I was honored and privileged to attend and participate in the Heartstrong Faith Women’s Conference this weekend. I was prepared with my PowerPoint and notes in hand, but wasn’t expecting the numbers and impact of the weekend.
An estimated 3,500 women from across North Texas attended Friday night and Saturday. Women – young and old, differing nationalities and ethnicities, no income to high salaries – came together in one common bond – to find a deeper walk with their Savior and a willingness to be used for God’s work. The keynote speakers were fantastic and everyone was talking about what to expect next year.
The breakout sessions were Saturday. Approximately 100 women attended my session, “Why Your Story Matters.” I had a fantastic time (and hope those attending felt the same). These women were eager, eager to amplify their faith, wanting to share their individual stories of how God has worked in and through them. We laughed, cried, wrote notes, and answered questions over our allotted time. Many said they were ashamed to write their story. I felt the same say for far too long. I reminded them (and myself) that no accusation can stand against those whose sins have been forgiven because of Christ’s sacrificial death.
In retrospect, I couldn’t help but compare the excitement of the women’s event this weekend to the women’s march held a month ago. The two events could not have been more opposite from one another. The march was attended in a spirit of anger, frustration, and non-inclusiveness. The event this weekend was attended by hope, encouragement, love, and tremendous power. The women of God I spoke with this weekend exemplified a real movement! If what I witnessed comes to fruition, world watch out!
P.S. Thanks to so many of you for your notes of concern about my recent medical issues. Tests have been taken and I promise to give you the results as soon as I have them.
Revelations 12:11 “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”
Tagged: forgiveness, hope
