If:

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a local simulcast of a women's conference called If: Gathering. It is multi-generational and multi-denominational, with the focus on our relationship with Jesus and each other as sisters-in-Christ. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference last year, as a time to rest, reflect, hear from women struggling and learning and growing and connect with fellow sisters.

I was looking forward to this time as I greatly needed rest, I even took advantage of the opportunity to stay at the House of Hope as a guest stay so I would not be driving back and forth and would give me more time to process. I once again, was not disappointed by the time of learning and reflection and connection.

There were about a dozen wonderful speakers and I would like to share a couple of the pieces that spoke to me. Jo Saxton shared from John 1 and if you've ever heard her speak, you can appreciate the enthusiasm as she shared..."Jesus moved into the neighborhood." The Word became man and then He moved into the neighborhood, into each of our neighborhoods through us. But He didn't stop there, he then went out and interacted with His neighbors, connecting with them, meeting needs, sharing love and hope. If He is in us and working through us...then are we out there in the neighborhood as His hands, feet and voice?

Jennie Allen shared from John 13...Jesus washing the disciples' feet and Peter resisting. Jesus is symbolically cleansing them, but Peter says "I don't need you Jesus. Here, let me be here for You...You need me." Am I holding my feet, my dirt, back from Jesus still believing that I can cleanse myself?

Rebekah Lyons shared from John 15...abiding in Christ. But what touched me was pruning. Sometimes what God prunes is something that is currently growing and bearing fruit. I currently have some areas of my life I have felt are being pruned, but they are still bearing fruit. I hear myself saying "Wait! God, see the fruit! You made a mistake...this needs to stay!" I felt deep conviction as Rebekah shared these words. "Sorry, Lord. I am Yours, I am in You. If you say it is time for this piece to go, then I release it to you."

The conference ended with dominoes...if each woman present fell into the next step God was asking of us it could change lives, homes, communities. I will share more about my answer next week, but I have been feeling challenged to risk more, to hold back less, to acknowledge fear and be courageous anyway...to give God 100%.