It has been about a week and a half since Jodie and I returned from She Speaks and I am still finding it difficult to put into words all that God taught me there. For me, there were times of laughter, times of tears, and times of growth. It was a combination of pure joy and pure discipline – both provided by a loving Father who wants only the best for me.
I went to She Speaks with all intentions of it being about learning how to grow and do the ministry of Faithfully Following (and Faithfully Fit) but I came away with so much more. Now for those of you who supported us, thank you, and please know that God taught me a lot about how to minister to others. But He did it in a way I did not expect. He reminded me over and over again that in order to effectively minister to those around me…that I must believe in me…that I must trust Him to do a work in me that I can then share with you. He reminded me that I have a story to tell and that He loves me…because I am me!
See, I don’t have a tragic life story to tell you. I am a “good church girl” – if you will – and Satan wants me to think that my story is not important. But, I stand redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and I am made whole through Him. And God taught me at She Speaks that if I am not me, then I rob the world from seeing the unique piece of God’s glory that is found in me. For God tells me in His word (and He tells you too!) that:
I am His Beloved.
Jeremiah 31:3
I am a Child of God
1 John 3:1
I am Heaven’s Poetry
Ephesians 2:10
I am Forgiven
1 Peter 2:24
I am whole in Christ
Colossians 2:10
I am Never Alone
Deuteronomy 31:8
I am an Exquisite Fragrance
2 Corinthians 2:15
I am Free
Galatians 5:1
(shared with permission from Proverbs 31 Ministries)
So, God speaks to me saying…
Shut-up.
Shut-up the voice of Satan in your mind and heart for he has already been defeated.
Shut -up what the world will say that you are…and follow the Truth..found only through Me.
Shut-up those who say you don’t have a testimony because you do – without a tragedy but with the same amount of victory!!
Shut- up negative thoughts about yourself – do not beat yourself up about what you are not…bring what you are!!!
So, now She Speaks…..Shut-up! And bring it!
~Donna
You two are the best! I love your posts. So true. So true. I am glad that we got to meet each other at She Speaks. XOXO
Thank you Kelly! We had a fabulous time at She Speaks and one of the best parts was that each time we had a meal we met new women. You were a very sweet part of our experience! You bright face and smile so full of love and joy! We look forward to seeing all that God will be doing in your ministry! Always know that we are here to assist in any way that we can! Always for His glory!