I never thought I would see myself as an older pregnant cousin, but as I left InterVarsity’s National Staff Conference it was the image most on my mind.
The last morning Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil exposited Luke 1:39-49 where Mary visits Elizabeth. In Dr. McNeil’s words, Elizabeth “opens her heart” to Mary, then she validates and affirms her. This engagement by Elizabeth “opens up something for Mary” as we see by the song of praise Mary proclaims.
Dr. McNeil’s invitation was for older leaders, who like Elizabeth have something birthing in them, to not be jealous of younger leaders God is birthing something new in. Instead we should open ourselves to them and bless them.
Working with so many young staff and student leaders, I have a lot of opportunities to practice these words. Would you pray for me to carry an Elizabeth spirit in my work and would you partner with me in this work of blessing the next generation?
Click here to watch Dr. McNeil’s full talk.