Faithful Rebel: Author Felicity Dale on How to Stop Waiting for Permission

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure," writes Marianne Williamson, and I know in my bones she's right. If you've noticed it's been quiet on this blog lately, it's because for the last three months I've been finishing up my manuscript revision  for a new book coming out with Crescendo next year (more on that soon). And in very un-Erin-like fashion, last night I dreamt it was a huge success. Like award-worthy success. The words "shoe-in" were used. I'd never considered such a thing in my waking hours. You write a book and you think you like it and you get some sleep, and this seems the best possible outcome.Women have a habit of underselling our power. In this month's "Lessons from a Faithful Rebel" video, I interview author and house church leader Felicity Dale on her anthology The Black Swan Effect: A Response to Gender Hierarchy in the Church. The book includes essays from Dale herself - in one she describes the church as hemiplegic, that is, the female half of the body is experiencing paralyses - as well as contributions from other women and men who support the inclusion of women in leadership in more than just word but deed. (For instance, when's the last time you sought out a woman to be your mentor?)While we don't agree on everything, Felicity helps me see that we don't need to wait for a man's permission to use our gifts in the church. More importantly, we don't need to wait for God's permission; a faithful reading of Scripture makes it clear it's already ours in spades. There's only one skill you need, Felicity says, "Listening to God and then doing what he says."Take twenty minutes to listen to Felicity and then consider who in your life needs a reminder that they are powerful beyond measure.[vimeo 97357193 w=500 h=375]Feeling inspired? Who was the first woman in your life that taught you your own strength?