I don't often watch reality shows (things like "Survivor", "American Idol", and the like leave me cold) although I will admit a secret liking for "Ice Road Truckers" and "Deadliest Catch" as well as "The First 48", "Dr. G" and stuff like that. It was, therefore, somewhat a surprise when last night I was flipping through the channels looking for something to lull me to sleep when I ran across a show I never watch, "What Not To Wear," and stopped. I had seen promos for this particular shows which piqued my interest -- making over an Episcopal priest. I didn't get to sleep until the last 5 minutes when they introduced the priest to her congregation and family in her new "incarnation" but I saw the whole rest of the program.
She had a lot going for her -- she was pretty, young, and had a collar. She also doubted her own ability to dress in a way that wouldn't cheapen her image as a priest or go together as a complete ensemble. I did have to admire her willingness to try and was very happy with the transformation. The hosts kept reminding us that she was a priest just as she kept reminding them that what she wore needed to be able to accommodate and be accommodating of her collar. Yes, Stacy, black clergy shirts are standard but why didn't anybody check into the colored clergy shirts before putting her into some glitzy t-shirt with a collar and dickey to go under the t-shirt? Still, they did work wonders and the subject looked great.
While watching, though, it occurred to me that this young woman had received a calling by God and had that calling tested and verified by so many people -- her COM, her bishop, her professors, her associates -- and the end result was that she was ordained a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek even if some don't think that any of it was legitimate simply because of her plumbing, her genes and her profile.
I thought about this for a while. So many times over the past decade or two I've wished I could get a call from God that could be tested, verified and approved. No matter how I wished it, prayed for it, or looked for it, it didn't come. This woman (and her many sisters in the clergy) had -- and for them I am grateful and happy. They have received something that isn't guaranteed to anyone, male or female, and in some places only to some males, at least the approval part (I'm sure God doesn't restrict calling only to women in certain parts of the world). There are parts of the world where a woman in such a profession (as well as such a calling) could not exist. Even in first-world countries where equality is a somewhat given, there are still stained-glass ceilings set at basement level: you are a woman, so be satisfied to serve by arranging flowers, doing the linens, teaching the children, fixing casseroles for collations and setting the table where you will never be permitted to preside or even in some cases to serve visibly. Remain invisible, remain in your place because God doesn't want women in jobs where they may have authority over men. Luckily for this woman and her sisters, she didn't have to deal with that. She probably dealt with plenty but at least she had the opportunity to answer her call, even if she couldn't put a smashing social-occasion ensemble together, accessorize a perfectly-tailored suit or even find a comfortable pair of jeans that were flattering as well.
In watching her transformation another thought struck me. Transformation is the operative word. More than just a new hair color and cut, new lipstick or blusher, more than new duds in place of pieces that may be comfortable but not quite runway-quality fashion, transformation is an inside job. Looking at her reaction each time she saw a change in the mirror, it was easy to see the transformation taking place. I'm sure at her ordination she underwent a transformation as well, maybe not as visible but very probably an inward glow that moved outward like Moses' face when he returned from the tent of meeting. Maybe her face reflects this glow not only when she looks in the mirror but when she elevates the host or shares the bread with those at the rail. I like to think of her --- and all her sisters -- with that glow. Even all her brothers, come to think of it.
I"ll never be on "What Not To Wear" and that's fine since I hate spotlights. I wouldn't mind a transformation or two, though -- maybe a call to do something that I can recognize as a call. I thought I had one once but it turns out I didn't. I found that out for myself and I'm glad. I'd have been a total flop at it. There's no reality show on earth that can make that kind of transformation.
So meanwhile, in between watching guys cussing and catching deep-sea bugs that I won't eat on a bet, accused criminals getting caught by folks with fingerprint powder and extensive knowledge of chemistry of all kinds of things, and dedicated forensic pathologists digging through bloody and complex bits to find the one clue to why somebody is no longer walking the face of the earth, I'll look around and see if there isn't something that is nagging at me, something pushing me toward something I'm either doing or not doing that might fulfill my wish, hope and prayer for a calling.
That okay with you, God?
We like Axe Men -- all Jim's family on one side were loggers -- so we have a fascination with the life. I did not watch the show as I cringe at people being "transformed" like this. I do like Tabath and the salon makeover tho. As to call -- I think mentoring in EfM is your current call.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine has a ranch near St. Helens with lots of trees. Her "retirement fund" she calls it, although she's been retired for a decade and most of the trees are still there.
ReplyDeleteAs for my current call, perhaps you're right. Time will tell, I guess. I'm enjoying what I'm doing with it, though. Thanks so much for the opportunity.