Nine years ago I became history when I preached as the first ordained and accredited woman to preach as 'minister in sole charge' of a Baptist Church in Scotland having been formally inducted the day before.
My good friend and wise woman Ruth Gouldbourne preached me in, and my equally good friend and wise man Jim Gordon concluded his term as interim moderator. That day we planted hycinth bulbs and I spoke of new beginnings. A lot has happened since then.
Curiously, the editors of two celebratory publications have asked me to contribute something that will appear next year... perhaps it's good that BUS will reach a 10 and BUGB reach a 100 at the same time. Certainly it's an honour to be part of it.
I remain bemused that I'm seen as a pioneer, as someone worth celebrating - my impostor syndrome keeps my feet firmly planted on the floor. Many, many moons ago (like around 40 years), in an unguarded moment my Mum said to me, 'I think that one day you might be famous.' Well no, not famous, but it seems I am history in my own lifetime!!