by Diane Brauer
Reflecting on the S.A.L.T. appeal this morning, I thought of the hymn For All the Faithful Women, especially the lines: “For all the faithful women who served in days of old” and “we offer glad thanksgiving and fervent prayer we raise, that faithful in your service, our lives may sing your praise.”
It got me thinking about how “SALT” led me here. How did those who shared abundantly and loved and gave thanks get me here? They didn’t use the acronym. They lived it.
The faithful women in my life shared (abundantly) their faith and their love for this organization. These women from my past and my present have been and are examples and mentors for me.
My mother, all her life, was part of a circle, held leadership roles in her unit, and even stood for election to a synodical (then district) board until my dad was transferred to a new location. I cherish her ALCW pin. Every time we moved, this is where she found friends and support. Every time I have moved, it is where I have found friends and support.
Serving on a cluster board in Montana, the synodical president, Charlotte Anvik, was a mentor and chief encourager in my consideration of serving on the synodical board. She consistently supported my efforts as a new board member, sharing her experience abundantly. Some of the women on that board are lifelong friends.
Over the years, I have found my way to be part of other synodical boards and eventually the churchwide board. The love and the faith shared abundantly are still part of my life today. Those women continue to be great friends – you know – the ones you can call any time, even if it’s been months and pick up where you left off. The ones that show up in the tough times. The ones that celebrate the good things. These are the sisters in faith who have helped me grow in my faith and for which I am overwhelmingly thankful.
There have been so many experiences beyond what I ever expected. I have learned so much from our global sisters in faith. I have become so much more aware of women and children in poverty, of issues surrounding race and gender, and of our ability to speak out. There are so many ministries women carry out – diaper depots, building beds for children with no beds, spiritual care and support, and a 5K Run-Walk-and Roll (which I would never have done otherwise!)
The many ministries, resources, publications, and events of Women of the ELCA are supported by our participation, but also by our gifts. I give thanks for all these resources that I have used so many times for workshops, devotions, and Bible study.
My gifts through Faithful Friends, my unit, and synodical events all provide ongoing support for Women of the ELCA. It is a privilege to add some “extra salt” to those gifts through the S.A.L.T. appeal. My prayer is that we season the future with our gifts so that those now in the organization and those to come will have these same opportunities for support, fellowship, learning, prayer, Bible study, and so much more like I have had.
May we continue to be thankful and sing praise as the faithful women before us and the faithful women to come. Let us continue to sprinkle a little extra “salt” on our offerings. Let us share our abundance with love and thanksgiving. May the salt that we add today bring many more women to savor this ministry. Taste and see . . . it is good.
Diane Brauer is a member of Community of Joy Lutheran Church, Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Diane currently serves on the board of the Rocky Mountain Synodical Organization. She is the current board president for Lutheran Campus Ministries of New Mexico.
As I traveled to the Outer Banks recently, I heard Beth Wrenn’s spirit speak to me loud and clear!
That is beautiful, Syd. Thank you for sharing that.
Diane, you are one of my faithful woman who walked with me. We were meant to room together! Miss you-great article.