(in) RL 2013 webcast

This journey began in January.

On January 19, Renee Y. gave me a copy of Holley Gerth’s “You’re Already Amazing.” Renee has been a mentor and a trusted friend for the past decade. I have known her for over 25 years and have watched her walk in integrity and Christ-likeness since I was a teen. I took the book, knowing that anything she recommended would be worth reading.

On February 4, I read chapter one. And I stopped there. Immediately, the faces of my beautiful sisters in Christ flashed through my mind and I thought, “Every woman needs to read this book.” My next thought? “But, I simply do not have time to start another small group.” So, I pondered for a few moments and then the new-to-me idea came. “I will start a Facebook book study group. Then, I can invite dozens of ladies.” I started the Facebook group that day and ladies began buying the book.

So, it began.

On February 11, I discovered Holley’s Facebook page, “Women Leading Women.” This is where I found the information about the (in) courage webcast conference for women.

I choose February 14 as our start up date. I did this intentionally, knowing that for many women, that is one of the most painful days of the year. Why not share some sisterly love and lift the clouds of gloom, depression and doubt.

On February 18, I introduced myself to Holley in a private message on Facebook. She responded back immediately and asked to be added to our group. I was floored. How many best selling authors, speakers, life coaches and writers for Dayspring do THAT? Her humility and grace spoke louder than any words in her book! I knew this lady was the “real deal.”

Since that time, we have been building a community of women in this Facebook group.

Some of the ladies I added on my own, because they are precious sisters and they need to know their worth and value to God and others.

Some ladies asked to join the group by their own choosing.

Some ladies have been invited by a friend who was in the group.

Some are reading Holley’s book.

Some are not.

Some are on Facebook every day.

Some are on Facebook once a week.

Some post comments and answer questions.

Some don’t make a sound.

Some wonder “What in the world is a Facebook book study?”

We are building a community.

Some are willing to stick a toe in the water…some are wading in to their knees, others are allowing the healing waters of God’s word and fellowship with others wash over their weary souls.

There is no pressure to do or say or act or behave any certain way.

It’s a “come as you are,” “all are welcome here” embrace.

Saturday evening we planned to meet and join up with 6,000+ others during the (in) courage meetup webcast. I invited hundreds of ladies…and I prayed a simple prayer, “God, this is Yours. You know who needs to be here.” I gathered door prizes, prepared snacks and set up the venue. Darrel came along to make sure the technological aspect was in order. As the ladies arrived, the joy in my heart was increasing.

One dear friend, Renee J., arrived, her mom in tow. Her mom lives thousands of miles away and had surprised her with a visit the day before. The bond between them is precious. You see, Renee J. has endured two years of health battles including giving birth to her son, contracting a serious bacterial infection which destroyed the valve of her heart, open heart surgery the week of her 31st birthday, 13 more surgeries on her kidneys and numerous visits to the ER and overnight stays at the hospital. We have spent many nights together in a hospital room, amidst bedpans, puke basins, beeping machines, chick flicks, giggles, tears, unappetizing and smelly food trays, shampoo-in-a-shower-cap and fuzzy socks. How blessed it was to come together in a setting free of suffering and pain.

Next to arrive was sweet Renee Y., the one who gave me Holley’s book and set this whole chain of events into motion. With her came Renee S. (yes, we love our Renee’s!). It did my heart good to see her face, she is an amazing woman and I have watched her stand with strength and courage in the darkest of nights.

Amy S. and her friend Allison joined us. Amy, Renee J, and I were once in a small group lead by Renee Y. It was a blessed reunion, we have not been together in over six years.

My sweet Shannon T. came and we began to settle in. Shannon has been a friend for many years and I was so glad she choose to be a part of the meetup.

Another car pulled into the parking lot and I said, “Ladies, I’m not sure who that is. There was someone else who responded to the website invitation, but all I had was a first name.” Sure enough, it was Teressa. Teressa who had moved from SC the day before. Teressa who is a home school mother of ten. She found out about the meeup on Ann Voscamp’s blog and bravely joined a group of strangers for the gathering. She brought her baby with her and the love and tenderness she displayed for him gave us all a glimpse into her beautiful heart. She shared about the different communities she has lived in and how she has longed for relationships of depth. People were warm and gracious, but she longs for more than superficial friendships.

We shared a bit about ourselves and watched the introduction links. Several of the ladies had watched the sessions on “Staying” the night before, so we simply walked through those sections and discussed the questions. “Staying…when you’ve been hurt….through sickness, loss and sadness….through life’s transitions….when you don’t have time…when it’s the right thing to do.’' We also watched “Mentors: How to Find One and Be One.” I believe this was the session that resonated with every single lady. We all long to be loved and we all long to pour out love to others. We entered into some dialogue about what it means to mentor others. I handed out note cards and flower seed packets and asked each lady to think of one or two other ladies she could reach out to and “sow seeds of kindness” into.

We ended by praying in groups of 2-3.

We snapped some photos.

My group of three prayed after the others left. Teressa, our brand new sister, prayed the most spot-on, anointed, peaceful and powerful prayers over me and Shannon. She didn’t know much about us, but her heart was so in tune to God’s and she blessed us. Deeply. I still smile when I think of her.

We exchanged emails and I sent her a message the next day…”I almost said “I love you” as we were saying good night. But I stopped myself, not wanting to freak you out, since we had just met. But today, I wanted to tell you that I love you. I do.”

I am so grateful to (in) courage for bringing women together in this way. I believe Saturday evening was just the beginning of something beautiful.

Women are longing for MORE.

More depth.

More truth.

More of God’s word.

More of His heart.

And we are learning that we are better together than we are apart.

 

Visit (in) courage ministries at https://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/incourage.