Why “Church Ladies?”

Some of my friends have suggested “Church Ladies” is a bit old sounding. But I love the image it conveys. For me a “Church Lady” is someone loves the church and everybody in it. She’s so happy to see you she can barely contain herself. She’s old enough not to care about her age, wise enough to be kind, humble enough to be gracious, experienced enough to be compassionate.

The term also reminds me of Dana Carvey’s “Church Lady” and that makes me smile. I think there’s a little bit of her in all of us. We all have moments when we want to purse our lips and say, “Well, isn't that special?!,” don't we?

The Church Lady I aspire to be has eyes that glow with love, a smile that welcomes, a spirit that calms you down. Her very presence lets you know that things are going to be OK. It’s OK if you’re late for church. Your baby puked all over you on the way out the door. Jesus understands. He’s just glad you’re there.

You will encounter "church ladies" (I will not bother to capitalize for them) that seem to look down their nose at you. That’s just fine because they look down on everybody. In those cases, it helps to think, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.

When you encounter a smiling, loving, accepting church lady, you’ve seen a bit of the Lord. In that case, give thanks and remember Jesus’ words:

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14

May you and yours encounter the best kind of Church Lady love this day.
xoxoxox, Cheeky