Celebrate What Matters: The Women of Faith Conference
A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending The Women of Faith Conference here in Orlando thanks to Joscelyn from Mami of Multiples. To say that it was a blessing would be an understatement.
Joscelyn wouldn’t really give me any details as to the format. I knew who would be there: Amy Grant, Mandisa, Patsy Clairmont, Sandi Patty, Brenda Warner, Marilyn Meberg, et al. But I wasn’t exactly sure what would happen. Are there breakout sessions? Is it a big conference? I’m glad Joscelyn let me find out for myself and I can't thank her enough for the invite.
The best way I can describe is: it was an experience and you have to see with your own eyes. To see an arena filled with women all praising God as each walked in with their own burdens was uplifting to say the least.
Having had a rough month and experiencing my own ups and downs always puts things in perspective. But hearing the stories of these women and knowing what some of us out in the audience were having to walk through gave me not only strength to continue in my walk but reminded me that not only was I going to get past all that has been going on but my life would serve as a testimony to others going through similar situations. I remembered that the reason why I am good at coaching is because I know exactly what it feels like when _____ (and boy can I fill in that blank!). I sometimes think that perhaps I have too much going on to coach but then I remember that God qualifies the called and not the other way around. It has always been my hope that my experiences in life will serve to help others along their own path.
It was such a joy to listen to Mandisa singing. I got such a kick when she brought a young believer up, Cassidy to sing with her! And what can I say about Amy Grant? At the end of her time on stage she was asked to sing one last song. She chose to bring up all of the presenters and Zach Warner, Brenda’s son. I’ll let you see this for yourself. The quality of the video is not great but I pray that you are able to receive the message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy-9QGO_Rs8&feature=g-upl
Brenda’s story reached right into my heart as I heard her speak of her son having been dropped at 4 months old and being in a hospital room watching him have seizures. It brought me back to my struggles last year with the frog princess and her febrile seizures. I was reminded once again of how blessed we are because at least for us, we knew that there would be no damage from the seizures though I don’t think they are any less scary to witness.
In the two weeks since the event I have had a few struggles. The biggest one being health related as I have had extreme fatigue and tiredness (though praise God all of the tests came back normal). I’ve had days when I have felt down and out. But always in the back of my mind, I know it’s temporary and I just need to try my best to pick myself up by my britches and keep it moving. I’m grateful to have people around that pray for me and that hold me up when I can’t do it for myself.
For me the conference was a reminder of my faith and my walk with a God that has shown me favor and continues to surprise me as He weaves the pieces of the puzzle together right before my eyes. It was also a wakeup call to celebrate what matters. It went in line with me reading One Thousand Gifts. Giving thanks for all of the blessings that I have been given. No matter what situation I find myself in.
Knowing my complete disregard for coincidence, I believe that the time spent at this conference will open the doors to the ministry that is in store for me. I look forward to being there next year and I know that there will be a bigger section of bloggers sitting together and experiencing the event in a way that we never imagined.
The Women of Faith Conference takes place all around the US. If you have a chance, check and see if there’s one happening near you. If not, make plans to be in Orlando at the end of September next year.
So let me ask you: how do you celebrate what matters?