There are a few labels in my life that I like: Mother, Friend, Wife, Writer, Sister. But there’s one that just doesn’t seem to fit: Missionary. Someone called me a missionary the other day and I found myself looking around to see who they were talking about. I wonder why it’s an uncomfortable label for me? Maybe because that word conjures so many pre-conceived ideas that rub me the wrong way. Just ask my dear friend Emily – when we were introduced almost a decade ago I was described by our mutual boss as a former missionary… and she still thinks I was wearing a long skirt with a bun in my hair when we met. When I hear the word missionary- I don’t think of a “normal” person. I think of someone who is probably a little weird and socially awkward. I think of someone who loves doctrine potentially more than they love Jesus. I think of someone who would never spend $3 on a latte…ever.
Ouch? I don’t mean any offense- this is just me talking. And I don’t know where my pre-conceived notions about missionaries come from. In fact, all of the “missionaries” I know (Alece, Sarah, @ngie,- just to name a few!) don’t fit this mold at all. What I see in all of those women is that they live a missional life- A life centered on loving God and making Him known. Being missional has nothing to do with location. It has everything to do with lifestyle. Heart orientation. Purpose-driven living.
I still won’t call myself a missionary. But I will choose live a missional life- no matter where home is.
i couldn’t have said it better myself.
i’ve always felt that same way. i wish i could come up with a better word or “title” that seemed to more accurately convey what it is i am/do…
So will you still like me if I wear a skirt down to my tootsie toes and pull my funky hairs to a tiny bun?
hee hee hee
By the way, no matter how hard they try they have yet to find a mold to squish me into. I am just not mold material. I’ll leave that to the left-overs rotting in the back of the ‘fridge.
To finish my quirky comment I must say that you got me all super duper excited when I read that you identify yourself as a writer. I so agree! Write on my missional buddy.
hmmm, I have never had an issue with the title… well, that is not true. I don’t like it because most people DON’T really know what it means…I prefer “self supporting volunteer”…
ha. i loved this.
i’d be uncomfortable with it for the other reason… like missionaries were superhuman. somehow spiriutality, discernment, wisdom and right choices all magically appear when you step off that plane and onto foreign soil.
I see the same thing when I hear the word missionary. When I was little I saw myself in the mission fields of the SW. In my vision tho I did not have the “right” cloths on so I never thought it was really me. Now that I am in El Paso I see that my “pre-conceived” idea of what a missionary is, is way out-a whack.
thanks for all you do Amy.
luv Karen
The term Missionary falls into that same group as what most people think about the five fold ministry of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher. Men make things out of these titles that God never intended. The source is “Pride” (and we know where that comes from) and that is what gives the distorted view of these positions in the body of Christ. The one who chooses to answer the call and follow Jesus is best known as a “disciple” and if you are a disciple, you are going to look just like Jesus if you hang out with Him long enough. I like the way Jesus looks and I long to look just like Him. And by the way Amy, that is what I see in you. Lets just you and me press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus………..Be Blessed
I have had that title for almost a decade now, and people would constantly say to me…”you don’t look like a missionary!”. hehehe
Now I am sorta grateful that where I live it is against the law to even SPEAK that term, so I don’t use it at all. Now we say the “m” word when referring to it. It cracks me up, but I always get this nervous look on my face and look around when someone calls me a missionary now.
It’s a way of life….not a title. I totally agree!
I was on an interviewing committee for a local school while we are “over her” as opposed to being “over there”, and we were going to interview a missionary who was going to teach for two years at home before going back over there. Not only was she a missionary, but she was also a MK – horrors! The assistant principal said (to our small committee of six people), “We should look at her – she’s not the typical missionary or MK.”
hmmm…. I’m sitting right here, both a missionary and an MK.
So I asked, “What do you mean “typical”? What is “typical”?
She answered, “Well, you know, socially challenged, unsure of herself, unable to fit in. You know, like (name shall remain anonymous).”
Oh. Yeah. Say that to my face will you? Now, I have to admit that anonymous is a little socially challenged, but… likely more to do with being raised by two parents who are socially challenged and over-protective to the point that she never left her yard or went anywhere without her mother until after high-school.
Typical… typical… there ain’t no typical anymore! I haven’t worn a long skirt in years – except a cute black one with my high heeled boots!
That saying, in a few months I do have to wear a long skirt and a headscarf for a trip- but never at home!
You’re exactly right Ellie (and I love your name, that’s what we call our daughter!).
Yeah, we totally battle with what to call ourselves. Sometimes we say volunteers because it is easier and we are more comfortable with it. So I am totally weird and socially awkward. When I am “working” I wear long skirts – at least traditional ones and I totally spend $3 on coffee. What the honk? I don’t know where I fit in anymore, but I totally desire to seek and serve the Lord. I don’t know what label to use but hopefully I will eventually like your dad said fit into the category of disciple.