RevGalBlogPal galships of gratitude

The summer was long, hot, and full of discouragement from one thing and another. All typical work-a-day stuff for a relatively new clergy woman trying to find her way through the early years of her vocation. Part of that summer was spent interviewing for a position I felt was perfect for me - a place full of creativity with an emphasis on social justice. Alas, the job was not to be mine. That reality left me feeling bleak and lost. One day I buried myself in the recent edition of Christian Century magazine, hoping to find inspiration. Little did I know that what I found, and read, would irrevocably alter the course of my life.

Thumbing through the pages I stumbled upon an article about a group of women clergy who formed an on-line group of bloggers called the RevGalBlogPals. I was a relative novice to the internet and had never even heard of blogging. That fact did not stop me. Immediately upon finishing the article I picked up my laptop and set about creating a blog. It was relatively easy to do. More difficult was trying to figure out what to call the blog and what to use as a pseudonym. I definitely did not want to use my real name, at least not then. Eventually I figure it all out, published my first post, and emailed the RevGals with a request for membership. I think I had to blog consistently for three months before I could become an official member?

Within a couple of months I formed a group of blogging buddies, many of whom, seven years later, I still blog with consistently. Songbird (Martha) was the first person to read my blog consistently. She helped me a great deal in the early days as I learned "code" and "links." Shortly there after I started a conversation about poetry with Diane. Before long I was blogging with hotcup and kate, Barb and Serena and many others. We were a lively bunch, blogging daily and sharing stories of our lives.

I have been blessed to serve as contributor to the RevGals blog, first hosting the Monday Meet and Greet, which I did for a number of years. Then I began writing the Sunday prayers and became the administrator for the prayer blog. I have served on the RevGals board of directors and helped plan the Big Event 2 (the only land based BE to date). One of my most favorite RevGal time was our side trip to the Grand Canyon following that BE. Those of us who made the drive had a fabulous time. We watched the sun set one night and made it up in time to see the sun rise the next morning.

 I still remember our delightful dinner at the Bright Angel....(from front center going clock-wise: Sue, Crystal, Jean, Chrysanne, me, the Vicar, Kate)

My revgal pals have literally carried me with prayer and love through some of the most challenging days, months, and years, of my life. For that love, support, and prayers, and for the friendships on-line and in real life, I am forever grateful.