Women of Faith Imagine ~ My Experience

 

I went to Women of Faith Imagine in Charlotte this past weekend.  What an incredible two days!

First, let me say that two things set an welcoming atmosphere from the beginning for me.  One was that most of the men's restrooms had been marked as women's restrooms.  Can you “imagine” that many women in one building?  That equals long, long lines for the restroom.  Brilliant idea to use the men's restrooms.  Second, they had a nursing mother's room.  I went to a conference several years ago during the time I was still nursing Jonathan where I had to pump in a bathroom.  Not fun.  Having this quiet little curtained off area was wonderful.  Huge thanks to the organizers of Women of Faith for these two easy but experience making things.

I'm not one who likes spending time around a lot of women.  Not. my. thing.  I'm not into sappy, feel good talks.  Women of Faith is not that.  The speakers at Women of Faith are real and open.  So real that they want to be near each other and do life together.  They are open and vulnerable.  They are funny, refreshing, inspiring, and again so funny.  That's how I'd describe the event.  Did I mention funny?  There were times that I was laughing so hard that I couldn't breathe.

Here are a few of my favorite takeaways from some of the speakers:

• Can't have a new tomorrow and if we take today into tomorrow. – Dr. Henry Cloud
• God is the author of joy.  Perfection is not a requirement.  God will never leave you or forsake you. – Ken Davis
• We spend so much time trying to get it right that we miss the point. – Sheila Walsh
• In Israel, the shepherd always goes before the sheep, leading the way. It's not your responsibility to get yourself home. -Sheila Walsh
• Anger is our check engine soon light. – Nicole Johnson

If there is a Women of Faith event near you or you are able to travel to one, I definitely recommend it.  I'll be trying to go next time they are in the area.

{Disclaimer, Women of Faith provided me with a free ticket in exchange for two blog posts and one month of advertising.}