Choose Your Own Adventure

The Rev Lizzi Green and I attend a Side Event in the ECOSOC chamber

Being at the UN CSW is like an extended insertion into a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ narrative. With over 700 events to consider, each day is a careful discernment of how to spend our time and energy. We consider the topics, speakers, hosts, and themes of Side Events (events on UN grounds, usually panels by nation states) and Parallel Events (in surrounding buildings, led by non-governmental organisations and civil society). We contemplate what we hope to learn, or with whom we intend to network, ally, and advocate, along with concerns of access and space.

In all our time here at the UN, we connect with one another to share our experiences, our learnings, and the lessons we will take home to implement real change for increased justice in our homes, churches, and communities.

CSW changes us, and we get to participate in the selection of the trajectory of that change.

As we heard during the opening session on Monday, equality is an active choice… and that the systems and structures rolling back and eroding women’s rights and gender equality is also an active choice. We know why we need equal rights; we are being challenged to consider why we are not taking action.

 It’s a choice. 

I am reflecting on choices; the choices we make as individuals, families, churches, communities… the things we choose to do and say, and the things about which we choose to stay silent or inactive.

It’s a choice. 

So what is our choice, as the church?

We have the option to make gender equality a fully integrated reality in our shared institutions. We can choose to shape change in our church in ways that uphold the dignity of every human being. We can choose to make gender justice not simply a box to be checked off, but a value to be actively implemented.

We can do this through our prayers, our re-understanding of scripture from a feminist perspective, in how we involve the members in our liturgy, and how we reach beyond our walls. 

The world sees us, and sees how we treat all people. Will we be known to ignore or diminish half of our society, or will we choose to fully engage and cherish the fullness of humanity that God has blessed the world with.

It’s a choice. 

Let us choose for justice. 

International Women’s Day 2026… some foggy reflections

There’s any number reflections and articles being shared today, International Women’s Day. 

I awoke this morning in central New York, here again to attend and advocate at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Looking out my 17th floor window, I saw the Empire State Building… at least, most of it. 

There’s a low cloud cover this morning, which impairs visibility of the some of the taller buildings. So we know they are there, and can see the basic structure amongst the skyline, but they seem to fade in and out as the mist floats by. 

The potential for a full view is there… yet it’s denied. By something amorphous, ambiguous, slightly insubstantial… yet still strong enough to be a barrier.

This is analogous to the fight for gender equality. The rights for women and girls  exist; yet for many. women and girls, they are just not accessible. At times, they appear to be within reach, until something floats in between. At other times, they exist in theory but the practical application is absent or inadequate. God help us, but in recent years we are seeing equality decline, as rights are diminished or removed altogether. There is no country that has achieved gender equality, and at the current rate of progress, it will take hundreds of years to get there. 

The church is, like so many institutions, reflective of society. One need not look far or deep to find expressions of misogyny, bullying, sexism, and violence. 

Yet we know we can do better. And this is why the church speaks out against unjust systems and structures. We are called to shine the light, a light so strong that it would burn off the mist that shrouds equality and justice from over half the world’s population. 

So we advocate, we pray, we speak up. We do our best to share the news of what the church CAN do: to uphold the dignity of every human being. Everywhere, every time, every occasion where inequality looms - we speak up to normalise the push to equality.

So here I am. In New York. At another CSW. With other Anglican delegates, with ecumenical and interfaith partners, with faith based organisations, with civil society organisations, with non governmental agencies and with government representatives… all upheld by the prayers of countless people in countless places.  

Because until all can have access to justice, Women’s Day remains a call to faithful action. 

Stay In Your Lane

One of the phrases of recent years, that invites folks to focus on their area, is “stay in your lane”. It has the connotation of driving along a road, yet without that context. It instead is meant to admonish those who extend outside of their normal boundaries – even when (especially when!) they know better.

Often, it comes when someone lacks the skill or ability to engage where they are trying to; or when they are ignoring the parameters that have been set for them. What is generally not lacking in these circumstances, however, is an overdeveloped confidence.

I was thinking about the phrase last week when I headed out snowshoeing; I had decided to go alongside the track that the nordic ski club had set at a local golf course. I say “alongside” intentionally – following the request of the ski club (and common sense), I kept off the ski tracks, as I know that snowshoes can cause harm to the groomed trails – and therefore create unnecessary problems for the skiers.

So I trekked out; beside the ski trails, making tracks of my own. Several skiers passed me, there were plenty of friendly ‘hello’s and smiles. Everyone stayed in their lane; everyone had a good day out.

Staying in our lane in other areas of life can also be beneficial; a healthy humility and self-awareness can keep us exercising our ministry in ways that are helpful, healthy, and fruitful to what we have been called to. When we veer into others’ lanes, like traipsing over a groomed ski trail, we can cause damage to the ministry of others; overstepping into someone else’s lane (even with the best of intentions) denies them their ministry.

Our lanes are there; and we all have them. God is always calling us onward, giving us opportunities to go and grow and serve. God is also always reminding us that we are accompanied on our journeys by the others in our lives – who are following their own lanes.

May God grant us discernment and wisdom to stay in our lanes!

A LOTtle

 

Last week, we had a foggy day. Ice fog usually means hoarfrost, where everything gets coated with a sheen of moisture, resulting in gorgeous sparkling when the sun shines.

It doesn’t take much; a slightly higher than average humidity leads to trees covered in diamond-like brilliance. With fog in winter, a little humidity means a lot of beauty.

Likewise, we can reflect on how in our lives, some little thing can become significant to us.

A small gesture of kindness can brighten a dull day; a small act of compassion can encourage in the midst of struggle. A friend making time to listen when we need a shoulder to lean on; a small note of thanks acknowledging our efforts – it all adds up.

On this Freedom Sunday, when we commit to fighting against the scourge of Human Trafficking, a little education can help us to recognise when evil is in our midst; a little courage can help liberate someone who is trapped.

Whatever our context, every small action has the potential to make the world a better place.

Our faith inspires us to love God and love each other; and there is no loving action that is too small to matter. Each small act of love may be an answer to someone else’s prayer; and every connection opens a door to a potential relationship.

As we enter another week, let’s celebrate every little thing that is done in love: it means a lot.

“Rabbi Tarfon would say:
You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief.
Do justly, now.
Love mercy, now.
Walk humbly, now."
(Quoted in Wisdom of the Jewish Sages by Rabbi Rami Shapiro)

Oversharing

Emblem of the 2026 Winter Olympics; Public Domain

I have not been watching the Olympics very much this week; but I have been watching some ‘highlight reels’ – and wow, there have been some fascinating things happening!
The ‘chirping’ at the curling events was unusual (especially with multiple claims of double touching by Canadians?!); the accomplishments of all of the athletes is inspiring a new generation of athletes (hello Gilles and Poirier!); the supporters have been amazing (who will forget Maia Schwinghammer’s father going viral); and really, no one quite knew how to react to the suggestion of the ski jumpers’ injected …enhancements. (Other than “ICK!”)

One of the standout moments, however, came from the unlikely interview with a Norwegian bronze-medal winner, who used his interview to lament his recent infidelity to his ex-girlfriend. Reports indicate she was less than pleased with his public revelation, and he went on to further apologise for his indiscretion about their personal issues. (Fortunately, the media have respected her wish for anonymity)

Oversharing is a reality in our world; and usually something that is a reaction (not a response), that’s clearly not been though through. It can violate boundaries, create awkwardness and discomfort, and can lead to damaged relationships and reputations in future.

The consequences of oversharing don’t have to be extreme to be perceived as negative. Even the best of intentions can be quashed by someone’s revelations that are untimely or inappropriate. Context matters!

As people of faith, we are invited to be circumspect in what, and how, we share. We are certainly called to share our faith, but to practice discretion and wisdom in how we do this. We are stewards of our personal lives; and when the time is right, we can focus on appropriate sharing within our community. If we ignore boundaries, however, we may inadvertently push people away, thus defeating our intention and our calling.

When we rely on our spiritual maturity and attentiveness, we understand the benefits of sharing with purpose (consider the advice of Ephesians 4.29: Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear; or Proverbs 12.18: Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.)

May God keep our sharing to be for the building up of community; may the Spirit hold our tongues before we overshare!

Not-So-Super Bowl

Like most major sporting and entertainment events, there is always more happening than just the game on the field/ice/stadium/whatever. There are half-time shows, parties, tailgating, the list goes on.

Unfortunately, large events like this are also notorious for illicit actions as well. Human trafficking rates are known to rise substantially at large events; and while increased awareness initiatives and more careful policing does help to curb some of this evil, it still happens.

Anywhere and anytime that thousands of people are in one location, some/many of whom may be impaired, others who may personally profit from turning a blind eye – it’s a forum for the commercialisation of humanity.

A horrifying fact of human trafficking is that it is a by-demand system – meaning that before a human is trafficked, someone has already paid for that human to be trafficked. Unlike other exchanges, traffickers do not have ability or inclination to maintain surplus supply.

While the majority of people who are trafficked are enslaved in sex trafficking, there are also a large number who are targeted for labour trafficking. Globally, there are an estimated 28 million people trapped in human trafficking any day.

In Canada, February 22 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Here in Saskatoon, there will be a flag-raising, solemn walk, and panel discussion about the realities of human trafficking in our midst (February 20, beginning at City Hall). We may not be the Super Bowl, but this darkness creeps across every community.

The good news is that we are making a difference: by shining the light into the darkness, by refusing to look away when it becomes painful or awkward; by doing what we can to re-affirm the dignity and rights of every human being.

This is modern-day slavery; and as Christians we are called to stand against this commodification and exploitation of our kin. We can do this through education and advocacy; learning about what human trafficking looks like in our own contexts, and committing to respect the dignity of all – praying for those who are trapped, survivors, and for those who work with them. We pray, too, for those who engage in illicit acts, and for the traffickers – that God may turn their hearts.

May God give us the strength and courage to be informed advocates for justice.

Isa. 61.1-2 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.

Reflections from the Dog Park

At a trip to the dog park this week, Comet discovered a stick that was frozen in the ground. Try as she might, she was unable to dig it up and chew it apart.

After consulting with some of her doggy friends, she found another stick – this one, however, was already in the mouth of another dog – who was not inclined to share.

A few zoomies later, she found a stick just lying on the ground. A BIG stick. A log, really; so large that she could not pick it up. She was able to drag it a little, and tried to keep it away from the others, but it was simple too much for her.

Eventually she gave up, and the dogs all returned to chasing and frolicking sans sticks.

Despite the adorable nature of a dog’s life, her stick adventures can be revealing.

Sometimes, what we want may be just below the surface: yet still inaccessible to us – and we simply have to move on. For if we get stuck with something unavailable, we’ll miss out on other opportunities right in front of us.

Sometimes, what we want is already being used by someone else. It can be frustrating, but we’re not always meant to have whatever we want. And, from a justice perspective, our practice of self-control and self-minimalising means others can have their enjoyment as well. We all deserve to be happy, and stealing someone else’s stick can cause substantial issues and broken relationships.

Sometimes, what we think we want is just too much; and biting off more than we can chew can leave us unsatisfied, exhausted, and annoyed. Whether it’s filling our calendars too fill, or focusing on something that really is beyond our scope, we can’t do everything by ourselves. Unless we build our community and set ourselves realistic expectations, we are bound to be disappointed.

At times, there will be the right stick for the right time. And we will find a use for that stick, and ways to engage with others to ideally build up our community. It can take discernment to figure out what to do with something we find or are presented with, and it may not happen in our expectation. But I believe there’s always the right stick – and I pray we’re all wise enough to find it when it will lead to joy.