Episode 8 of Coffee and Contemplation with Women welcomes guest, Lyndalee Wilkie, a quinquagenarian, or woman in her 50s. Lyndalee is a registered nurse and midwife, a parent of an 18 year old daughter and 15 year old triplet daughters and a son. 

I met Lyndalee some 17 years ago as a rural remote nurse relocating with her partner and young daughter to the Sunshine Coast and joining my previous nursing agency business. We've remained in touch, celebrated births, birthdays and watched each others' children grow, since she moved back to her hometown of Dalby, in Queensland, when their family doubled in one beautiful birth experience.

Lyndalee is one of the most open-hearted women I've met in terms of there being no judgment and real care when sharing thoughts, experiences and feelings are concerned. Maybe that's because Lyndalee has had first-hand experience of mis-guided words, beliefs and judgments upon her since she was a young girl. 

Lyndalee wanted so dearly to commit her life to Christ as a young teen, yet, because she was a lesbian, she didn't feel worthy, and moved away from God for 10-15 years. We talk today around the topic of christianity and sexuality, a deeper exploration and belief in love which she has instilled into her family and a way of being herself in her personal and professional life. 

Lyndalee talks about her passion for midwifery, her experience of the births of the 4 beautiful souls she and her partner, have nurtured to be kind, fun and loving teens.  If you didn't check out the trailer, Lyndalee also sings an affirmation she finds powerful when needing strength for herself, and when others she cares for, might need to find their own strength too.

Covid-19 being all pervading, we were both aware today that the conversation would drift, and we agreed to no unrealistic expectations of a polished recording. Lyndalee shared many small and large gems - you'll pick up on them throughout - and hopefully can take those away to contemplate as your week unfolds.