Wow this life is crazy with its many ups and downs, twists and turns...One of those amazing twists and turns will be happening June 3-5, 2010 in Miami, Florida where I will be speaking at a women's conference put on by Urban Youth Workers Institute. The women's conference is specifically called: "The re: re:fresh, re:lax, re:sort - Whats your re?" I would like to encourage all of the female readers of this blog to check it out at http://www.thereconference.com/
I clicked on the About re page and this is what it says:
Relate: Women connecting with other women walking out life in service to the city
Release: Women joining together to lay aside what they do and be reminded of why they are
Relax: Women soaking in the tanquil setting of lush palm trees beside cool waters
Redefine: Women seeing that the word "conference" has an entirely new meaning
Rejuvenate: Women uniting with other women to witness a renewal of the soul
Refresh: Women connecting with other women to replenish themselves mind, body, and spirit
GIVEWAYS: Including Spa Packages, Massages, Pedicures and Manicures
"The re" conference
In its inaugural year, this unique conference defines itself as the "unconference." The idea behind "The re" is that it be a weekend of connection and growth for women serving in the urban context. The luxurious atmosphere of the Doral Spa and Resort in Miami, FL invites all the participants to be pampered in mind, body, and spirit. From the moment women arrive they will find their "connecting point," groups of women where they fit. Women are free to find as many connecting points as they desire throughout the weekend, and there will be plenty of opportunities to mingle and go deep.
Through the "WORTH" shops women will be given the opportunity to learn and grow in topics specifically addressing the needs of women who serve in the city. These two hour sessions will intentionally engage the participant in interactive discussion with plenty of space to apply all they learn.
The weekend is overflowing with opportunities for you to find your "re." We will be sitting, standing, resting, teaching, recharging, learning, pampering, connecting with our Lord and Savior and so much more. Come and create your own experience.
There is still room for women to sign up to attend. I would love to see familar faces and meet lots of new ones that really only know me either through this blog or through Andrew my husband...Plus I must admit I could use all the encouragement as I am already a bit nervous.
Additionally, as one who has steared clear of conferences especially women's conference I feel it is important to share with each of you how different and special I believe this conference will be (oh and not just because I am going to be there) Truly I think this will be a different type of conference that allows time for questions, discussions, and encouragement. Also I believe it will be a conference that not only will give real world experiences but also time to dive much deeper into how one can apply the topics that are being discussed...
Okay ladies plus the best part is its at a Spa in Miami how much better can that be!!!
I really hope you take the time to check out the website and I really hope you can try to attend...Let me know if you are by commenting on this blog...
I can't wait to see you in Miami!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Reclaiming Female Vulnerability (or simply human vulnerability)
Since Andrew and I are in a deciding and waiting period of what to do next with our IVF procedure -
I thought I would "blog" some thoughts.
I am going to simply take a stab at blogging on completely different subjects. This particular subject matter has baffled me for some time as I am now 30 years old...Yes all it is true I have left my twenties and feel as if I am about to begin a brand new adventure...although, I am still waiting for the wisdom fairy to come down and hit me over the head or sprinkle some glitter on me and give me "grown up" knowledge and thoughts...Oh well until then I don't want to grow up!
Okay back to some seriousness now...The word vulnerable has confused me in this modern day and age especially as a female. The word vulnerable for a long period of time has made my skin crawl and I could not ever imagine describing myself with such a term. According to Webster the first definition of vulnerable was capable of being wounded...Taken at face value the words would symbolize one that is weak and we as humans and especially as women in today's society should seek to not be vulnerable and should strive to prove our worthiness, strength, experience, capability, etc. Additionally I would say simply that I do not wish to put myself in positions where I am taken advantage of or may find myself vulnerable to an unpleasant experience. However, as I reflect I wonder what does it mean spiritually as a woman to be able to be vulnerable in this world and still understand we have a divine purpose. I must admit as Easter has come and gone I find myself wondering would I have been as vulnerable as Jesus...
As a woman being on this earth for the past 30 years I have celebrated in the "tough" exterior that I put forth, but maybe it is with age or maybe its the awesomeness of relationships the Lord has given to me, that I have come to realize as humans we are incredibly vulnerable and that is what makes us beautiful. I want to be open and capable of being wounded because that means I have put myself out there holding nothing back. I am loving with everything my Lord has shown me I am giving because the Lord has allowed my cup to be filled in abundance and it is over flowing in my life and I need to share it with others who also are vulnerable.
From a female perspective allowing myself to be vulnerable with my husband is giving myself fully to him and trusting him in loving, respecting, cherishing, and protecting me. No I do not believe my husband will intentionally hurt me, but because I am willing to go all in I am also willing to know that because I love with everything I am open to being wounded.
The most wonderful part in all of this is when we give all of ourselves to the Lord we will be wounded. Jesus did not paint a rosy picture and being a complete follower of Christ is not easy, but we must be vulnerable enough to follow in His divine calling. Women we must be complete enough that we trust our Lord even in the most vulnerable of feelings and places. I would describe myself as a bit of a feminist, I believe in equality, I have studied and furthered my education, I have successfully climbed corporate ladders, and today I am also going to say I am content in being vulnerable in the arms of my Lord and Savior. It is not weak but a wholeness of understanding to give all is to know that there will be times of pain and sorrow but there is hope and my God is awesome and the times of celebration and joy will be so much greater!
I thought I would "blog" some thoughts.
I am going to simply take a stab at blogging on completely different subjects. This particular subject matter has baffled me for some time as I am now 30 years old...Yes all it is true I have left my twenties and feel as if I am about to begin a brand new adventure...although, I am still waiting for the wisdom fairy to come down and hit me over the head or sprinkle some glitter on me and give me "grown up" knowledge and thoughts...Oh well until then I don't want to grow up!
Okay back to some seriousness now...The word vulnerable has confused me in this modern day and age especially as a female. The word vulnerable for a long period of time has made my skin crawl and I could not ever imagine describing myself with such a term. According to Webster the first definition of vulnerable was capable of being wounded...Taken at face value the words would symbolize one that is weak and we as humans and especially as women in today's society should seek to not be vulnerable and should strive to prove our worthiness, strength, experience, capability, etc. Additionally I would say simply that I do not wish to put myself in positions where I am taken advantage of or may find myself vulnerable to an unpleasant experience. However, as I reflect I wonder what does it mean spiritually as a woman to be able to be vulnerable in this world and still understand we have a divine purpose. I must admit as Easter has come and gone I find myself wondering would I have been as vulnerable as Jesus...
As a woman being on this earth for the past 30 years I have celebrated in the "tough" exterior that I put forth, but maybe it is with age or maybe its the awesomeness of relationships the Lord has given to me, that I have come to realize as humans we are incredibly vulnerable and that is what makes us beautiful. I want to be open and capable of being wounded because that means I have put myself out there holding nothing back. I am loving with everything my Lord has shown me I am giving because the Lord has allowed my cup to be filled in abundance and it is over flowing in my life and I need to share it with others who also are vulnerable.
From a female perspective allowing myself to be vulnerable with my husband is giving myself fully to him and trusting him in loving, respecting, cherishing, and protecting me. No I do not believe my husband will intentionally hurt me, but because I am willing to go all in I am also willing to know that because I love with everything I am open to being wounded.
The most wonderful part in all of this is when we give all of ourselves to the Lord we will be wounded. Jesus did not paint a rosy picture and being a complete follower of Christ is not easy, but we must be vulnerable enough to follow in His divine calling. Women we must be complete enough that we trust our Lord even in the most vulnerable of feelings and places. I would describe myself as a bit of a feminist, I believe in equality, I have studied and furthered my education, I have successfully climbed corporate ladders, and today I am also going to say I am content in being vulnerable in the arms of my Lord and Savior. It is not weak but a wholeness of understanding to give all is to know that there will be times of pain and sorrow but there is hope and my God is awesome and the times of celebration and joy will be so much greater!
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