I was asked...

I was asked to be a speaker at the spring women's retreat at our church. It's in March. The topic of the retreat is, "How to have a living faith while going through difficult times in your life." I was told that I could think about it and that I didn't need to give my answer right away. I told her that I didn't need to think about it and to put me down as a 'yes'. I'm not much of a public speaker and will be pretty nervous in front of so many people but if the Lord can be glorified in our story and if the cause of the orphan can be communicated, I'm there.

Now, I have to admit that even though I've gone to this church for 27 years or so and been very involved in many capacities, I have never been to a woman's retreat in my life. Here's the reason. I never though 'those' ladies would like me too much. Hang on, don't think I have a low self-esteem problem...it's not that. It's just that when I think of a women's conference I think of lovely women with perfectly sprayed hair in a skirt and jacket and ugggghhhhh.....the worst thing......panty hose and pumps. They talk perfectly and are prim and proper and have it all together. You can tell this by their appearance, can't you?

Ok, you're seeing one of my biases here. I'm just being honest.

I'm not one of those ladies at all. I used to try a little but have long since given up and now admit that I only wear dress pants on Christmas and maybe Easter but otherwise you can find me in jeans or in the summer jean capris each and every Sunday. You will find me in my Born sandals and a t-shirt being comfy with my legs crossed Indian style in my seat. This is what I'm comfortable in and it's who I am. Maybe that's why I worked with the youth for years. They are not impressed with ladies in dresses either.

Don't get me wrong, I'm clean and not sloppy and smelly or anything.

Now I'm not only going to the women's retreat, I'm a speaker and so honored and priveledged to be one. I'm excited to see what God has in mind and how He will use me in this capacity. I believe God has a purpose that is much, much bigger in all the things we've been through than I can understand. I believe this opportunity might give me a better idea about where that might lead. I just want to be used to glorify Him.

So that brings me back to my preconceived notion about the clothing issue. I'm thinking already that I might have to break down and wear some dress pants to this event. What do you think? But I can guarantee you one thing. I put my foot down on the panty hose and pumps! Not happening!

I guess I'll dress appropriately because if it promotes awareness of the need for strong families to pour their lives into the cause of the orphan to make a change, I'll do it.

Blessings,

Laura