This past October was my first experience at the Women of Faith Conference. I was asked by Thomas Nelson Publishers to attend the conference and provide an unbiased review of the event.
I attended the conference with a group of ladies from my family and am glad that I decided to go with my "ladies." The conference offers not only inspiring and challenging talks but also the opportunity to create with other women of God.
All the speakers were awesome but there were a few that spoke to me personally. Shelia Walsh shared her personal story of childhood tragedy thru lifetime struggle. She talked about how God's redeeming power to use a broken vessel for His glory transformed her life. She, like all the speakers, shared some of the lowest points of their life and God's awesome presence throughout. By the time she finished her session of the conference, you feel as though you've known Shelia all your life and she is in your circle of friends. Shelia inspired me that when we allow God to use our struggles to speak to those around you, He can do great things. So often as women we try to hide our hurts and pains behind a happy face. God has the power to take what shames us and shine His power and glory through it.
Another speaker that touched me was Angie Smith. As a young mother who has experienced the loss of a child. I could relate to her experience of carrying a baby to term knowing that she wouldn't survive even a few hours. She spoke about the emotional roller coaster ride of that experience and how God gave her the opportunity to choose to keep her eyes on him or to listen to the advice of the world. Whether or not you are a mother, we all face this question over and over in our lives. Angie inspired me to look in His direction in the face of all difficult choices in life.
All the speakers at the conference and the amazing worship times made for a total experience that was refreshment for my soul. To stand shoulder to should with a stadium full of women who are seeking the face of God was truly a life changing experience. I would recommend to all ladies to find a Women of Faith conference near you, grab a group of lady friends, and let your soul be refreshed.
