“This is the craziest thing I’ve done!,” I exclaimed to myself as I boarded a plane on July 21st.
Headed out to Missouri, I would be joining seventeen other women from the Five Minute Friday writing community for a retreat. What made this experience unique to most of the participants, including me, was the fact that we had never met in real life.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only person to find the paradox involved in the situation. One of the women mentioned that we reiterate to our kids the dangers of meeting up with online “friends.” Yet, here we were doing just that. In addition, I flew to a city I had never visited.
Obviously, this event involved different factors than the typical online chats which made it a safe option. At least from the perspective of physical safety.
But gathering in such a manner involves a degree of risk and requires vulnerability. The latter is a characteristic of which I have been slowly learning to adorn.
However, it was not difficult to meld with these women. So many different narratives came together to create an eclectic, beautiful community. Laughter, tears, and storytelling ensued as we shared life together over three days. I gained insight into lives different from my own. In addition, the depth of God’s grace and mercy were revealed through listening to the personal glimpses shared.
When we hear the ways God’s hand weaves through the lives of others, we find hope for seeing it weave in our lives as well.
I arrived home armed with writing goodies, wisdom, an improved skill set, beloved friends, private jokes and a transformed spirit.
Though my plane touched down in the midst of an approaching storm, the environment in my soul radiated light.
God opened up my world and my heart over a few days. I am thankful for such a blessing.
(photos courtesy of Jen Lamos, Kate Montaung, and Tammy Belau)
exploring sacred connections with God and each otherr
Beautiful!
I hope everyone in attendance will share their reflections – I’ve enjoyed the three I’ve read so far!
I am truly blessed to know you in real life. My world just opened a little wider for having your friendship in it. I can’t wait to hug you again sometime soon. You are a wonderful gift and a treasure for many. I’m praying for your family, my beautiful friend. xx
“My world just oped a little wider”-that’s how I feel too!. Love you my friend.
Stephanie, I’m with you. I was still riding the “high” of the weekend when I walked in my door Sunday night after a nine-ish hour drive home. It was such a delight to meet you. You have a great smile! I’m so glad you put on “brave” and came. And that I got to meet you. 😉
Oh Stephanie! It sounds like such an amazing time. I fight with vulnerability at times, but it is so worth it. Thanks for sharing about your time at the retreat! You make my scared little self want to go!
God bless you!
Kelly, yes, think about attending the next one!
Stephanie it was a blessing getting to talk with you. I felt as if I had known you longer. I can’t wait to meet up again. God does deep work doesn’t he? I hope to post mine soon!
I felt just as blessed to get to know you. I want to spend more time with you next time.
Stephanie,
what a joy you are! I hope you continue to find room to grow and trust again as God leads you. And thanks for sharing my photograph, it’s like I can share that moment with more people than I ever know when you pass on the beauty of that morning! 🙂
From the first moment you began speaking, your gifts of courage and speaking truth began to come out. You then gave courage to the less courageous in your area to speak.
Love,
Tammy
Tammy, what a blessing it was to be in the presence of such a beautiful community. I am so thankful we connected; if even through brief conversations in the car (and even toothpaste:)). Your gifts in music and creativity blessed us. Looking forward to connecting again!
“When we hear the ways God’s hand weaves through the lives of others, we find hope for seeing it weave in our lives as well.” Thank you for these words. What a perfect description of our weekend. Thankful to connect with you!
Stephanie, it was great connecting with you!
I could hear your voice as I read this! You captured the weekend perfectly. It was a risk and you entered in, with all of us. Wasn’t it such a rich time? I’m so blessed to count you as a sister in Christ.
I’m *so* glad you took the risk, Stephanie! So glad it was a blessing to you!