DAY FIVE: DO IT SCARED

Last Saturday I stepped outside my comfort zone. A while back, I got a personal invitation to a women’s gathering from Candy, a Facebook friend. I wasn’t sure we’d ever met! But I felt compelled to say yes.

I had no idea what I was getting into, and I was nervous I’ll admit. I have a hard time doing small talk and I say a lot of dumb and awkward things in groups. And I dread going. There, I said it.

I realize that I’ve let the discomfort and fear be a reason to say no to good things. Maybe last Saturday was a turning point, because it was a beautiful morning and I’m so glad I went.

It was indeed the setting of my nightmares – about 12 women and I did not know anyone. Not a single person. But Candy met me at the door and somehow put me completely at ease.

When we introduced ourselves, as I suspected they all go to the same church. I was the last to speak, and I started with, “Well, I guess I’m an outlier.” See what I mean? So awkward.

After an incredible buffet breakfast, we got into small groups and shared our favorite verse and why it was meaningful to us, and our prayer requests, and then we prayed together. Here’s where it got really good.

I was in a group with three ladies (strangers before then, right?) and somehow, from sharing scripture and our personal prayer needs, we got really raw and vulnerable with each other and went away from the table having exchanged phone numbers and with a plan to keep in touch. I’m happy to say that we have!

Then came worship.

Y’all know I’m rarely at a loss for words … but it was like a slice of heaven right here on earth. Beautiful voices raised in worshipful unison – it doesn’t get much better.

I left there feeling like I’d been to a women’s conference. Or a revival. Good food, new friends, deep connections, corporate worship: this is a recipe for success.

I can’t help but admire Candy for putting on this spectacular morning for us. She is so brave! And an incredible hostess.

I asked her two questions. Why did you do it, and how did you choose the ladies?

She said that she is passionate about reaching out to women, and went on to say this:

“Several years ago, God placed women on my heart. Between 2017 and 2019, I had a few gatherings with friends, but those gatherings were quite different from what you experienced. To be honest, COVID forced me to cancel the one that was planned for 2020. Last year, God placed it on my heart to have gatherings again, so I invited a bunch of friends.

This year, God made it clear that I should do more with who I invited. I started thinking about my involvement at church, and I realized that there were a number of ladies I could invite. I also looked through my friend list on Facebook, and I asked God to guide me to the right ladies knowing that some ladies would not respond to my inquiry. God guided my steps, and I trusted Him to help me find more ladies that I could connect with on a deeper level.”

From deep obedience comes beautiful blessings. Thanks Candy.