Dear Disciples Women,

In the midst of dealing with Covid-19, there is news of an act not typical of the police officers that I know and it brings pain to my innermost being. I turn to the scriptures for consoling. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

As individuals we see the progress in our own mindset and relationships; we also see the progress across our region from the invaluable Pro-Reconcilation Anti-racism (PRAR) training last year. These things are only a beginning to making the steps needed to alleviate the problems many face because of race.

Do not let the actions of those who resort to violent acts distract from those who desire change to be brought about by peaceful means. Realize there are many more who want an end to any cases of racism and hatred without violence using peaceful means. We know as Christians, racism and hatred is against the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As Disciples Women we celebrate our differences and bring our differences together to focus on one direction as reflected in our ODW mission statement based on Micah 6:8: “To be a conduit for diverse connections empowering each woman to find her voice and live out her call and to live out the teaching of Micah 6:8” (From IDWM) Micah 6:8 (NIV) He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Please read this letter from Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and if moved as I was, show her that Oklahoma is behind her. Please share. https://disciples.org/congregations/we-need-to-be-the-church-we-say-we-are/

She also has a Facebook with numerous moving posts including ‘We need to be the Church we say we are’ which I encourage you to read.

Stay focused on God and our Christian teaching. In spite of discouraging news, be uplifted in the fact that we know whose daughters we are.~

Prayers for peace,
Marilyn Bohlender ODW President

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.