Do you like being affirmed? Do you like being celebrated? Come on; admit it. Who doesn’t? During my daily devotional period I ask God to affirm me and celebrate me so as not to go seeking for such through inappropriate measures. How wonderful it is to be a part of the Alliance organization, an organization I view as being an extension of God’s affirmation and celebration of me as a minister, and foremost, as a woman minister.

As I reflect on affirmations and celebrations, I remember as a 6-year-old chubby, sleepy little girl slipping out of a warm and comfy bed — at least twice a week — to lie across the front door sill to await arrival of my mother after her long day at her business. You see, I wanted to assure that she would arrive safely; and plus, I wanted to hear the affirmation she would bestow upon me when she discovered I was taking my usual position at the front door.

“Oh, you are such a caring little one, my sweet baby…my, I think you may have even grown some since this morning…I am so proud to be your mommy…although you should be in bed…I know, you just want to show me how much you love me.”

That was the spirit of a little girl who loved and cared for her mommy and a spirit who enjoyed a little girl’s demonstration of love. Note: My father always allowed me to think I was fooling him by sneaking out of my bedroom to wait for my mother’s arrival.

As a member of the Alliance of Baptists, I see us in partnership as spirits working together on behalf of God and humanity. At varying points, one spirit can take on the responsibility to ensure that there is exposure to endless possibilities; the other, a conscientiousness to demonstrate their own spirit act. Together, both represent the love of God that can encourage others to join such a fellowship. The roles are interchangeable at times, but both are always in affirmation and in celebration of the other. 

A very good friend introduced me to the Alliance of Baptists and its mission. Along with the overview of the organization, I clearly remember the words my friend used to describe the organization: “Affirming and celebrating.” What powerful words for me. I must admit these are two of my favorite words in the English vocabulary. I began to smile as I reflected back to the 6- year-old waiting for her mommy and the woman minister who asks God daily to affirm and celebrate. I thought, “What a great match.”

As with any on-going relationship, the Alliance will have expectations of me as a member and I will have expectations for it as an organization. Because I believe any expectation will be in the context of affirming and celebrating both member and organization as representatives of God, I will act — and help the Alliance to act — as I believe the Spirit is leading and guiding us to help better all of humanity’s varying situations. Just like that 6-year-old little girl who lovingly waited for her mommy. 

Would you believe my mother shared that story for years? She would tell people it made her feel so special and important. 

Thanks, Alliance…you are making me feel so special and important!