“I work really hard at not hiding my scars. I'm not gonna pretend I've got things all together. I've lived my life. I have my scars and they are part of whom I am. Jesus had scars.” Pastor Beth Carroll

Less than 15% of lead pastors in America are women. Rev. Beth Carroll, Senior Pastor at Oakland City Church, is one of them. 

Pastor Beth has lived through mental illness, a divorce, and an unexpected pregnancy at 22, for which she was kicked out of the church, excluded, and shamed when she most needed community and support.

Her personal experiences, the stories of those she cares for, and her belief that Jesus’ life is a story of radical inclusion, set her on a mission to create safe and brave spaces for those experiencing unwelcome or trauma in the church, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community and others marginalized because of their mental health. 

Instead of hiding her story, she’s used it to create trust. She teaches us that life's disappointments and traumas don't have to have the last word. The events that we thought signified our end or defeat can be the entry point into our life's calling. Every break-up, job loss, or insult forms and strengthens us, if we choose to process the pain.

“On the day I was kicked out of the church, I learned the power a pastor has to speak life or death into people. Now my favorite part of the job is to meet somebody, look them dead in the eye, and say, ‘You are good. God broke the mold with you. You are beautiful.’ To be able to use my mantle with the word reverend on it, and to be able to speak life into people.”

We may not all wear this mantel, but we all have the power to choose love, keep an eye out for the people in the back row, and offer a lifeline to those who are barely hanging on.

According to the Surgeon General, we are living in a loneliness epidemic. When we hide our scars, we hide from deep connections. Sure, there will be people who don’t get us. But, when we show our scars, we allow the people who were always looking for us, to really see us. And don’t we all want that more than anything?

Beth’s story is packed with powerful lessons. Here are a few that will always be with me:

• How to cultivate the courage to stay strong when facing resistance (spoiler alert: It comes from within)

• How to nurture spaces that inspire courage in others

• How to “Preach from your scars, not your wounds”

Listen to the end for another bonus meditation, exploring these essential questions: What do I need for my body? What do I need for my heart? What do I need for my mind? What do I need for my spirit?

💓Huge thanks to Lisa Crozier from episode 13 for creating this incredible link in our ever-stronger Uplifter chain.

💓Find Beth on Facebook and Instagram: @elizabethgracecarroll. Her posts are witty, warm, thought-provoking, and hilarious!

💓Click for more from Nadia Bolz Weber, the source of the powerful quote, “Preach from your scars, not your wounds.”

Let’s keep rising higher, together,

Aransas