We’re counting down to April 26 & 27 when our (in) real life conference kicks off! And these are a few of our favorite posts from women who participated in last year’s event. We’re sharing them here so you can get a peek at what all the excitement is about and come and join us. Register here — it’s FREE!
Over the past couple of years I’ve been an (in)Courage stalker. Periodically reading a post here and there… finding nuggets of wisdom, being humbled and/or encouraged, as well as learning about myself – and that I’m not alone – along the way.
And then I heard about the (in)RL “conference” that would be held locally all over the world. That anyone could join in no matter where you lived. And then my friend Jen said that she would be hosting one in nearby Grand Rapids.
I was in. Even though I was skeptical about what I was going to learn and wondering who I was going to meet while there. And especially with how I’ve been feeling about my faith lately. {But that’s a whole other story for another time.}
Words cannot begin to express the gratitude that I did. Not only did I cry on Friday night… I felt a leading to do something and take a chance like I haven’t felt in a long time. On Saturday, I met new friends, reconnected with those I’ve known and felt a peace throughout it all.
There were wonderful words spoken by so many gifted women. There were stories of community, stories that brought hope and stories that brought tears. And there was chocolate. {An essential for any gathering of this type!} 🙂
The one big thing that I walked away from this all is that I need community. I need people surrounding me. Whether this is family, “in real life” friends or “online buddies”… I need people that know me and know my heart. People that understand when I say that I’m “fine” or “ok” that my world is silently falling apart around me and that confusion is reigning supreme. People that will rejoice with me in where I go next and cry with me about how scared I am. People that will assure me that all will be ok.
I don’t know where I’ll be a year from now. I may be here in Holland… in Grand Rapids… or maybe in another place somewhere around the world.
But I do know one thing.
I will always have my local community. My blogging friends. And the (in)courage community.
And I will be at {in}RL in 2013. I’m already looking forward to it.
A very special thank you to the team of authors and everyone behind the scenes at (in)courage and Dayspring for putting this together. And especially to Lisa-Jo for being on twitter Friday night, and for what seemed like the ENTIRE day on Saturday (and most of Sunday too)… the inspirational messages and tweets that she shared throughout the time online was uplifting to so many and each of us was blessed by the work that she did.
Did you attend an (in)RL gathering? What were your thoughts?
By: Julie
Leave a CommentYou’re each invited, you know. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s so rewarding to connect with other sisters in Christ beyond the blog post. Tune in from home on Friday to watch the Webcast and meetup with friends on Saturday and watch together. Go on, you’re much braver than you think. Just CLICK HERE to register.
Beth Williams says
Wise words from someone so young. It is soo very true that people need community. God did not create us to be alone-but with others, surrounded by love. I am fortunate to have this I(n) Courage community, my church, and my women’s Bible study groups.
Love community!