WHAT GOES ON IN CONCORD COMES BACK TO PITTSBURGH

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go... (Ruth 1:16)

Ever take such a leap of faith you thought you’d just die? Now I hope you don’t think I mean that in the literal sense, but following after your dreams is exciting, exhilarating, liberating, frightening and yet, just so right to do. Ruth was about to embark on the greatest adventure of her entire life as well. She had Naomi to thank because if she had responded like her sister in-law, Orpah, the lineage of David and ultimately Christ would not have been birthed through her! Take a minute to ponder that one. Naomi introduced her to a God…no, THE God of her salvation and the impact of that leap of faith changed MY (and YOUR) entire life!

I share this because the “Naomi” of my life has been a desire to write. I’ve written personal newsletters. I’ve written and edited for business publications. I’ve written music. I’ve written journal entries. Hey, I’ve even penned encouraging booklets for people who needed a word to hang onto. Why? Just because, I guess (smile). About six months ago, my hunger for more of THE God that feeds my creative soul caused me to run across an on-line devotional site called Proverbs 31 Woman. I clicked and joined. I began to feast on the writings from obedient daughters desiring to bring “God’s peace, perspective and purpose to today’s busy woman.” I thought, “Whoa! I am all about seeking God’s purpose. Where do I sign!?” A couple of months later, I was registered to attend my first-ever “She Speaks” conference. This weekend, I'm set to join other aspiring writers, speakers, teachers and women’s ministry leaders on a quest for their own peace, perspective and purpose. I can’t infer anything about Ruth’s response to Naomi, but I can tell you that what I anticipate happening in Concord, NC this weekend will no doubt change the course of my entire life!

If I could ask you for anything, I’d say keep me in prayer. I go to listen for God. I go to be directed by God. I go to be led by God. I go because I know God will be with me. Pray for safe travel for the other 595 delegates from as far as South Africa and as close as Concord itself. Pray for a double measure of God’s peace over anxiety, God’s perspective over discouragement and God’s purpose over uncertainty in every one of us. And finally, pray for the lives of all who attend – delegates and conference coordinators alike. Pray we are transformed and renewed, lifted and refreshed, invigorated and focused for incredible creativity to come bursting out for God’s glory. All I know is what goes on in Concord, NC this weekend is assured to come back to Pittsburgh and this blog!