue consecrated to the Lord, do they edify and encourage? Again, let's go to Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.
Tongue presents us with more spiritual considerations, Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Time for a hearing analysis? God is wondering can we hear Him now? Checking our spiritual ears, Mark 4:23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” 24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
Our spiritual reflexes, this exam will reveal how willing, ready, and submissive we are to the will of God. Often in the natural we are not allowed to operate heavy equipment, drive vehicles, or be responsible in situations that require the capacity to react or respond quickly while maintaining our balance. The same is true spiritually, if you have not been allowed to minister, lead, or do something spiritually maybe you need to train and condition your spiritual reflexes.
Reflexes, there is a condition that would cause a lack of reflex action, but apparently it is a symptom of a variety of conditions that can impact our reflex response. Isn’t that just like our spiritual life? Are there aspects of your life that are numbing your reflex responses? Lifestyle? Habits? History?
Luke 11:28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Jam 1:22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
We need to condition ourselves to live out the word of God, we serve the true and living God, Jesus is our risen and soon coming Savior and Lord. We must be ready to answer when He calls, directs, or sends us.
Spirit Check!
It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the power, the strength, the boldness, ability, and the confidence to be witnesses for Jesus. We can't do it on our own.
If we want to be a bolder witness for Jesus, we need to be praying for it, obeying the Lord, and submitting to the will of the Lord. Don't be scared of experiencing God. Don't be scared of being a witness for Him either. Are you healthy enough to go from ashes to fire? Are you willing to do what it takes to accept and acknowledge humility and feel the fire?
Lenten season takes us from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday, we going from being publicly marked with ashes to affirm our humility, meekness, and submission to Christ Jesus. Throughout this season we reflect on our spiritual well being to strengthen and develop our spirits to be boldly afire just as on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost filled believers.
During this season, I check up to see if I have a need to change my spiritual diet or adjust my spiritual agility and endurance training. I pray this was useful to you.
I am on my way for further analysis. I have found some areas of my spirit that need special attention from the Great Physician, I am going to allow the Holy Ghost to operate in me, on me, and through me so that I may gain greater strength, wisdom, and capacity to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Rev. Kelly Oglesby
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Have you considered...: Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Re...
Have you considered...: Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Re...: "Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby Thursday, March 27, 2008 Are you a slave to debt? by Rev. Kelly ..."
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Are you a slave to debt? by Rev. Kelly Bates Oglebsy
If you do not know what is on your credit report, then you do not know if you are debt slave or not. Harriett Tubman knew it was impossible to free slaves who were not aware that they were indeed slaves...
Far too many in our community ignore the cost of debt and the calls of debt collectors. Money management or money mismangement is the legacy we hand to the next generation. Our children learn their fiscal habits from us. They are aware of our habits of shuffling cards, ignoring and blocking calls, and stacking mail we have no idea of how to or intention of learning to deal with so we can live in peace.
Many of us assume since we do not make a lot of money there is nothing that we can do. That is not true. We can to small but regular steps to establish money management skills that will improve our sense of physical well being and our fiscal health.
One suggestion I make to kin and friend is to check their credit reports each year as they prepare their tax returns. Thanks to legislation we are able to obtain one report that is aggregated from all three major reporting agencies annually. Apply tax refund, job bonuses, or raises towards paying off lingering debt. If you find errors invest the time to contact the credit reporting agency and the creditor and identify the error with as much detail as possible and ask for a correction. This annual check up is a good basic step.
Once we have our debt diminished we can become investors and savers which empowers us to become independent in pursuing our dreams and helping others.
Know what is on your report. Know where your money is being spent. Know where your money is invested. Knowledge is power. Know who to turn to for help and knowledge as you learn to become a money master rather than living as a debt slave!
I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves." - Harriet Tubman
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Are you a slave to debt? by Rev. Kelly Bates Oglebsy
If you do not know what is on your credit report, then you do not know if you are debt slave or not. Harriett Tubman knew it was impossible to free slaves who were not aware that they were indeed slaves...
Far too many in our community ignore the cost of debt and the calls of debt collectors. Money management or money mismangement is the legacy we hand to the next generation. Our children learn their fiscal habits from us. They are aware of our habits of shuffling cards, ignoring and blocking calls, and stacking mail we have no idea of how to or intention of learning to deal with so we can live in peace.
Many of us assume since we do not make a lot of money there is nothing that we can do. That is not true. We can to small but regular steps to establish money management skills that will improve our sense of physical well being and our fiscal health.
One suggestion I make to kin and friend is to check their credit reports each year as they prepare their tax returns. Thanks to legislation we are able to obtain one report that is aggregated from all three major reporting agencies annually. Apply tax refund, job bonuses, or raises towards paying off lingering debt. If you find errors invest the time to contact the credit reporting agency and the creditor and identify the error with as much detail as possible and ask for a correction. This annual check up is a good basic step.
Once we have our debt diminished we can become investors and savers which empowers us to become independent in pursuing our dreams and helping others.
Know what is on your report. Know where your money is being spent. Know where your money is invested. Knowledge is power. Know who to turn to for help and knowledge as you learn to become a money master rather than living as a debt slave!
I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves." - Harriet Tubman
Thursday, March 24, 2011
"It is for Freedom for that Christ has set us free?"
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
Stand firm, then, and DO NOT let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Does my mouth provoke wrath or spew forth profanity? Am I angry more than I rejoice? Am I prone to contention, anger or even violence?
If I closely examine my conversations and interactions with my family, friends and strangers, are they contentious and angry, or are they loving, kind and pure?
A mark of maturity is how I relate to my immediate family. This group of people knew you as a child, rebellious teen, arrogant young adult. They observed your living habits and relationships with others; how you are able to interact with them reflects how spiritually mature you truly are today.
+ Note: the people in this group may not be saved or as spiritually committed as you; however, the emphasis is on how you treat them and respond to them when they are inappropriate with you.
+ Have you ever repented and asked forgiveness for petty arguments, jealousy, and other frustrations from your parents and siblings?
+ When is the last time you initiated prayer with your parents or siblings?
Having forgiven people who offended me, do I expect to have a loving and mature attitude toward them or do I filter the present and future through the past?
Am I griping, murmuring and complaining? Are my prayers more like whining sessions than prayers of praise and thanksgiving for what I do have?
Am I rebelling against God? Against His word? Pride is the root of rebellion. It is enmity toward God and our fellowmen. And so we might ask, Am I proud and arrogant?
Am I so proud that I make up my own interpretations for God's commandments? Am I
rationalizing in order to soothe my conscience?
Are my thoughts and actions chaste? Do I slip into lustful thoughts or actions? Do I covet what other people have - whether that is their spouse, their house, their money, their talents, or what I perceive as their "cushy lives?"
Am I committed to my pastor and congregation? If one is observing me, in what ways can they observe my commitment to my pastor and congregation?
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3
Love is to be celebrated, demonstrated, enjoyed, and shared. Be generous and open with your love. Allow others the opportunity to love you, there is never a need to demand or earn love. There is not a shortage of love and we should not declare an embargo on love either.
By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35
Stand firm, then, and DO NOT let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Does my mouth provoke wrath or spew forth profanity? Am I angry more than I rejoice? Am I prone to contention, anger or even violence?
If I closely examine my conversations and interactions with my family, friends and strangers, are they contentious and angry, or are they loving, kind and pure?
A mark of maturity is how I relate to my immediate family. This group of people knew you as a child, rebellious teen, arrogant young adult. They observed your living habits and relationships with others; how you are able to interact with them reflects how spiritually mature you truly are today.
+ Note: the people in this group may not be saved or as spiritually committed as you; however, the emphasis is on how you treat them and respond to them when they are inappropriate with you.
+ Have you ever repented and asked forgiveness for petty arguments, jealousy, and other frustrations from your parents and siblings?
+ When is the last time you initiated prayer with your parents or siblings?
Having forgiven people who offended me, do I expect to have a loving and mature attitude toward them or do I filter the present and future through the past?
Am I griping, murmuring and complaining? Are my prayers more like whining sessions than prayers of praise and thanksgiving for what I do have?
Am I rebelling against God? Against His word? Pride is the root of rebellion. It is enmity toward God and our fellowmen. And so we might ask, Am I proud and arrogant?
Am I so proud that I make up my own interpretations for God's commandments? Am I
rationalizing in order to soothe my conscience?
Are my thoughts and actions chaste? Do I slip into lustful thoughts or actions? Do I covet what other people have - whether that is their spouse, their house, their money, their talents, or what I perceive as their "cushy lives?"
Am I committed to my pastor and congregation? If one is observing me, in what ways can they observe my commitment to my pastor and congregation?
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3
Love is to be celebrated, demonstrated, enjoyed, and shared. Be generous and open with your love. Allow others the opportunity to love you, there is never a need to demand or earn love. There is not a shortage of love and we should not declare an embargo on love either.
By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
It is my persistent prayer and my profound hope that as Christian women we will never forget to care for all women everywhere.
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
It is not the intelligent woman v. the ignorant woman; nor the white woman v. the black, the brown, and the red, it is not even the cause of woman v. man. Nay, tis womans strongest vindication for speaking that the world needs to hear her voice.
– Anna Julia Cooper
March is Women’s Month, set aside to reflect on the historical contributions of women, applaud the present endeavors of women, and celebrate the future of women. March 8 is International Women’s Day, the one day when women around the world focus on the global commonalities that prevent women from engaging uninhibited in culture, economics, government, politics, and religion which are the pillars of all society.
It is important for all humankind to recognize that the oppression and repression of women impairs men as well as women. When greater than one-half of the human race is crippled by rape, domestic violence, and patriarchal subjugation that is perpetuated by economic and political systems, all of society is cheated of the opportunity to reach its fullest potential.
Women bring extraordinary perspectives to the table. Moreover, the woman’s voice speaks to circumstances in ways that no man can do likewise. Even the silence of the woman is a message that no man can communicate on her behalf.
The voice of the woman speaks in a roar that resounds with the rage and fury of having her space, body disturbed, and violated.
She wails in plaintive and lamenting tones of one who has been stripped of her loved ones and homes in political insurrections and wars in which she had no voice.
Her silent tears tell of an anger so intense she dare not speak of the atrocities she has endured while seeking to contribute to a world that neither sees nor hears her.
From within her spirit she sings of the hope that she cherishes for herself, her sisters, her daughters, and her world…one day the world will welcome women to lead, teach, speak, and accept women as partners. The global community must unite to end trafficking of women as sex slaves, domestic violence, economic and political discrimination, and the marginalization of women in culture, labor, religion, education and every segment of society.
It is my persistent prayer and my profound hope that as Christian women we will never forget to care for all women everywhere. It is our duty to demonstrate our faith by reaching out to our sisters who are in circumstances of oppression, incarceration, and suffering from addiction, victimized in their homes or elsewhere.
"Not the boys less, but the girls more." – Anna Julia Cooper
Pastor Kelly Oglesby © 2008
It is not the intelligent woman v. the ignorant woman; nor the white woman v. the black, the brown, and the red, it is not even the cause of woman v. man. Nay, tis womans strongest vindication for speaking that the world needs to hear her voice.
– Anna Julia Cooper
March is Women’s Month, set aside to reflect on the historical contributions of women, applaud the present endeavors of women, and celebrate the future of women. March 8 is International Women’s Day, the one day when women around the world focus on the global commonalities that prevent women from engaging uninhibited in culture, economics, government, politics, and religion which are the pillars of all society.
It is important for all humankind to recognize that the oppression and repression of women impairs men as well as women. When greater than one-half of the human race is crippled by rape, domestic violence, and patriarchal subjugation that is perpetuated by economic and political systems, all of society is cheated of the opportunity to reach its fullest potential.
Women bring extraordinary perspectives to the table. Moreover, the woman’s voice speaks to circumstances in ways that no man can do likewise. Even the silence of the woman is a message that no man can communicate on her behalf.
The voice of the woman speaks in a roar that resounds with the rage and fury of having her space, body disturbed, and violated.
She wails in plaintive and lamenting tones of one who has been stripped of her loved ones and homes in political insurrections and wars in which she had no voice.
Her silent tears tell of an anger so intense she dare not speak of the atrocities she has endured while seeking to contribute to a world that neither sees nor hears her.
From within her spirit she sings of the hope that she cherishes for herself, her sisters, her daughters, and her world…one day the world will welcome women to lead, teach, speak, and accept women as partners. The global community must unite to end trafficking of women as sex slaves, domestic violence, economic and political discrimination, and the marginalization of women in culture, labor, religion, education and every segment of society.
It is my persistent prayer and my profound hope that as Christian women we will never forget to care for all women everywhere. It is our duty to demonstrate our faith by reaching out to our sisters who are in circumstances of oppression, incarceration, and suffering from addiction, victimized in their homes or elsewhere.
"Not the boys less, but the girls more." – Anna Julia Cooper
Pastor Kelly Oglesby © 2008
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
I had no model, being born in Babylon, both non-white and a woman.
What did I see to be except myself? So I made it up, right here on a bridge
between star shine and clay, my one hand holding the other. Oh, come and
celebrate with me, that everyday something has tried to kill me …
but it has failed. (Lucille Clifton)
Below is an original writing by Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby:
Black women have and continue to provide evolutionary as well revolutionary visions for themselves. Ours is an overlooked, under-considered, and undefined position - yet it is always a position below, a step behind, a dollar short, and marginalized.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
When I consider the expectations for women of color and then observe the women who excelled beyond race and gender, I realize there are no barriers unless I set them.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Reading the powerful and provocative words of women who were not supposed to read or write. These women whose voices were regarded as valueless, I am inspired to learn more that I might speak with understanding.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Feeling the spirit and awe in the sculptures, sketches, and paintings of women regarded as barbaric births creative appreciation in my spirit as I see my innermost twinges depicted before me.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Watching scientific sisters ready themselves for space, surgery, and safari, I am gratified that knowledge is neither race nor gender based.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Sitting in the home of Black wives and mothers who create the refuge and sanctuary from a society that is so cruel, I am hopeful that we will continue to achieve what others doubted we even dreamed.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
I so love the camaraderie, the complexion, the conversation, and the consciousness that comes from being a Black woman…living life, learning and loving the challenges that come to me because I am a Black woman. Challenges that cause me to rise and overcome without example or expectation and knowing when I do my sisters from the ancient of days through all eternity will celebrate.
I had no model, being born in Babylon, both non-white and a woman.
What did I see to be except myself? So I made it up, right here on a bridge
between star shine and clay, my one hand holding the other. Oh, come and
celebrate with me, that everyday something has tried to kill me …
but it has failed. (Lucille Clifton)
Below is an original writing by Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby:
Black women have and continue to provide evolutionary as well revolutionary visions for themselves. Ours is an overlooked, under-considered, and undefined position - yet it is always a position below, a step behind, a dollar short, and marginalized.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
When I consider the expectations for women of color and then observe the women who excelled beyond race and gender, I realize there are no barriers unless I set them.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Reading the powerful and provocative words of women who were not supposed to read or write. These women whose voices were regarded as valueless, I am inspired to learn more that I might speak with understanding.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Feeling the spirit and awe in the sculptures, sketches, and paintings of women regarded as barbaric births creative appreciation in my spirit as I see my innermost twinges depicted before me.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Watching scientific sisters ready themselves for space, surgery, and safari, I am gratified that knowledge is neither race nor gender based.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
Sitting in the home of Black wives and mothers who create the refuge and sanctuary from a society that is so cruel, I am hopeful that we will continue to achieve what others doubted we even dreamed.
I find strength and hope in my position as a Black woman.
I so love the camaraderie, the complexion, the conversation, and the consciousness that comes from being a Black woman…living life, learning and loving the challenges that come to me because I am a Black woman. Challenges that cause me to rise and overcome without example or expectation and knowing when I do my sisters from the ancient of days through all eternity will celebrate.
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