I had the honor and privilege of attending the She Speaks Conference in North Carolina this year, for the second time. She Speaks is a speaker/writer/leadership conference hosted by the wonderful women of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
My friend Carmen and I traveled together. We would also be roomies at the conference. She and I met on Compel Training, a membership site for those who want to learn writing and move people with our words. This would be the most amount of time we had ever spent together. How would it go?
Turns out, we are two peas in a pod. We discovered we’re both rule followers. On the plane, we tsk-tsked together when the gentleman in front of us didn’t put his seat in the upright position before take off. We laughed until we cried one night at the blinking light on the TV, which we both knew would keep us awake. Yes, even with our eyes closed. We’re like that. Could God have found a more perfect roomie for me – old me – who is set in her ways? I think not.
At the conference we found out that the P31 staff had been bathing us in prayer. I was so humbled that these busy women, organizing a conference for 700 or more women, had taken the time to pray for each of us – by name! Humbled and honored.
But of course, when an older (ahem) writer is placed in a room full of younger more experienced writers and speakers, the insecurities do kick in. Not to worry, our faithful God had us covered. At the opening session, we each had a scroll at our place setting. As each woman slowly unrolled her scroll, you could hear gasps, tears and shouts of joy. The P31 team had given a unique scripture to each of us.
Mine was 1 Corinthians 1:26-30:
“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”
God chose me – foolish and weak – to proclaim the truth of His word through writing. How did He know I would need that very verse? Not only at the conference, but each time I ponder this question: Why bother writing?
God showed up in a big way at this conference. And that should be no surprise.
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:20 (NASB)
Here are a few more inspirations and take-aways from She Speaks 2015:
- We must be with Him before we are sent out by Him. Lysa TerKeurst
- Trusting God is THE most important thing. Liz Curtis Higgs
- The key to boldness is knowing God is with us. Our greatest need is the power of the Holy Spirit. Micca Campbell
- You can only go and tell if you have seen and heard. Liz Curtis Higgs
Until next week,
Amen! Such wonderful takeaway quotes, Ellen. And yes, I had that ‘older lady’ feeling too. But then someone complimented me on my silver hair! God knows right when we need a smile, doesn’t He? Blessings my friend, and keep writing!
You have beautiful hair Kristine! And I can’t wait to read your book!
Well hello roomie! Thank you for paving the way for me at She Speaks 2014 so She Speaks 2015 would be perfect! I had such a fun time and I agree, we were a perfect match for roommates. When I tried to explain the tv thing to my family, it just didn’t seem to work. Some things are just beyond words they belong in delirium and giggles.
I’m still processing my verse and hoping to learn to appreciate it more as the days go by. You, my dear, have a beautiful story of “home” to tell and I look forward to being on your launch team.
I’m crying. Thank you! Love you!
Oh my gosh – I’m balling! lol Such sweet, sweet memories and I feel like I was high the whole time! lol Oh friends – you captured what my heart has been feeling since we left – GOD’S presence was so fervently with us! I love you…and that root, tooting, rip roaring roomie of yours!
Mel Mel, you are so dear to me! I love you too!
P.S. – I feel like I need to clarify … I have never been high in my life – so I really wouldn’t know what that feeling is. 😉
HAHAHAHA! I know you were talking about Ephesians 5:18 Don’t be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit! You were high on His Holy Spirit! A wonderful place to be…
I love this post in so many ways. What a treasure you have in each other.
Kelly, it was wonderful to give you a huge hug at She Speaks!
I’m balling, too, Melanie, that I wasn’t a part of this wonderful experience! You girls crack me up. I just have to meet all of you one of these days. Thanks for sharing this with us, Ellen.
As soon as we can get Betsy in Dallas, we can arrange a meet up! It would be wonderful to meet you face to face!
Thank you for this lovely share, Ellen… <3
Thanks so much for visiting Lily!
So, so glad you followed me on #RaRaLinkup today, Ellen, so I was sure to not miss your post. What you have shared here has encouraged me. Though I did not attend the conference, I have had similar thoughts along these same lines – too old, waited too long to begin, why bother, is anyone even reading (or caring). Your words have encouraged me! Thank you!
Oh, Karlene, we’re never too old for God’s kingdom! Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Ellen,
So glad you found a kindred at She Speaks and had such a wonderful time! And I think it’s brave of us those who are a little more seasoned and mature (!) to sit alongside those who are just beginning life’s journey! 🙂 Bravo, friend!
I like that – seasoned! Thanks Valerie!
Love the quotes too. I think we are always prone to either overinflate or minimize our contribution to the kingdom, but either our pride or our inferiority are taken away when we get a good understanding of the cross and God’s estimation of our worth in and through Him. thanks!
Thank you Karen!
Oh thank you so much for sharing this! I really wanted to go to the She Speaks conference, but we had to move halfway across America instead. Your post has made me even more excited for next year! Maybe I’ll see you there. Be blessed!
Yes! We’ll meet there. You will love it. Thanks so much for stopping by!