In no particular order....
1. Colour conference with Mum, Emma, Baby-C and friends.
2. Sadly leaving my role as conductor/accompanist at the Australian Youth Choir.
3. Meeting my Darren. ("You're the Green Team chick, right?")
4. Moving house.
5. Three funerals :(
6. Increased hours at Encounter Youth and the launch of Hindley St Project
7. Community times at schoolies.
8. Two Immerse events - YITS in February and Perth in July.
9. Gospo choir
10. Most successful schoolies (Green Team) yet.
Thanks to everyone who made these memories what they are to me. My friends and family are in and through each of life's experiences and nothing would be the same without you.
I wonder what 2012 has in store?
Happy New Year all.
J xo
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Don't box me in.
I feel I should start with an admission… a confession.
At a younger age, I went through the “Hillsong-dream-phase”. I secretly wanted to be the next Darlene Zschech, a feeling that I admit contributed to me going to Bible College to study Music Ministry. But I grew up, I got over it, moved on, and don’t need to post inflammatory blogposts to vent about how it's Hillsong's fault that I once idolised Darlene. If anyone is to blame for my Darlene-aspirations, it’s me. But I don’t think there’s much wrong with finding a role-model in who was one of the best in the field I wanted to work in. Isn’t that just part of growing up? So that’s what I did – I grew up, realised there is more to ministry than writing the next big contemporary worship song, and more to church than four walls and flashy lights... and annual reports...
My friend Andrew recently posted a blog about the issue of Christian consumerism and the profit vs giving debate in mega-churches like Hillsong. A lot of what Andrew wrote is fair, and to give some context to what I'm about to write I encourage you to read it. However, since we are all entitled to our opinion, I’d like to respond. (Andrew is actually a personal friend of mine and we are not strangers to friendly debates over such matters. I am confident he will enjoy this... hehe)
I should start by saying that I don’t much care for the “Hillsong - profit vs giving” issue.
What I do care for is the assumption that we* are all like Hillsong, or want to be like them. Don’t box me in.
(*faith-filled Jesus freaks, aka the average Christian.)
I also care about the link between Christian consumerism and Jesus. Whatever is wrong with the “mega-church”, it’s not Christianity that is the problem. The heart of the Gospel is (as it has always been) about sacrificial love, the restoration of brokenness and the service of others. If this message has been warped or misunderstood along the way, it’s not Jesus’ fault. Humans are not perfect and sometimes we get it wrong. But just because some of us get it wrong, doesn’t meant we all do.
Don’t box me in.
On that point, while I often enjoy and appreciate the work of Banksy, I do find his image of Jesus offensive. Why? Because it’s not His fault. It falsely depicts that the cause of Christian consumerism to be rooted in Jesus and the cross. This is ridiculous. How can a man who willingly gave up his life, never owned much, didn’t search for fame, be at the heart of consumerism? #confusedface
I don't believe that ‘in Churches, size matters’. In actual fact, size doesn’t matter at all. Furthermore, the ‘size’ of a ‘church’ is open to personal interpretation anyway. Big or small churches, what’s the difference? We’re all part of a global community of believers anyway – it’s up to you how you distinguish between the individual groups within the worldwide community. If you do that by dividing us into buildings with various signage that reads “Baptist”, “Lutheran”, “Uniting” or even “Pentecostal”, that’s your prerogative. I for one, don’t see the walls. I just see the people.
In a faith community this large, (I’m talking globally now) there’s bound to be differences when you break it down between the individual or smaller groups. But just because we all believe in the same God, please don’t assume we all aspire to be like the biggest, loudest, richest and best-dressed one of us. We don’t all aspire to be like Hillsong.
Don’t box me in.
I do, however, agree that the entire church should be the example of giving to the rest of the world. I also believe it should also be the example of love, acceptance, growth, truth, justice and everything else that Jesus lived and died for.
Dare I suggest that if you dared to dig a little deeper, or ask around, you will find a growing number of Christians that DON’T follow the Hillsong model, that care less for slick Sunday Services, great looking buildings and worship teams. I haven’t actually purchased a Hillsong album for a long time. The Christian faith DOES in fact thrive in people’s living rooms.
And it’s often these low-profile groups of believers that fund various works both locally and globally.
I can tell you about a gathering of hundreds of young Christians that regularly give of their time AND money to fund and participate in a project that protects, cares for, and celebrates teenagers in Adelaide. This same group of Christians are now responsible for an operation that aims to do the same thing in the heart of Adelaide’s city during peak night times on Saturdays.
This operation isn’t a “mega church”. But it is the church doing something pretty ‘mega’ in my eyes. The coolest part is that you won’t find this group of Christians in one particular building each Sunday. It’s scattered all over South Australia. It’s still church though… ‘cos “the church” is a movement of people. Not a building.
Don’t box me in.
There may be some problems with how mega churches do what they do, but they are only one part of a much bigger, less definable, global community of Christians who all do things differently.
I believe my responsibility is to live my life according to the truth I know. Not point the finger at those who I deem worthy of my judgement.
Don’t box me in.
Just sayin'
At a younger age, I went through the “Hillsong-dream-phase”. I secretly wanted to be the next Darlene Zschech, a feeling that I admit contributed to me going to Bible College to study Music Ministry. But I grew up, I got over it, moved on, and don’t need to post inflammatory blogposts to vent about how it's Hillsong's fault that I once idolised Darlene. If anyone is to blame for my Darlene-aspirations, it’s me. But I don’t think there’s much wrong with finding a role-model in who was one of the best in the field I wanted to work in. Isn’t that just part of growing up? So that’s what I did – I grew up, realised there is more to ministry than writing the next big contemporary worship song, and more to church than four walls and flashy lights... and annual reports...
My friend Andrew recently posted a blog about the issue of Christian consumerism and the profit vs giving debate in mega-churches like Hillsong. A lot of what Andrew wrote is fair, and to give some context to what I'm about to write I encourage you to read it. However, since we are all entitled to our opinion, I’d like to respond. (Andrew is actually a personal friend of mine and we are not strangers to friendly debates over such matters. I am confident he will enjoy this... hehe)
I should start by saying that I don’t much care for the “Hillsong - profit vs giving” issue.
What I do care for is the assumption that we* are all like Hillsong, or want to be like them. Don’t box me in.
(*faith-filled Jesus freaks, aka the average Christian.)
I also care about the link between Christian consumerism and Jesus. Whatever is wrong with the “mega-church”, it’s not Christianity that is the problem. The heart of the Gospel is (as it has always been) about sacrificial love, the restoration of brokenness and the service of others. If this message has been warped or misunderstood along the way, it’s not Jesus’ fault. Humans are not perfect and sometimes we get it wrong. But just because some of us get it wrong, doesn’t meant we all do.
Don’t box me in.
On that point, while I often enjoy and appreciate the work of Banksy, I do find his image of Jesus offensive. Why? Because it’s not His fault. It falsely depicts that the cause of Christian consumerism to be rooted in Jesus and the cross. This is ridiculous. How can a man who willingly gave up his life, never owned much, didn’t search for fame, be at the heart of consumerism? #confusedface
I don't believe that ‘in Churches, size matters’. In actual fact, size doesn’t matter at all. Furthermore, the ‘size’ of a ‘church’ is open to personal interpretation anyway. Big or small churches, what’s the difference? We’re all part of a global community of believers anyway – it’s up to you how you distinguish between the individual groups within the worldwide community. If you do that by dividing us into buildings with various signage that reads “Baptist”, “Lutheran”, “Uniting” or even “Pentecostal”, that’s your prerogative. I for one, don’t see the walls. I just see the people.
In a faith community this large, (I’m talking globally now) there’s bound to be differences when you break it down between the individual or smaller groups. But just because we all believe in the same God, please don’t assume we all aspire to be like the biggest, loudest, richest and best-dressed one of us. We don’t all aspire to be like Hillsong.
Don’t box me in.
I do, however, agree that the entire church should be the example of giving to the rest of the world. I also believe it should also be the example of love, acceptance, growth, truth, justice and everything else that Jesus lived and died for.
Dare I suggest that if you dared to dig a little deeper, or ask around, you will find a growing number of Christians that DON’T follow the Hillsong model, that care less for slick Sunday Services, great looking buildings and worship teams. I haven’t actually purchased a Hillsong album for a long time. The Christian faith DOES in fact thrive in people’s living rooms.
And it’s often these low-profile groups of believers that fund various works both locally and globally.
I can tell you about a gathering of hundreds of young Christians that regularly give of their time AND money to fund and participate in a project that protects, cares for, and celebrates teenagers in Adelaide. This same group of Christians are now responsible for an operation that aims to do the same thing in the heart of Adelaide’s city during peak night times on Saturdays.
This operation isn’t a “mega church”. But it is the church doing something pretty ‘mega’ in my eyes. The coolest part is that you won’t find this group of Christians in one particular building each Sunday. It’s scattered all over South Australia. It’s still church though… ‘cos “the church” is a movement of people. Not a building.
Don’t box me in.
There may be some problems with how mega churches do what they do, but they are only one part of a much bigger, less definable, global community of Christians who all do things differently.
I believe my responsibility is to live my life according to the truth I know. Not point the finger at those who I deem worthy of my judgement.
Don’t box me in.
Just sayin'
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Being Aunty Jess.
This morning I took an amazing picture of my adorable niece, Charlotte (19 months). I think it's my favourite picture of her to date. Her cheeky smile makes me giggle and the way she says my name (which sounds more like "Desh") just steals my heart.
Charlotte's two older brothers, my nephews Lachie (7) and Tommy (4) are my little heroes. Lachie is the kind that notices the little things and tells you how much he means to you by craving one-on-one time and sleepovers at my place. (And afternoon tea dates at Macca's with caramel sundaes.)
Meanwhile, I don't think Tommy will ever by too old for hugs and kisses and often has us all in stitches with his show-stopping one liners at family lunch on Sundays.
Sometimes I think about how I'm at an age (28 now..) when it's common to be a wife and a mother and I remember that I am yet to be either of those. At these times I need only to spend a morning with these beautiful children and I know that being an Aunty is enough. More than enough. There's nothing I wouldn't do for these children and I count it a priviledge to be in a "village" like our family's.
And I thank my sister and her husband for valuing my relationship with their children the way that they do.
Maybe I'll have one or two of my own one day... Maybe I won't. Who knows. Either way, I'm good for now.
J xo
Charlotte's two older brothers, my nephews Lachie (7) and Tommy (4) are my little heroes. Lachie is the kind that notices the little things and tells you how much he means to you by craving one-on-one time and sleepovers at my place. (And afternoon tea dates at Macca's with caramel sundaes.)
Meanwhile, I don't think Tommy will ever by too old for hugs and kisses and often has us all in stitches with his show-stopping one liners at family lunch on Sundays.
(such a cheeky little monkey)
Sometimes I think about how I'm at an age (28 now..) when it's common to be a wife and a mother and I remember that I am yet to be either of those. At these times I need only to spend a morning with these beautiful children and I know that being an Aunty is enough. More than enough. There's nothing I wouldn't do for these children and I count it a priviledge to be in a "village" like our family's.
And I thank my sister and her husband for valuing my relationship with their children the way that they do.
Maybe I'll have one or two of my own one day... Maybe I won't. Who knows. Either way, I'm good for now.
J xo
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
When Martin Luther King Jnr took over my facebook.
As large portions of the world celebrate the death of Osama Bin Laden, someone in my facebook friendship network dared to post this as their update this morning:
"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" — Martin Luther King Jnr
Throughout the day people copied and pasted this as their own update and eventually this message of hope and love drowned out the celebration of murder (cos it’s STILL murder, even if the victim was a terrorist) I was reading about in my newsfeed.
I love this for a few reasons…
… This proves what the quote was saying - that ‘not hating’ isn’t enough – you need to REPLACE the darkness with something… Light.
… The message of love will spread by itself, not because someone guilt tripped you into re-posting it. Because ultimately, I believe, we are a people who do not want to hate, but want to believe in love and the power it holds.
… When one person has the courage to stand up with a message contrary to that of the media and their peers (even if it is just a fb update), others will stand up with them.
What are you standing up for today?
As for me, I stand with Martin Luther King Jnr and declare that I do not celebrate the death of one. Not even an enemy. We are not the giver of life, so we are not the one to take it away.
I dare you to stand with me. In love.
Just sayin...
J xo
"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" — Martin Luther King Jnr
Throughout the day people copied and pasted this as their own update and eventually this message of hope and love drowned out the celebration of murder (cos it’s STILL murder, even if the victim was a terrorist) I was reading about in my newsfeed.
I love this for a few reasons…
… This proves what the quote was saying - that ‘not hating’ isn’t enough – you need to REPLACE the darkness with something… Light.
… The message of love will spread by itself, not because someone guilt tripped you into re-posting it. Because ultimately, I believe, we are a people who do not want to hate, but want to believe in love and the power it holds.
… When one person has the courage to stand up with a message contrary to that of the media and their peers (even if it is just a fb update), others will stand up with them.
What are you standing up for today?
As for me, I stand with Martin Luther King Jnr and declare that I do not celebrate the death of one. Not even an enemy. We are not the giver of life, so we are not the one to take it away.
I dare you to stand with me. In love.
Just sayin...
J xo
Friday, April 22, 2011
He loved me enough.
"The curtain it closed and it felt like the end. But your blood caught the fall and took away every sin. Even though men deny, you're the only sacrifice that loved us enough. You loved us so much, Lord, that you gave your life. See, you saved my life."
When I hear these words, I am drawn back to the brokenness of this world and those who live in it - us. And on a day like today, Good Friday, I take a moment (well, actually I take the whole day...) to dwell on one of the most (if not THE most) significant events that I believe changed the course of humanity.
FACT: We live in a broken world. Just look around you. I used to struggle to understand this and often questioned how this God-dude fit into the whole picture. But over the years I have come to believe brokenness doesn't make sense without God.
I can't understand brokenness outside the context of sin. (Cos that's what sin is.) And to know sin, I need to know God. But the beauty of this is that once I understand sin in the light of God, (the one from whom sin tears us away from,) I am immediately exposed to the love and forgiveness that happened on this day, Good Friday. So while Good Friday reminds us of pain, separation and hurt, I cannot dwell on this sadness for more than a moment when the truth of sacrificial love and salvation come bursting into my darkness and give me the hope that makes my brokenness bearable.
And all because He loved me enough.
This is what I believe. Hope that's ok with you.
By the way, that song I quoted at the start is "Hero", by Kirk Franklin. Check it out. He's one of my favs...
Love.
J x
When I hear these words, I am drawn back to the brokenness of this world and those who live in it - us. And on a day like today, Good Friday, I take a moment (well, actually I take the whole day...) to dwell on one of the most (if not THE most) significant events that I believe changed the course of humanity.
FACT: We live in a broken world. Just look around you. I used to struggle to understand this and often questioned how this God-dude fit into the whole picture. But over the years I have come to believe brokenness doesn't make sense without God.
I can't understand brokenness outside the context of sin. (Cos that's what sin is.) And to know sin, I need to know God. But the beauty of this is that once I understand sin in the light of God, (the one from whom sin tears us away from,) I am immediately exposed to the love and forgiveness that happened on this day, Good Friday. So while Good Friday reminds us of pain, separation and hurt, I cannot dwell on this sadness for more than a moment when the truth of sacrificial love and salvation come bursting into my darkness and give me the hope that makes my brokenness bearable.
And all because He loved me enough.
This is what I believe. Hope that's ok with you.
By the way, that song I quoted at the start is "Hero", by Kirk Franklin. Check it out. He's one of my favs...
Love.
J x
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Unpretty emails.
I assume that most of you who read this will know that I work in the area of Volunteer Coordination. My organisation is on the brink of launching a new project that would see our volunteers mobilised into a dark area of our city with the long-term view of making it a safer environment for the community.
It’s a big project, and it’s not pretty. And this week I was presented with the first of many challenges: how to distribute the information to the team in a way to get the ‘best’ response. This is not easy! So here's what I did...
I stressed over it, and spent ages fiddling around with email templates, searching for the perfect picture to illustrate the content, wrote draft after draft…. All because you only get one shot to launch an idea. One chance to pitch a sale. You can't make a second first impression.
But then I thought...
I am not presenting a PRODUCT.
I am presenting a MISSION.
Whatever sales tactics I was trying to employ are not welcome here. (I don’t even have a marketing degree, so who am I fooling anyway??)
Before I go on, let me also say this: Professional marketing is required in the world we live in. And I do believe there is a place for it in our churches and ministry fields as well. But in this instance I said NO to the flashy colours, funky logos and hyperlinks and decided to keep it real. And unpretty.
The content was real. The purpose and the need behind the project is black and white. So I decided my email would be too. It wasn’t pretty, but neither was what I was writing about.
So while it may not have been very appealing to those who prefer the pretty emails with the visual effects, I am sure that those who truly want the information would be happy to get it in whatever format it was delivered.
Keeping it real. And unpretty.
Jess xx
(If you'd like to find out more about what I do, this project I'm talking about, or anything else, email me at jessica@encounteryouth.com.au or visit our website.)
It’s a big project, and it’s not pretty. And this week I was presented with the first of many challenges: how to distribute the information to the team in a way to get the ‘best’ response. This is not easy! So here's what I did...
I stressed over it, and spent ages fiddling around with email templates, searching for the perfect picture to illustrate the content, wrote draft after draft…. All because you only get one shot to launch an idea. One chance to pitch a sale. You can't make a second first impression.
But then I thought...
I am not presenting a PRODUCT.
I am presenting a MISSION.
Whatever sales tactics I was trying to employ are not welcome here. (I don’t even have a marketing degree, so who am I fooling anyway??)
Before I go on, let me also say this: Professional marketing is required in the world we live in. And I do believe there is a place for it in our churches and ministry fields as well. But in this instance I said NO to the flashy colours, funky logos and hyperlinks and decided to keep it real. And unpretty.
The content was real. The purpose and the need behind the project is black and white. So I decided my email would be too. It wasn’t pretty, but neither was what I was writing about.
So while it may not have been very appealing to those who prefer the pretty emails with the visual effects, I am sure that those who truly want the information would be happy to get it in whatever format it was delivered.
Keeping it real. And unpretty.
Jess xx
(If you'd like to find out more about what I do, this project I'm talking about, or anything else, email me at jessica@encounteryouth.com.au or visit our website.)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The bench doesn't need me...
Since my recent beachside relocation, I have come to enjoy some quiet moments on the bench at the end of my street. This is a special bench, and not just because it sits right on the edge of the beach, overlooking the water - it’s a perfect spot at sunset – my bench is special because it requires nothing from me, or you for that matter…
The bench doesn’t need me…
… to look good. So I don’t have to worry about the way I look, my outfit, my hair, my weight,…
… to listen. So I don’t have to pay attention.
… to lead or teach. So I don’t have to have any answers.
… to pay up front. So money isn’t an issue here.
… to be anywhere by a certain time. So my time is my own.
… to make conversation. So I can sit in silence.
During my time on the bench, I am everything I need to be, and have everything that I need.
So if you’re like me, and get a little overwhelmed with life sometimes, go sit on a bench by the beach for a little while (or your “beach bench” equivalent) and let yourself just be un-needed for a while.
"Do try it"... (said in the voice of that guy from the Dilmah ads...)
The bench doesn’t need me…
… to look good. So I don’t have to worry about the way I look, my outfit, my hair, my weight,…
… to listen. So I don’t have to pay attention.
… to lead or teach. So I don’t have to have any answers.
… to pay up front. So money isn’t an issue here.
… to be anywhere by a certain time. So my time is my own.
… to make conversation. So I can sit in silence.
During my time on the bench, I am everything I need to be, and have everything that I need.
So if you’re like me, and get a little overwhelmed with life sometimes, go sit on a bench by the beach for a little while (or your “beach bench” equivalent) and let yourself just be un-needed for a while.
"Do try it"... (said in the voice of that guy from the Dilmah ads...)
(One of the many sunset views I've been able to enjoy lately.
Beachside living is awesome)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Recent lessons learned...
When I started writing this post it was only meant to be brief. I soon realised this was going to be difficult. So instead of writing a thesis, I will post it somewhat incomplete and focus just on some thoughts I have encountered these past few days.
... When my baby niece smushes her open mouth into my cheek, smothering me in her version of a sloppy wet kiss, it’s disgusting. But awesome. And I totally love it.
... Hillsong isn’t so bad. So say what you will, think what you want of it, and me, but I believe they are a genuine hearted bunch of passionate people that defy their critics and serve BRILLIANTLY. Kudos, Hillsong. Massive kudos.
... My long-term love of gospel music and recent involvement in a gospel choir has made it difficult to completely enjoy contemporary Christian music these days. While music style is not, and shouldn't be, a barrier for spiritual connection, I’d happily sing a Kirk or Israel tune over the latest United release. Does anyone know a church in Adelaide that does good gospel music? Haha...
... I am a very strong woman and make no apology for saying that. Not anymore, anyway. I’m also no longer afraid of my strength and have made the choice to not hold back from growing in this regard for fear of becoming too intimidating. If someone is intimidated by a strong woman, that is their problem, not hers.
... Our biggest fears reveal what we value the most. A simple and obvious statement, but one that resonated within me this weekend.
... Just because you’re waiting for something, doesn’t mean you are crippled from doing anything else while you wait.
... There is always a wall between you and your potential. The question is: What are you doing to do about breaking through that wall?
... Sydney doesn’t heaps do it for me anymore. No offence to those who call Sydney home, it’s a great city. But it doesn’t rock my world. It’s busy, dirty, a little unfriendly, and full of smokers. Ugh. Maybe I need to get out into the suburbs more… Looking forward to getting home to RADelaide. ;)
And finally… and probably most importantly...
... I have been underestimating myself. Which means I have been underestimating the one who created me. This is so not cool.
Hope you enjoyed that.
Love.
J x
... When my baby niece smushes her open mouth into my cheek, smothering me in her version of a sloppy wet kiss, it’s disgusting. But awesome. And I totally love it.
... Hillsong isn’t so bad. So say what you will, think what you want of it, and me, but I believe they are a genuine hearted bunch of passionate people that defy their critics and serve BRILLIANTLY. Kudos, Hillsong. Massive kudos.
... My long-term love of gospel music and recent involvement in a gospel choir has made it difficult to completely enjoy contemporary Christian music these days. While music style is not, and shouldn't be, a barrier for spiritual connection, I’d happily sing a Kirk or Israel tune over the latest United release. Does anyone know a church in Adelaide that does good gospel music? Haha...
... I am a very strong woman and make no apology for saying that. Not anymore, anyway. I’m also no longer afraid of my strength and have made the choice to not hold back from growing in this regard for fear of becoming too intimidating. If someone is intimidated by a strong woman, that is their problem, not hers.
... Our biggest fears reveal what we value the most. A simple and obvious statement, but one that resonated within me this weekend.
... Just because you’re waiting for something, doesn’t mean you are crippled from doing anything else while you wait.
... There is always a wall between you and your potential. The question is: What are you doing to do about breaking through that wall?
... Sydney doesn’t heaps do it for me anymore. No offence to those who call Sydney home, it’s a great city. But it doesn’t rock my world. It’s busy, dirty, a little unfriendly, and full of smokers. Ugh. Maybe I need to get out into the suburbs more… Looking forward to getting home to RADelaide. ;)
And finally… and probably most importantly...
... I have been underestimating myself. Which means I have been underestimating the one who created me. This is so not cool.
Hope you enjoyed that.
Love.
J x
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Braced for battle...
It's the time of year again, and I'm in Sydney for Colour Conference once more.
On the one hand I am excited about the weekend ahead, and have some amazing memories and lessons learned from previous Colour Conferences. (This is my fourth, and I love it every time) However, I can’t deny that a couple of hours out of our first session, I’m a little afraid. Why? Because the enemy awaits and the battlefield is set… No, not the spiritual enemy, but an emotional enemy. I’m talking about the Christian culture that celebrates marriage and occasionally finds wives innocently bragging about their amazing husbands and all the amazing things about marriage… Leaving us single chicks feeling rather uncelebrated and unqualified as women.
As per a previous blog post I have mentioned that I haven’t always found it easy to be a twenty-something single Christian female. Over time I have processed most of these feelings and can happily say I am in a place where I am ‘ok’ being where I’m at in life. However, on the brink of one of the largest Christian Women’s conferences in the world, I can’t help but feel I am about to enter a battle; the battle of being ‘ok’ in a room full of passionate (and mostly married) women, who look for jewelery on your left hand right after they smile and say hello… Yes, it happens. And no, I don’t have any bling on my ring finger. Unfortunately. Man I really love bling... ;)
On the one hand I am excited about the weekend ahead, and have some amazing memories and lessons learned from previous Colour Conferences. (This is my fourth, and I love it every time) However, I can’t deny that a couple of hours out of our first session, I’m a little afraid. Why? Because the enemy awaits and the battlefield is set… No, not the spiritual enemy, but an emotional enemy. I’m talking about the Christian culture that celebrates marriage and occasionally finds wives innocently bragging about their amazing husbands and all the amazing things about marriage… Leaving us single chicks feeling rather uncelebrated and unqualified as women.
As per a previous blog post I have mentioned that I haven’t always found it easy to be a twenty-something single Christian female. Over time I have processed most of these feelings and can happily say I am in a place where I am ‘ok’ being where I’m at in life. However, on the brink of one of the largest Christian Women’s conferences in the world, I can’t help but feel I am about to enter a battle; the battle of being ‘ok’ in a room full of passionate (and mostly married) women, who look for jewelery on your left hand right after they smile and say hello… Yes, it happens. And no, I don’t have any bling on my ring finger. Unfortunately. Man I really love bling... ;)
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