As the lights came down and the Women of Faith praise and worship team made their way to the stage, I was delighted to see that the stadium was full! Over 7,500 women from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and Texas - yes, Texas - had made the decision to take time to be in community with like-minded women and celebrate what matter.
From the moment that Mandisa took the stage Friday night (love her!!) to the grand finale, I don't want to tell all the secrets. Because my straightforward opinion is that if there is any way that you can attend the conference, you should.The combination of artistic and visual elements with spiritual applications gave the event an entire new feel.
Amy Grant was a big highlight of the weekend as her 1985 album Unguarded represented the sound track for many of us during our early years as a Christ follower. I know I am not the only one who has sang, danced, and worshiped to songs like "El Shaddai," "Find a Way," "Everywhere I Go" and "Wise Up." Amy Grant hit the contemporary Christian pop scene at 18-years old and has transformed herself into an amazing storyteller and soulful performer.
Halfway through her set and in the middle of a thought, she stopped, stepped to the edge of the stage, pointed to a lady in the front row and said, “Is that a Snuggie you have on?” The woman confirmed that she did in indeed have on a Snuggie and the crowd erupted in laughter. Amy Grant kicked her head back, laughed and said, “And that’s why I love women. We laugh when we want to, we cry when we want to and dog-gone-it, we carry our Snuggie into a full arena and wear it when we want to! I love it!”
I was asked to identify my favorite part of the Women of Faith live event. If you have never heard the testimony of Brenda Warner, it is truly a must. The comedy and antics of Mark Lowry were delightfully unexpected as was Marilyn Meberg’s story of “Birdbath Bob.” But, I would have to say witnessing more than 7,500 women singing "How Great Thou Art" a capella was my most memorable and moving moment. There is no sweeter sight or sound as women gathered in the same place, coming from all walks of life and from every situation you can possibly think of, all united by the love of Jesus Christ.
Even though Women of Faith events are held in large stadiums, there is something strangely intimate about what occurs in that day and a half of participation. While our stories are different, we all come to the table with baggage, disappointment, shame and brokenness. Women of Faith urges attendees to let God fulfill His promise to take those broken pieces, redeem, restore and rebuild our lives in a way that makes us whole.
And this year, you could sense a revival among the speakers and performers. You could tell that they love Jesus so very much and they are eager to share what He has done in their lives! You can feel a renewed energy on the worship team, with the live band playing incredibly. You can tell that the speakers have been spending time in the Word and their heart's desire is to share the lessons they've learned and are learning.
There is still a lump in my throat from the WOF weekend. There was definately a common theme for a lot of the testimonies that were shared. One that struck very close to home for me. It's something that I am still figuring out and processing. But rest assured, it is something that God is working on for me.
No matter what you are facing, God is there. Isn't that enough? It definately should be. It was He who gave everything for us.
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