by Kelly Pelton (written 11 Oct 2025)

Jesus said, "You'll know them by their fruit."
The actions are what give leaders away;
it's how they treat all people they encounter 
that outweighs any solemn words they say.

The privilege, power, status of the men
in churches where the women are restricted
speak louder than the mantra "equal worth,"
the lower value of the women depicted.

Although such treatment can't in fact diminish
the value of the human beings controlled,
it does reveal the hearts of those who limit
Christ's Spirit in His sisters we behold.