There are women who speak from large stages, the ones with names recognized worldwide and multiple books for sale. They are the ones who have long lines of women waiting to meet them at conferences, huge social media followings, and invitations to travel the world to preach the Good News.
And then there are the women who invite friends into their home once a month. With no fanfare, no cheering. They share the Good New of the Gospel because God has asked them to, and they don’t know how to send an email, much less build a social media platform. They would rather be inspired by the books others write than write one themselves, and they don’t think for a second that they SHOULD do something like that.
They’re the women who hold open the door to their community and say “come in and sit for a minute,” the ones who admit that they can’t do it all and find joy in asking others to share their strengths. Behind the scenes of that little St. Patrick’s Day meringue is a woman who bakes every month for a Bible study to feed mamas and grandmas, college students and singles, new friends and old. And she sits in the back of the room and would rather not be recognized for her talent because – quite simply – that’s not why she does it.
And the host of that gathering? She’s as real as they come, a woman of God who shares the message God gives her to a group of women in a crowded sunroom. She doesn’t use an iPad or fancy slides. She holds a stack of yellow legal pad paper, written on, highlighted, scratched out. Post it notes stuck to the edges to remind her to read from a book piled on the table. Stories ripped from magazines and Daily Bread are scattered throughout her notes. She stands before those women – delighted to host five or fifty, and confidently declares Truth into our lives.
Behind the scenes of that small treat is a once-a-month retreat that pulls me out of my comparison trap online and puts me in touch with real women in my community who love God, a good cup of coffee, and a sweet treat on a Saturday morning. It’s refreshing to be surrounded by women who don’t care about numbers, but who care about souls.
Just like those ladies admit their weaknesses and let others fill in with their strengths, I’m learned to find joy in admitting what I can’t do. Because in my honesty and vulnerability I invite someone else to come into my life who can use the strengths God gave them, to His glory. I can’t offer you a sticky bun or shamrock shaped chocolate, but I can let you know when I don’t have it all together. Maybe the online version of sweet treats is giving someone the chance to pray, or to encourage, or to cheer when God does the thing you’ve been waiting for.
It’s time for the (now) monthly Behind the Scenes link up! I would LOVE for you to join me – just find a photo (taken today, yesterday or 20 years ago) and tell us the story we can’t see in the frame. Then come over here, link up & read some other great writers 🙂
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How I LOVE this post!
This link up is such an encouragement!
Love that it’s Behind the Scenes day – sliding on to this bench is such a treat. I always look forward to the encouragement of this community; sharing strengths together as we lift each other up.
Holding open the door, saving me a seat, yummy treats… I really love it over here.:) Looking forward to reading all the stories throughout the day today and LOVED reading yours. More and more I see the true value in what you’re saying Crystal. Thank you for a heartwarming post.
Smiling that today is Behind the Scenes day…I love your heart for others, sweet friend. Thanks for inviting me in. 🙂 (((hugs)))