Women's Mission Conference

Today, we were very blessed by the testimony of two women, who shared very tender testimonies of God's work in their lives, and in the lives of people they minister to. 

 

We had a friend who dressed in the traditional clothing of the conservative Muslim women and pointed out that although they are hidden and covered, we have to see each woman as a person, and minister to her needs as an individual.

 

 

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Great Day

Cottonwood is a church that is a bit unusual. We make plans, but we are also flexible. Today was one of those days when a few unusual things happened, and it was glorious.
We have been involved in prison ministry for several years. In 2008, a man from prison asked if he could join the church. He appreciated that the pastor came to speak every month, and other men went in with him, and he just wanted to be a part of the church. Pastor Mike told us about John, and showed us his picture. We all rejoiced and welcomed him as a new member of Cottonwood, but we never met him or heard about him again. John was moved into another facility shortly after that.
Today, he and his wife walked into the church and sat down on the second row. John has been out of prison for 6 months, living in Ft Worth with is wife. At the end of the service, Mike introduced John and told the story of how he joined the church in 2008. John said he served 7300 days, and had always wondered if he would ever walk through the doors of Cottonwood. It was such a special time. We once again rejoiced and affirmed him. Mike had John and his wife stand at the front so that we could all greet them.
I invited them to go to lunch with us and we had a great time. John's wife tearfully said that it was such a good day. She rarely feels that they can openly share about John's background, and it was such a relief to let down their guard and be completely accepted. I am so grateful to be a part of a church that would accept welcome anyone who loves the Lord, regardless of their past or their problems.

Let it Go

Yesterday's post was pretty theological. Today is practical.
God has been speaking to me the last few weeks. He has been saying, "Let it go."
I have not seen Frozen. I haven't even heard the full song, Let it Go. But, I know that God has been speaking those words to me a lot recently. He means the same thing as "Die to self", but it sounds more pleasant.
When I have the opportunity to be offended, God says, "Let it go." When I start to get angry, God says, "Let it go." When thoughts of worry or anxiety come, God is saying, "Let it go." I have learned that there is much freedom and joy in choosing to just let things go.
Choosing to let things go is a step of trust. I am saying that I trust God enough to let Him handle things.
Recently, I felt that I had been misunderstood in a big way, judged by what someone thought I would think without ever asking me. There was a part of me that wanted to defend and explain, but God spoke those words, "Let it go." God told me to stop the mental explanations, to stop formulating a defense. As I chose His way, I found joy, and peace, and freedom.