Oasis

Y’ALL I seriously can’t stop thinking about this past weekend! When I thought about the Moms in the Making leader’s retreat I thought we would mainly be discussing things to do with our groups, frolicking through the woods, sharing our stories, and laughing. Once again my expectations were blown out of the water. The things they had us walk through together were deep, hard, and really stretched us. It opened up a new avenue for the Lord to minister to each and every one of us. We spoke things out loud. I shared things that I have never shared aloud with anyone else. You know those times that you have something weighing so heavily on you, but you have no clue how much it had been bothering you because that weight had almost become a state of normalcy for you? That is exactly what I felt. I had no clue how heavily it was weighing on me until I opened my mouth to speak it out loud in a room full of people and the weight literally began to fall off. My shoulders literally felt lighter after I shared my heart, cried, and was real with myself about how I was feeling. I kept wrestling with it saying that’s not what you are supposed to share. Pick something different, but the fact that I felt that way made me know that was exactly what I was supposed to share. I had an amazing conversation with a friend after that session also, and it made me feel heard and brought a sense of peace for someone else to relate with the exact place I was currently at. Maybe we need to be more willing to be completely real with ourselves or have those tough conversations. It was hard to be that vulnerable, but so worth it.

Is there something in your life that has become normal, but isn’t meant to? The heaviness you feel on your shoulders, the things you tell yourself about this weight is normal. It’s not. The Lord doesn’t want you to carry the weight or the burdens that you aren’t meant to carry.

Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Matthew 11:28 (the Passion translation)

The definition of an oasis is a fertile spot in a desert where water is found. I want the Lord to be my oasis. I just have to let him.

I left feeling refreshed and recharged. I left feeling ready to dream bigger. I left with my heart full. I left with so many new friendships which I had specifically been praying for. I left ready to continue to circle big things in prayer, and ready to help join in and dig deeper to believe for others biggest dreams and miracles with them.

To all of the beautiful moms in the making leaders, board, and amazing women I now get the privilege of calling friend thank you!

Thank you for all you do. Thank you for your vulnerability. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for speaking truth. Thank you for your willingness to lead. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for being a true example of what it looks like to passionately pursue the Lord with all your heart. I am truly blessed to serve alongside each and every one of you!