When God Shows Up… in a Big Way

I am wrecked. In a good way.

I am overwhelmed. In a good way.

This weekend was a defining moment in my walk with the Lord. I took a bold step in faith and somewhat spontaneously decided to attend The Splendid Retreat in Green Lake, WI. We were surrounded by God’s artistry, both in the peak fall colors of trees creating a tapestry of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens, and in the beauty of the women attending, stepping out in faith.

I knew nobody. I arrived alone.

Driving into the conference center, I felt the anticipation of meeting new people. Would I be welcomed? Would I regret this? Should I turn around and leave?  The flood of emotions was overwhelming. I felt the familiar anxiety of being exposed and vulnerable. This was the point. I needed to be brave and fearless in this journey. The next three days were filled with 38 other women walking in faith together to grow in our relationships with God and an understanding of how we can be whole in our brokenness.

This weekend, God placed pivotal speakers at the conferences, with messages I needed to hear. God knew I needed to hear about accepting grace when those big things are just too big to manage. He’s got this. God knew I needed to hear, through the words of Jana Craft,

Where has God asked you to GO?
What has God asked you to DO that you are avoiding?
What has God asked you to BE that you are hindering?

Why has it taken so long to believe that I am Splendid and Lovely? Why am I getting in my own way, holding back from His plan? When am I going to stop allowing negative thoughts about being invisible and insignificant to infiltrate my mind, preventing me from quieting my mind to hear the words of the Lord?

I left the retreat with a lot to think about, and the voice of God reminding me that I am His. I am His daughter. I also left with many new connections and a sense of hopefulness for the family that was created this weekend.

I left on my own, but I wasn’t alone.