Heading south–if:gathering

It’s that week. The week I jump on a plane all by myself and head to a conference where I know no one and to tell you the truth I’m equal parts giddy with excitement and terrified with fear. In some ways I have no idea what possessed me to plan this trip and go alone but there’s that girl in me, 10 years younger, who jumped on a plane to spend the summer in France with only one or two that I knew, and I loved it. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.

And I’m hoping that in some similar ways, this trip to the if:gathering will have similar sentiments upon my arrival home. 10 years later, so much of my life has changed. And yet that longing to be a part of changing lives and ministering to those around me hasn’t left me. I am passionate about Jesus, and women, and community. If: gathering is about just that. Bringing together women from all backgrounds and denominations to pour out their love for Jesus in tangible and life giving ways. I’m excited to learn and grow and hopefully wrestle through hard questions and issues of my own heart.

I’m excited to get on a plane all by myself and live outside of my comfort zone. I’m an introvert, you know, and this is about as scary as it gets for those of us with that moniker. But somewhere deep inside of me I know this is on my path of growth and will be so beneficial to my everyday life that if I take nothing away from the trip but that I could reach outside of myself and explore extroversion then I know it will be a success.

And just being honest, I’ve every possible reason at my fingertips why I should throw in the towel and cancel. This past week leading up to the trip has been anything but smooth. Our daughter has been down for the count with an awful cold and all she wants to do is be held and rocked by her momma. And you know it’s breaking this momma’s heart to know I’ll be leaving her. I can only hope and pray she’ll be healed and thriving by Thursday night. Otherwise I may be a mess on the plane.

But I’m going to go and I hope you’ll pray with me and for me as I go. For safety and courage and faith that I will live this adventure to the fullest.

If you are local, make sure you check out if:local and see if someone is hosting the live stream somewhere near you. I think it’s going to be encouraging to say the least.

To adventure and growing outside of our comfort zones!