Cathy Tankersley is a Prayer/Action Chapter Leader for CWA of Virginia. Cathy wrote an inspiring piece on why she wanted to be a leader with CWA. Please contact State Director Toni DeLancey to learn how you can get involved with CWA of Virginia. Phone: 571-317-1735 or e-mail.
Serving with Concerned Women for America of Virginia
By Cathy Tankersley
If you are a watchman on the wall and not an ostrich with your head in the sand, you might find yourself discouraged as you see evil seemingly winning and good people suffering calamity. This age-old dilemma has caused some to complain to God and some to walk away from God, such as Charles Templeton, who once evangelized with Billy Graham.
As a watchman, I am very aware of the injustices and evil prevailing in the land. Recently, as I was lamenting the depravity of this world, God took me to Habakkuk, an Old Testament prophet who wrestled with God questioning why God would let evil go unpunished and then why He would bring calamity on His own people (Habakkuk 3:18). God reminds Habakkuk that He is working in his day. And so, He is working likewise in our day whether we understand or not. Habakkuk learned to trust God, understanding that God is not accountable to any man and not obligated to handle situations the way we would, and yet He is completely wise and sovereign in all His dealings. We likewise need to trust that God is moving as a result of our prayers even when we don’t see it. We should not get discouraged in continuing to intercede when we don’t see results. But, oh the joy to answered prayers.
The Lord also took me to Isaiah 33:7-9 recently, reminding me that I need to not only pray but to act. Isaiah 33 speaks to the fact that we need to warn those doing evil and try to dissuade them from their evil ways, and if we don’t, we will be held accountable for their blood. What a sobering thought.
I was that ostrich with my head in the sand, too busy to know the issues before I was introduced to Concerned Women for America (CWA), the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a rich history of over four decades of helping its members bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy. CWA’s policy experts focus on seven core worldview issues where they can have the greatest impact. CWA protects and promotes Biblical values and Constitutional principles through prayer, education, and advocacy utilizing an activist network.
I discovered my destiny as a watchman on the wall when I joined CWA and received education on legislative issues needing prayer along with great prayer points and actions to increase my influence with God and man. When lobbying, CWA provides great talking points on the issues and other prayer warrior lobbyists with whom to lobby, and we represent hundreds of thousands of women nationally and several thousand statewide giving us greater influence. I take a stand for righteousness regarding legislation even when I know the legislator will likely not be persuaded. I am only responsible for my actions and not theirs. I was lobbying on an issue at the state level with a conservative legislator who bemoaned, “Where is the silent majority?” which made me realize that even those who are like-minded in righteousness need to hear from us to help them stand strong and be encouraged.
Serving along women united in purpose allows us to celebrate the victories, commiserate over the setbacks, and help each other to have the right perspective during the losses and stay informed in order to do battle. I have formed lasting, trustworthy friendships through CWA that have enriched my life. We laugh together, cry together, and share life together. Our lives are richer as we serve together with a common purpose. Together we are better. Satan trembles when we meet in faith. Together we are a formidable force.