A Redemptionist is Always a Work in Progress

Dr. June Christine Goudey

1. From redemption, a reclaiming and recovery of the experience of women as made in the image of God. Redemptionist: A woman who is white, but need not be to embrace these principles; a woman who is awakening to her own strength and her own truths. One who honors the Creator, and is learning to express her own creative Spirit. One who treasures her unique ways of knowing and being, imagining and celebrating. One who honors the faith of her forbears; yet embraces the abundant life she finds in the Spirit here and now.

2. Also: A woman who cherishes women and men who embody loving respect for women, children, and the universe. A woman who is strong not strident, effective not extreme, generous not guilt-ridden, demanding not dominant, compassionate not careless-- with her body, her love or her wisdom. Opposite of bitch, broad, chick, dame, little lady, feminnazi, man-hater, and whore. One who knows she is worthy of divine love and loves herself. Regardless!

3. A survivor who is not afraid to be seen and heard at the same time! When told, "You can't say that", says it anyway. When told not to make waves, does it anyway. Traditionally not aware of her own power, or the price her silence has cost. May choke on the lies of others, but chooses not to swallow them without a fight. Is beginning to turn "rituals of self-hatred" into acts of resistance. Courageously says "No!" to systems that harm her, and persons that abuse her. Dares to name her experience as her own, according to gender, class, race, and sexual preference.

4. Not an isolationist. Knows her well-being is tied to the well-being of others. Understands the Spirit calls her to be real not perfect. Knows she needs other sisters to show her the difference. Knows when to be herself, with herself and no one else, for the sake of her body-mind-spirit-soul. Struggles with how hard the journey to mutuality and equality really is, for herself and her people. Believes that suffering is not redemptive, but that compassionate love redeems us all.

5. Laments her failure to treat other women justly, especially women of color. Actively repents! Knows she has been socialized to ignore racism, embrace sexism, and never cross the boundary lines of class in either direction. No longer says, "Yes, " just to make peace. Listens to women of color ask "What does it mean to be white?" Responds, "I don't know ... but I'm going to find out."

Discovered, she was blessed with more power and privilege than she imagined possible. Heard a womanist say, " What are you going to do about that?  Decided she needs to understand what privilege means and be more authentic with her power.  Tries to make a difference everyday, in her own way, against all odds.

6. Respects her feelings, and learns from her failures. Loves a good joke, but not at her own expense or anyone else's. Loves poetry, and beauty. Loves the mystery of life for its own sake, honors the Christ/Christa spirit in all things. Loves the feast, whether she prepares it or not.

Ó 2001, June Christine Goudey first presented at the Third National United Church of Christ Women's Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, June 1996. My gratitude extends to Alice Walker, for her womanist wisdom, and Imani Sheila Newsome-McLaughlin, my good friend and Dean of Students at Boston University School of Theology, for holding me accountable to my faith.