Images of a Woman
Some time ago I read the story of a rather unique individual and I wondered would this person be welcome in our church. Thus I wrote the following.
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up exceptionally early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black mid calf skirt, white blouse and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewellery to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
That done she left to meet with her pastor at their modest size church a ten minute drive away.
Once in the church office the pastors wife handed her a small gold cross necklace.
Margaret put it on and looked out the window.
From the window she could see the parking lot and the people entering the church. Wondering as she seen each person enter what they would think.
She’d known many of these people for several years. Some were close friends. But what she’d gone through in the last year had changed things somewhat, and now as she watched them enter she could only hope they would accept her.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over twenty-five years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If they did no one commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavour to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
Some people voted with their feet and left. Others remained asking many questions. All of which Margaret answered. Then the questions ended, the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
