Leading Lady

Judges 4:4 – “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.”
         Those of us in the Metro-Atlanta area have been bombarded over the past few months with campaign propaganda, smear campaigns and just plain old fashioned rhetoric over election platforms and promises. We know each candidate wanted to put their best foot forward; but it seemed as if the only way they could do that was to try to trip others. Now that the madness for the most part has been settled at the polls, now the real battle begins.
       The mayoral race has come down to a December run-off between two women vying for the leadership role for the city. Whether one, the other or neither were your person of choice or if you don’t live within a 1000 miles of Hotlanta, we are all affected by this soon to be decided outcome. In this globally connected world that we live in, the issues of one certainly do affect the livelihood of others.
     Today’s scripture tells about the prophet Deborah who became a prominent judge for Israel. Considering the time in which she lived, many may be astonished to learn of her role and the history that was laid out because of her actions. As a strong advocate for justice and the courage that surpassed many of the men under her rule, Deborah spearheaded a God-ordained attack against Israel’s oppressors. The ensuing victory lead to a forty year reign of peace.
     We do not  know the outcome of the upcoming mayoral run-off between these two women but to those who may scoff because they believe this job is too much for a woman to handle – Atlanta has had a previous woman mayor and the new selectee will prove to meet the challenges head on. Let’s look not at gender, but at her ability to lead.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn