Growing for God: An Arise Retreat Experience

One day, I was Googling and stumbled across The Arise Retreat presented by Saint Gabriel Media and Brooke Taylor of Good Things Radio. I saw the list of awesome speakers (some I have met before or have longed to meet) and I knew I had to be there. As it all sank in for twenty-four hours, my husband continued to encourage me to go. One of the biggest hurdles was the fact that I live in Connecticut and the retreat was in Ohio. I would have to take a flight...alone. Nervously sweating on the inside as a non-risk taker, I knew God had to be behind it. The crazy in me took over (the Holy Spirit) and I clicked the “Buy Tickets” link. I quickly messaged my friend from Massachusetts to see if she was going too. God sent her the same message: that she had to be there. We ended up booking our flights together due to her greater familiarity of airline travel.

The first night, I stood up in front of a room of “strangers” and felt at ease speaking on a microphone. This calmness was not my norm. It was definitely the Holy Spirit taking over. There was so much energy and love for God in one room. I have never felt at home amongst a bunch of women before. I felt included and part of a sisterhood in Christ. There was no judging or gossiping. We were all there because we wanted to know, love, and serve God.

I often feel on the outside when it comes to trying to make lady friends. I don't know if it is just my reserved nature, or lack of social skills, but I don't feel that I have that much in common with a typical woman. But these women understood me. They were mothers, sisters, wives and friends too. They all had burdens and trials that they shared. I even felt safe and welcomed enough to share things about myself I wouldn't even share with good friends. I have a lot of control and trust issues, even with God. So when it comes to imperfect human beings, it is at least ten times harder to open up. I had a lot of baggage going into the retreat and it was hard to not want God to fix everything. He does not always answer in our time, but in His. I am slowly trying to let Him reveal His plan for me.

The women at the retreat were so awesome and welcoming. I had the opportunity to meet some of my role models and they are so humble and beautiful in person. I can't believe the opportunities I have already been blessed with since the retreat. The true blessing is being part of a spiritual sisterhood and knowing that God loves me as I already am.

When was the last time you felt God's love? How often do you feel like being yourself is enough for God?