The Cynic

Imagine an arena filled with thousands of women of every size, occupation, age, and culture. At the end of the arena is a stage set with lights and microphones and screens. A man steps onto the stage and instructs the women to stand to their feet and sing with him. The voices rise together, some in beautiful harmony, others in not-so-beautiful harmony. The man on the stage asks the women to turn and hug their neighbors. Women embrace, smiling and laughing as they say hellos.

Many of you have experienced this type of experience. I went to a women's conference this weekend -- not the entire conference, just the Saturday morning session, and I couldn't help but realize what a cynic I am. Many beautiful, articulate women spoke, encouraging the women in the audience to realize the dream that God has for them. The worship leader led the women in singing and in hand motions (something that doesn't really thrill me). Women cried and laughed; it was a moving experience.

As I waded through the sea of women at lunchtime to try to find an exit, I began to wonder what it was all about. What is the purpose of this gathering? What do the women who plan this event hope to accomplish in the lives of the women who attend?

If they hope to accomplish awakening then why do the women push and shove and pull at one another in order to get to the book signing tables? Why are women still angry and hostile because the lady in front of them didn't do something as quickly as she should have? Why are they still sighing as their sisters climb across their legs to get to a seat? If these women are supposed to be awakened to the eternal purpose that an eternal God has given them, why isn't the change obvious? Maybe the change comes the day after the conference.

If the planners hope to give the women a sense of mission why aren't there thousands of women now flooding Main Street Greenville talking to the girl behind the counter at Marble Slab or the young man serving their food at Fatz? Why are so many still lost and seeking a savior in our world today. I have no doubt been to at least 20 of these events in my lifetime, and I have yet to see the major change that such events should bring.

If the planners are hoping to simply give the women a good feeling and a weekend away from their families, perhaps they accomplish this goal.

Maybe I am just too cynical to recognize what has happened, but I long for the day when the body of Christ truly recognizes her calling and stands up and stops having conferences in arenas and instead has conferences downtown where thousands of lost souls come to know Christ as their savior.