This weekend I had the privilege of working alongside 70 women to put on the Northwest Women’s Conference. I’ve been a part of this team since 2004, and it continues to be an honor to serve with these amazing women, each unique and gifted in their own ways.
Each year’s NWWC provides a different emphasis and format. Each year comes with its challenges and triumphs. But our values remain primary: We belong to Christ and that compels us to love one another.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT)
The Impact of Loving Community
Over the years I’ve had the chance to hear the stories of women who have been abused, marginalized, walked through cancer, fought the stigma of mental illness, or faced the loss of a spouse or child. These stories have broken my heart and brought me to my knees in prayer.
You may have your own story of brokenness and heartache. But as each one of us share our stories, we have the opportunity to bear witness to one another’s lives. In doing so, we can make a difference by investing encouragement, empathy, and love.
We can make a difference by investing encouragement, empathy, and love. –Angela Howard Click To TweetThe Power of God
This weekend I encountered the power of God in a very simple way. We usually think of the power of God in terms of His creation. The vastness of the oceans. The majesty of a mountaintop. But sometimes the power of God is as unassuming as friendship. Before the conference started a few friends and I were eating lunch. I said, “Hey, I could use prayer for some stuff.” The story was long, and the details seemed unimportant. My sweet friends didn’t hesitate. “We don’t need the details. God knows.” So Kim, Charity, and Rosemarie circled around me to pray. By the power of the Holy Spirit (our helper-John 14:26) God imparted His wisdom. You would have thought they knew every detail of my circumstances. I received direction, peace, and guidance.
Maybe you need an encounter with the power of God in a simple way as I did this weekend. Or perhaps you are in the middle of crisis that is overwhelming. Wherever you are, reach out. Reach out to a friend, to your pastor, to a family member, to a counselor, or to me. Let’s remember that God has chosen to reveal Himself through the love of His people.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 (NIV)
How did today’s post impact you? Are you ready to reach out and invest in your community? Do you need prayer and support during a time of crisis? Comment below.
Doni says
Friendship has been a struggle for me since I moved here eight years ago. Up until that point I had close friends, casual friends, large groups, small groups-not lacking for support. I moved here and have yet to really, truly connect with anyone. I had one that I got close to, then two years later she was killed in a car accident (3 years ago). My biguest struggle right now is not connecting with the women in my church. There is a women’s bible study, a Tuesday morning coffee hour at the cafe but being the only one to have a rambunctious toddler and no consistent childcare has made it so I can’t attend. And when/if I can I always feel like an outsider. My dad is the pastor so I feel like often I can’t fully open up to them because of how it may reffect on my family. I miss connection, purpose in ministry. The churches over here have gotten out of the habit of fellowship and it’s so sad to me but no one wants to participate.
Angela Howard says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend! And that it’s been difficult to find community. I wonder if you might be interested in participating in a discipleship group called EquipHer. I’m not sure of your location, but they also offer online groups. Here’s the link: http://northwestwomen.com/equip/ Let me know if you have any questions. Praying God will guide and direct you as you search for connection.
Brandi Raae says
Being a part of a community of brothers and sisters in Christ is so important! We are kind of the new kids on the block at our church, but we are starting to meet people and get involved. Such a blessing after going through a rough leaving from our old church and then spending over a year trying to find a new church. Thanks for sharing at Literacy Musing Mondays.
Angela Howard says
I’m so happy to hear that you are getting established in community. I appreciate you reading and commenting!
sizzlesue15 says
Being part of a community whether it be a church or other group is very important for support in life. Thank you for sharing with us at #OvertheMoon always great to have you here. I’ve pinned and shared.
Angela Howard says
Thank you for sharing Sue!
Lori Schumaker of Seaching for Moments says
Angela,
Your heart for others is so authentic. I can only imagine how blessed are those who get to experience you in real life! Reaching out is often tough. Sometimes it’s because we are conditioned to be the helpers ourselves, other times it’s because of walls we have built around our hearts, and other times it may be because of the rejection we received in a prior situation of reaching out. In any case and in all scenarios, when we withdraw the enemy wins. He wants to isolate us. I’m so thankful for people like yourself who are there to lead others into victory against the enemy! Thank you for sharing this hope at #MomentsofHope!
Hugs,
Lori
Angela Howard says
Thank you Lori! You are such a sweet encouragement. Isolation might feel safe, but it keeps us from God’s best intentions for us. Hugs!