The Holy Scriptures say that a 3-fold cord is not easily broken. Well, imagine multiplying that times 8 and building up to a 25-fold cord. That is what I experienced this past weekend with a group of women that I now call my sisters. I don’t fully know how to express here what happened over a 3-day agenda of meetings, but what I will say is Charleston, South Carolina will never be the same and neither will anyone that came through the door into the meeting space where we held our event.
Last time, I talked about my Dad and how his life and wisdom literally saved my life and undergirds my Christian walk. Well, it just so happens that the great majority of the speakers and over half of the attendees are also connected to my Dad. So that made for a powerful mix. All my expectations were exceeded. From the art-based activities, to the raffle prizes, to the powerful presentations it was a weekend of Wow moments.
In another piece I talked about the importance of women gathering and the empowerment that takes place when self-care and sisterhood become the focus. I said this:
The sense of community that forms on a girls’ trip is nothing short of magical. These experiences cultivate bonds that transcend both distance and time. Whether lifelong friendships are rekindled or new ones are lit, the connections made during these journeys are genuine and enduring.
Interestingly enough one of the gentle reminders that I received during this encounter was that trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone helps me learn and grow. For the longest time I have wanted to attend a paint party, but schedule, location, fees and in some cases the crowd has caused me not to. And never in a million years would I have opened a conference with an art activity so there was some resistance on my part. But because I knew I was on assignment and I respect the organizer, I complied. And wouldn’t you know it I enjoyed myself. Go figure.
Next we discussed self-care in the form of beauty and skin care. Looking at the history of products that women use and the importance of taking the time to nurture our skin was interesting. Tying it into the care and maintenance of our temple in service to God was refreshing.
After that, we had a revealing discussion about the masks we wear. All of the women in the room came to understand that fear and trauma cause us to wear a mask, but in some cases, other people in their idea of protection or even perversion will put masks on us. They may request or require that we present a certain way. Only we can take the mask off of ourselves. No one else can do that for us.
Following that, stories were shared about the grief experience as well as the anger and stagnation that can come with that. At this point there was a transformation that happened. Going around the room, several sisters shared the dark space that can develop from death of a loved one or loss of a relationship due to various circumstances. Decisions that are made from that place can have a ripple effect that could last years. There was such a yearning for liberation that we could not stay the same. We decided to trade our mourning for dancing. What a time!
The entire agenda flowed so smoothly as one topic built on the next. The following two sessions covered passion, purpose and power, things I get most excited about. I took to the podium and walked the ladies through my testimony of what God has done in my life, ministry and business. I shared my journey from construction site to ICU to best-seller, influencer, and full-time minister. My sister tag-teamed and reminded us of the power God placed in us from eternity as His chosen Queens. She told us that our lives are the newest testament of the Bible because God’s Word is written all over us. Blew our minds.
And if that wasn’t enough, the host and organizer took the time to walk us down her life path including her traumatic childhood, toxic marriage, business launch, and ministry creation. We saw her fully transparent and in a whole new light. I can speak for myself and say I saw me in her and that was powerful. It made me more determined to get rid of any performative habits, tear down any remaining facade and be all the way real.
Finally, the closing speaker took us on a journey through scripture with touchpoints on all the previous presentations and not a dry eye or closed lip was in the room. The release to be fully confident and sure in a non-cocky way was the final straw that broke us down in the most beautiful way. And before we left the room we deposited prayer and praise into one another to build each other back up as the Queens we were always meant to be. Beauty, grace, resilience and triumph became our song of victory. Forever changed, forever grateful.
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