Getting Ready

In just a few days I'll be headed to Charlotte, NC for the She Speaks conference. I am so incredibly intrigued by God's ways and timing. He never ceases to amaze me by the way He works. It has been such an interesting journey over the past several years to get me to this point and I can't help but wonder what adventures are on the other side of this amazing opportunity.

Have you ever dreamed about something, like an exotic vacation, simply sure that you're destined to go there? As the days of your dreams comes closer you get a little giddy thinking of the possibilities. There's so much promise just in the thought of where you're going. However, sometimes the dream is big and the brochures super glossy. When you arrive at your destination, it doesn't look quite like what you expected. It easy to be disappointed with the reality.

What I hope is that no matter what the reality looks like, I will be faithful to the hope that He has faithfully placed in my heart. Some of you have been wonderful to join me already in this preparation phase. I appreciate how much God has poured into my heart through you. You are likely part of the inspiration for the two talks I will be giving for evalution at the conference. One is a three minutes testimony talk and a five minute teaching talk. I am thrilled for the opportunity for feedback. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to experience a lot of wonderful teaching about ministering to women and speaking to their hearts.

If I come to mind over the next two weeks, I would appreciate your prayers. I count you a part of this dream team as I move to respond to God in this direction! If you would remember to pray for safe travel (July 29th and Aug. 1st), asking specifically for the luggage to make the transfers! Also, remember my family as I am gone. God has done so much to prepare us, but there are always a few things that seem to require Mama's attention. Also, I will be rooming with my dear friend Terri. Please remember her too as she gathers information and we share this experience together.

Thanks for joining in on the excitement! Can't wait to share the memories! ~k

What about that light?

I came across a quote by Marianne Williamson that has stirred my mind to wonder today. Now before you get yourself all tied in a pretzel, let me just say this: yes, I know who Marianne is and how she crosses theological boundaries that make us uncomfortable and I'm not suggesting we follow her jouney. I am suggesting we consider her words. I am not attempting to add zen to my deeply committed Christian worldview, however Marianne stirs some truth in me a deep level that, I must confess, excites me. Here's what she said:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

What is interesting about this is how she captures the reality of our false humility. We call it consideration, when in fact it is self serving. I'm not saying that we should err to the point of egotistical pride, but Spirit filled believers have something more than talent, we have the power of God, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, in us, and we shrink away from stepping out into a world that desperatly needs us to be most fully who we are. But we're afraid. That's not love, that self preservation. That's not community that individuality.

Recently, I've been ready a lot about the writings and work of John Wesley. There's a long theological discussion about sanctification being the regeneration of imago Dei. I have to admit that I like this thought. It's a kind of return to perfect love and perfect relationship. If I was created for love and the nature of sin is to turn that inward towards myself, there's a lot of hope in believing that God truly desires to recreate me to the person that He intends for me to be, fully capable of truly loving others. I don't need to hide that, or apologize for it, even when it makes someone else a bit (or completely) uncomfortable. What would be good is for me to be completely secure in the creation, and more importantly the re-creation of me, so that I might be an attractive example to others.

Marianne might not have her mix right, but there is more than a kernel of truth the way I read her observation. Go ahead, let yourself become who He's created you to be. We'll be thanking you for it as we walk around in the freedom to truly love! Go ahead, light your world!