No Beer, But I’d Still Pick Bernice

Today's Current question is my favorite so far. Picking anybody to meet for a beer? Wow, where would I even start? Suzanne, with whom I've met for many a refreshment, offered quite the list of interesting folk. Patience tapped Mark Twain. I picked Rev. Bernice Belt. Gorgeous. Perfect posture. Fabulous waist-length hair. Expertly applied lipstick. And her voice — Bernice Belt is a woman who found her voice long before any of us knew we should be searching for our own. But meet for a beer? No, the first woman ordained in the 153-year history of Washington Street Missionary Baptist Church doesn't imbibe. We met at the church, where we've met many-a-time before. Bernice and I are on the Human Rights Commission, and we always partner up to pull off our annual Evening of Performance. That's Bernice, on the right. Isn't she gorgeous? As usual, I had plenty of questions. An Interracial Romance First, I was curious if marrying interracially was difficult in 1985, when she married cute, cute, cute Harold Belt. Her answer (hankie alert!): "We fell in love in less than 15 minutes after we met. It was as close to love at first sight as you can get." Turns out that the Belts have encountered only two uncomfortable instances. "It wasn't what anyone said — it was their non-verbals that were so insulting," Bernice says. "I think the reason we didn't have a greater number of uncomfortable situations was because were just being ourselves. We were in love and we wanted the whole world to be in love. Most people just warmed up to us immediately. I have no doubt that some didn't want to — they just didn't have any reason not to." A Gospel Challenge I asked about the challenges and unique gifts that women bring to the ministry. I love her honesty here: "The challenge for women in the gospel ministry — the preaching ministry — is so burdensome and so difficult. Even in the 21 Century, many people don't have a problem with God calling women to the gospel ministry. They just don't want to see women in the pulpit. With women making up the biggest percentage of most church congregations, it's only right and sensible to embrace and take good care of the women God sends to preach — to build up the kingdom and not tear it down." Stirring a Big Ole Pot of Woman Stew The unique gifts of women preachers? They are, Bernice says, a-plenty. "Women are spiritually and naturally made to be nurturers. We can help pastors to do some things in such a way that only women can do. We have these talents and gifts of mercy, teaching, evangelism, love and giving and it's all compiled in this big ole pot of stew called a woman. We stir it up every day to feed our families, churches and communities. We're even doing it in our sleep." Collaborative Women's Conference: Oct. 10 and 11 One place where women will definitely be stirring it up is at the Collaborative Women's Conference, Oct. 10 and 11. Bernice and numerous other beautiful women from churches throughout our area have been planning this amazing event for most of this year. Along with exciting speakers and breakout sessions, the group is planning a 100-Woman Choir, including girls 6-17. Spots are still open for anyone who'd like to participate. "With this conference, we want women to collaborate and provide health and hope to one another and our families, and to collaborate and promote and support our local churches," Bernice says. "We want this organization to lift women up in any way we can and change the lives of everyone who attends." And That Lipstick? OK, so here's the question that I really couldn't wait to ask: What is up with Bernice's always-perfectly applied lipstick! Here's her trick. First dab on Ponds moisturizer around the lip line and then over the lips. Then apply the lipstick. One of her faves: CQ300 Royal Red. You'll find it at Wal-mart. For tickets to the Collaborative Women's Conference, call Bernice at 554.2804 or email her. She'll meet you half way or even deliver the tickets to your door. There's still all sorts of ways to get involved. So reach out to her, and she'll reach back to you. The event benefits Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center and Ladies Living Free.

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