Under Much Grace

Cheryl,

This is all so compelling! I just finished watching your WIM videos with tears rolling down my face. I grew up with the Assemblies of God’s standard for women, but I also observed continual rebellion of women elders against pastors there. In my search for a better example, I wound up in a Shepherding/Discipleship group. They offered what seemed to be a more balanced view about spiritual gifts and healing, as well as an alternative to the rebellious example of the few women in my memory. I am so broken to realize that so many of the truths that you point out were truths I used to know and defend. My desire to find better role models and my disappointments in poor examples lead me into error.

How grieved and broken I am over my falling away and years wasted in deception…
And how full of joy and gratitude I am in having many of these truths restored to me anew.

As so many people who fall prey to these deceptions, I should have been the least likely person to get caught up in an abusive group. I just finished Wendy Duncan’s book, and she is another unlikely example: both a social worker and a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. We all are vulnerable to these subtle deceptions when the timing and circumstances get the better of us.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.