Back in February, when I attended IF:Local, as part of my commitment to FALL, {fall into people and share the love of Jesus, fall into a life of surrender and obedience} I committed to hosting an IF: Table. During IF: Table, women gather and share a simple meal and dive deep with people over real stories and Christ centered conversations. A time for a whole lot of laughter – and maybe a few tears – but time spent that leaves us with glad hearts. Full hearts. Grateful hearts.
This turned out to be a lesson in obedience. As March approached I looked up the theme of the March IF: Table...and it was loneliness. Umm...NO! I wasn't prepared to face my own struggles with loneliness, yet alone commit to having other women over to embrace the vulnerability with me. That's too tough.
But I made this commitment and it was placed on my heart for a reason, so I sent out an email to several of my girlfriends to find a time that might work for most of them, a daunting task in and of itself due to everyone's busy schedules. It was hard to find a time that would work for a few, let alone several. So that is a good enough excuse not to host the dinner, right!? NO!
God perfectly orchestrated the evening, and I know He hand picked the ladies who were to attend. 5 women, all in different phases in their walk with Christ and in different seasons of lives...single, newlywed, working moms, and a mom with a baby-on-the-way. It was beautiful. As we gathered around the table we fully embraced vulnerability, were raw and real with each other, and shared our struggles with and wisdom pertaining to loneliness. There were tears. Lots of them. But that is ok! It's ok to share our struggles. It's ok to ask for and accept help & prayer. Its ok to just be REAL and admit that we don't all have it together. Because we can all relate on some level, no matter what our story is.
I finished the evening with a refreshed spirit and grateful heart.
But I made this commitment and it was placed on my heart for a reason, so I sent out an email to several of my girlfriends to find a time that might work for most of them, a daunting task in and of itself due to everyone's busy schedules. It was hard to find a time that would work for a few, let alone several. So that is a good enough excuse not to host the dinner, right!? NO!
God perfectly orchestrated the evening, and I know He hand picked the ladies who were to attend. 5 women, all in different phases in their walk with Christ and in different seasons of lives...single, newlywed, working moms, and a mom with a baby-on-the-way. It was beautiful. As we gathered around the table we fully embraced vulnerability, were raw and real with each other, and shared our struggles with and wisdom pertaining to loneliness. There were tears. Lots of them. But that is ok! It's ok to share our struggles. It's ok to ask for and accept help & prayer. Its ok to just be REAL and admit that we don't all have it together. Because we can all relate on some level, no matter what our story is.
I finished the evening with a refreshed spirit and grateful heart.
As April approached, I sent out another email in hopes of gathering a group of ladies for another IF: Table! Once again, God had his hand in it and selected 5 different women to attend. 5 women all in different seasons of life...single, new mom, stay-at-home mom, and a mom struggling with finding her identity and self-worth as she embraces a season of change.
As we worked our way through the 4 conversation questions we shared about what we are currently learning in our walk with the Lord, provided new parenting support and guidance, laughed, enjoyed cake, and soaked in the amazing fellowship.
Another evening complete with glad, grateful, full hearts.
I encourage you to find some friends, gather around the table, and grow deeper in your walk through real, raw, genuine fellowship and Christ centered conversation with other women.
You can find more about IF: Table HERE!
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