by Susan Swaney Humphrey
I am a Wildly Whimsical Artsy Advocate and a Dabbler in all things creative. Maybe someday, when I am much older, I’ll figure out exactly what I should focus on. But for now, I will continue to learn, grow, share, teach, doodle, discover, connect, and enjoy new things. Traveling and meeting new people is what energizes me. I am a teacher always, a leader when called, and a mentor where needed. I love connecting people with opportunities and thinking outside the box. I can also be passionately vocal about my faith, my discipleship call (mission-minded), and justice issues.
Because I am this kind of woman, I especially love our Women of the ELCA Organization. In WELCA, I have found ways to serve God and others that affirm my beliefs, embolden me to do more with my sisters in Christ, and support my callings. Wow, that sounded like I was living out our Purpose statement. Yep, that’s me.
I have used, read, and led almost every resource that WELCA has produced in my 40-plus years as a Lutheran, and I love them all, but when asked to share my favorite, a couple immediately stand out.
Speaking Faith Through Art is a beautifully written piece that easily lends itself to any convention or meeting themed around art, such as Church Art 101, crafting events, or “Coloring outside the Lines” themed gatherings.
The second is a series of resources. The Called to Be series can be used separately but can also be combined into an entire convention theme or retreat. I can see using the Called to Be Political, Called to Deal with Difficult Issues, and Called to Love as God Loves being very appropriate for our world today.
My list would be incomplete without mentioning BoldCafé, Gather Magazine, and Daily Grace. All award-winning resources that have guided and uplifted me. So, what kind of a WELCA woman am I? I am a woman blessed to be in a community with women who make a difference in the world every day. I thank God for each one that has touched my life and pray that I have been and will continue to bless others.
Susan Swaney Humphrey, a Woman of the ELCA advocate, currently serves as the president of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO) and is on the Katie’s Fund Leadership Team. She served on the churchwide executive board (1999-2005) and is a retired art teacher, busy-beyond-belief Mimi, and a church nerd.