Weathering these conditions
Last month, I spoke about the weather changing quickly. And not in a kazillion years would I have perceived the kind of change that has happened around me would happen. VaShette Shalon Davis, wife to Nelton, and mother of the Davis family, was a midwife in our ministry and my beloved sister. This month’s entry is in honor of her memory and contribution to the kingdom of God as well as The Midst.
I awakened on a regular day looking forward to sharing with her as we had many times before. I was confident that we would plan to catch up and hold space for each other. A couple of days had passed since a quick check in, so I was excited to speak with her. Our calls left us feeling hopeful and strengthened, this was a part of our self care. And as I saw the phone call on that day arising from my prayer place, I hadn’t changed my hope though it was from my brother (her husband). And upon the hearing and accepting the news, I knew that I would never be the same.
In the moments that immediately followed, I heard my sister’s voice again telling me what to do. If you had an encounter with Midwife VaShette, you remembered her presence and even her words. She had a way of being there but not intrusive, challenging but not confrontational and bold while not abrasive. Yet I didn’t want her words, I wanted her presence. And in this moment of heartbreak, I was humbled to recall her presence again.
This daughter of God and vessel of bearing forth (midwife) made a difference wherever she was. God had knit us together without our consultation. And as we grew in this knitting so we grew in spirit and truth. In kingdom midwifery, ministering to the wombs/hearts of people takes considerable care of the person while ministering healing, deliverance, and strength to them. It encompasses the part that other offices can take for granted, midwives must care for the bearer and the promise. And God chose her hands and life to this wonderful ministry. Being a kingdom midwife requires a relationship with God’s truth and spirit that the fear of God must be ever-increasing for obedience and fulfillment of God’s will. So the threat of the enemy charges midwives, not diminishes for they are sometimes the last line of defense.
Witnessing the accomplishments and victories of Midwife VaShette, you would know that you were in the presence of greatness. In a poem that I wrote during this time of mourning, I said she was “mighty and never tiny” because of the greatness that exceeded her physical height. People believe that her being a therapist was why she was so effective in ministry, it was who she was as a person. She made therapy effective and attractive because it was a tool that she masterfully used. She was a daughter who gave definition and regard to the office of the midwife. In Exodus 1:20, the people grew and multiplied for the office of the midwife. Giving glory to God, many lives were made better for her presence on the earth. Honoring her place in the kingdom, we will always honor and remember her as a Kingdom Midwife.
Weathering these conditions of unforeseen changes, Pastor Antonio & I, thank you for your prayers and support. The absence of landmark people in our lives is altering in every way and with a great reduction of visibility. Initially, the most prevalent awareness is absence. Scripture wisely directs us, as the household of faith, to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15) supporting harmony within the congregation. Please accept this request from us to please remember Midwife Davis’ family in your prayers. For it would be great regard of this scripture that would bear for the Davis family as she has done for many others. During our annual conference, where she was to speak, we will give special acknowledgement to the family. We hope that you will join us during this time.
Pastor Ceci
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