Girlfriends – Making the Connection

What began as an invitation to speak turned into so much more. An unexpected and unexplainable love began to form in my heart as I began to seek God’s face for women I had never even met. It happens every time I speak to a group of women and I’m so thankful for the way the Lord works in my heart as I seek His heart for them. There’s a connection with these women that I don’t really understand – but I love them dearly – deeply.

This week, I was blessed to be part of (and speak at) Holiday from the Heart Christmas Bazaar at Hillcrest Baptist Church. What a wonderful event this sweet church puts on for women in the church and in the community! Women perusing the booths and having a little food, fellowship and fun. These women had an obvious love for God and for each other and it was my privilege to be with them all.

I love the connections we women make at any and all events. It’s so much fun to watch old friends connect with each other. There’s laughing, crying and a whole lot of catching up to do. Then there’s the new friends we make. Those who seem to click and bond almost instantly. Sort of like super-glue friends. It just takes a second and they’ve bonded for life.

I love being part of it all. There’s just something special about girlfriends getting together and doing life together. I even love it more when we walk through the Word together. Women in the Word together always makes my heart smile.

I am always honored and excited to share God’s Word. To speak to women in their place of need. But, to be honest, I never have a clue what the women I am talking to are going through. Only God knows the hearts and circumstances that make their way into the room where I’ll be speaking. And I am absolutely dependent upon Him to allow me to be a vessel in which He can use me to speak from His heart to theirs. I have nothing to say apart from what He leads me to say – apart from His Word – apart from Him.

And so I pray for women I don’t know, who have needs I’m not aware of, who are going through things I’m clueless about. I begin to feel more inadequate than ever and to be desperate for God to help me know what to say. “Oh Jesus, please give me the words, the wisdom and a heart that beats for Your will.”

And I’m always amazed when women come up to me and tell me that what I said was exactly what they needed to hear – that there was a connection made with something I said. To God be the glory – for every word – for every heart that’s encouraged.

‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ Acts 17:28

Tonight I reflect on God’s goodness and grace to allow me to do something I’m passionate about – encouraging women in the Word. Pointing people to Jesus…the Way, the Truth, the Life. God is so good! I’m so thankful for every opportunity He allows me to be a voice that cries in the wilderness of women’s hearts and circumstances.

I realize this post is a bit random, but I’m just overwhelmed that God uses a girl like me to share His precious Word with women. I love how He loves us and I love how He fills us with His love for each other.

What about you? Have you made the most important connection of your life – the one with Jesus? If not, I’d love to share with you how you can know Him personally and be part of His forever family.

What are you thankful for this season of Thanksgiving?

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7 Comments

  1. Awesome post, Stephanie. And so true. And what amazes me as well is the true friendships that can develop online as well. My head is still spinning from last weekend.

    http://sandraheskaking.com/2010/11/grateful-for-these/

    And I am grateful for you and your sweet spirit and passion for Him.

  2. Sandra ~ I just went to your site and LOVED your post!
    You are a blessing, my friend and I sure hope we can meet face to face soon.

  3. Stephanie –

    Your message to us on Tuesday night was so God-lead. You were a willing vessel for the Lord and He certainly used you.

    Many of what I affectionately call my “lovelies”, my friends, my care group, my pals, my sisters in Christ, you get it… well, so many of them have said to me “She was speaking to me.” Like you said, God knows who needs to hear His message.

    Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit. I'm so blessed to have met you and count you as a new friend.

    Serving Him,
    Melissa
    {follow me on Twitter: TubsWife}

  4. Melissa ~ I absolutely loved being part of what you ladies were doing Tuesday night! There's something so special about women ministering to women on so many different levels in one event. I'm so thankful for all God is and does! He is beyond our imagination and He does exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think! He alone is worthy of praise and honor.
    I'm just so thankful He chooses to use us for such a time as this.
    That was such a wonderful event! And I sincerely love each and every woman there.
    AND you, sweet friend, have become a blessing to me and I know the women at Hillcrest and those you minister to also count you as a big blessing in their lives, as well!
    Love ya, girlfriend!

  5. It is always a blessing to be used of GOD and a privilege. Praise the Lord Stephanie!

    Thanks for sharing…

    Praying for you and your family.

  6. I jut found your blog….read your post…and feel so much the same way…Amazed that He would use a girl like me too. ☺

  7. PTL Stephanie, I can tell from ur posts, profile, and twitter posts that u trully love tha Lord! You have a good heart, loving family and I pray that God continues to use u to touch tha lives of people. Continue to preach tha gospel no matter what comes ur way and despite what sum may say. God bless you and ur family and I look fwd to reading more from u!

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