After reading the comments, I recognize I am definitely experiencing something far different that a good-size sample of other women who attend church.  I admit, I do not go every Sunday, but it is the most awesome experience every time I go, and I walk through those doors with the objective to get into a peacful space in my mind, body and soul, and simply thank God, and reflect on the past and how far He has led/loved me--through some of the most hell-on-earth experiences.  And I'm so fully satisfied with just that.  After reading what it's *really* like behind-the-scene, I'm shocked.  I'm glad I've never noticed a lack of female voice.  When I go, I am so distracted by the peace/release I feel inside, and how humble I can become in that space, I have truly never noticed that women do not have a voice.  I'm not sure if that is a good thing, or not, but that's the reality of my experience.

You are an excellent writer, by the way.  I appreciate your transparency.