Christine Pringle encourages women to embrace their roles as wife, mother and friend.
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| CN PHOTO: Esther Tan |
During CGI-AC 2010, Christine Pringle, co-founder of Christian City Church in Sydney, Australia, shared a powerful message with some 400 women at the Women’s Ministry elective.
The message revolved around three “sacred kisses” of life, with each kiss revealing an area where women need to stand strong in. It sought to minister especially to men and women who crumble under pressure while answering the sacred call of ministry.
“When women can stand strong in their roles as wives, mothers and friends, families and people are strengthened and can endure hardships together without crumbling.”
The first sacred kiss is the sacred kiss of marriage. Pringle shared on how she went through a season when she felt distant from her husband and suffered loneliness, even while serving and ministering together. It was when she went on a long break and sailed across the Adriatic with her husband, away from people, pressure and land that their relationship was rekindled.
She shared, “Marriage is more valuable than silver, gold and diamonds. Your husband is standing over you, leading you, and watching over you. Marriage is also a physical closeness, and sometimes we’re running so hard and fast, we don’t have time for touch. Take time and revive the sacred kiss of marriage.”
Second comes the sacred kiss of family. She stressed the importance of taking time out for every child, even for women in ministry.
“Let go of that great quest to save the world. In order to pull your children close; hug and kiss them, and love them. Reconnect and draw close to each other, make a call, write a letter, embrace them,” said Pringle.
The final is the sacred kiss of friendship. Friendship is to be nurtured and cherished, acting like an anchor that keeps us grounded. The roads of friendship are often long and tested, and friendship is only recognized as true after it has gone through pressure.
Pringle shared an intimate story about reaching out to a dear friend and her sister, both of whom were diagnosed with cancer. She loved them unconditionally, encouraging and praying together with them.
Although her friend Helen left to be with the Lord in 2008, the last five years of her life were spent fruitfully, serving God together with Pringle’s support and love. Pringle’s sister, who was not a believer at that point, eventually opened her heart to God and became a Christian. She was also miraculously healed of her cancer, after much prayer together with Pringle.
Pringle closed the session summarizing the three vital relationships in every woman’s life—as a wife, mother, and friend.
As we place value on these the “sacred kisses”, new strength and grace can be found, and lives will be greatly strengthened!
Other Women’s Ministry elective sessions featured Dr. Kim Sung-Hae and Dr. Beverley Wolmarans.
