1/ A few weeks ago, the only male student in my preaching class, @rickbradley_ , preached a sermon that was brimming with truth and empowerment. For his preaching practicum, he spoke as a seasoned pastor giving advice to young women- who made up most of the class.

2) His sermon, "When Eliab Speaks to Me," was grounded in 1 Samuel 17, a story of David's brother, Eliab shaming and rebuking David for being on the battlefield where the army was facing Goliath. Rick began his sermon w/ Virginia Woolf's image of "Killing The Angel in the House."

3) "The Angel in the House" was the image of Victorian womanhood, the phantom spirit always hovering over women. For Woolf, in order for women to do their profession, they had to "kill the angel in the house." Rick asked the class, "Have you felt the angel in the house?"

4) Rick went on to say that for women ministers, their "angel in the house" was often like the voice of David's older brother, Eliab. "Why have you left the house & those few sheep?" Eliab asked David. "I know your presumption & evil of your heart," he chided.

5) At this point, David struggled with King Saul (the authority in his life) & his own brother. Rick said he knew of too many women who could not seem to get past the voices of Eliab or Saul. Rick then spoke a lament: "We will never know the churches they could have pastored."

6) "We will never hear the sermons they could have preached." Rick warned his sisters that they would face many Eliabs who were determined that women stay in their place. At the root of these voices, is jealousy. Eliab believed he should have been the one chosen by Samuel!

7) But, like David, God will anoint women in the presence of their brothers. Rick then "brought the sermon home." He asked, "With which voice will you come into agreement- God or Eliab? As he did with David, God will take you out of obscurity and place you in a holy calling."

8) Perhaps there are some young women needing this voice of encouragement. Rev. Bradley has given me permission to share his sermon. Tune out Eliab. He's jealous.