by Kelly Pelton

The valued, trusted women in the Bible, 
are they unimportant, incidental,
mentioned as exceptional, not usual,
as though their leading is experimental?

Those scholars who believe that God's impartial
notice how antiquity leaves out
the contributions of the women while
the men were recognized as having clout;

the patriarchal times of the Bible's writing
contrast with the Bible's frequent mention
of women as respected in the priesthood
of all believers who have God's attention.

The female leaders are exceptions only
to the man-made patriarchal rule,
for no exceptions to God's law are made;
let us not think the men His only tool.

The seeds of co-ed collegiality
are sown throughout God's word, His Spirit pointing,
nudging us toward the equal service 
we do together with our Lord's anointing.