Working Women, Community and God
We heard so many times at the Boldly Conference how important it is to be in community with other believers. Stacy Matlock reminds us that we need to be Boldly Unified.
It’s not too late to buy a recording of this year’s Boldly Conference if you want to be inspired to unite with fellow believers.
When you look up the word Community in the dictionary you will find different versions of the definition. I recently found this one: “A group of people with diverse characteristics who are linked by social ties, share common perspectives, and engage in joint action in geographical locations or settings.”
I crave community! What about you?
I know every aspect of life works better when I invest in my relationship with God. And a relationship with God requires faith. I sometimes imagine the stories in the Bible and how they relate to me today. I sit in silence after reading God’s Word hoping He will say something, but I am often left wondering if I am just hearing my own thoughts. We search for God when we are in need, when we are sad, when we are troubled. We often even make decisions without waiting on God’s direction, and afterwards pray it was the right decision. I am guilty of this.
I can make the excuse that I am busy and on short deadlines, distracted with the busyness of everyday work life and balancing family and faith. I am not proud to say that my busyness at work often takes priority over everything else in my life and I am left feeling restless, overwhelmed, and drained.
I need God and I need community! I imagine a community of diverse women coming together to connect with new friends, mentors, accountability partners and prayer partners lifting each other up in prayer; a community of women who support one another in integrating our faith at work, fellowship together and share the JOY of our Lord and Savior.
When the opportunity to help lead a faith-based group of working women in Northwest Arkansas was presented to me, I jumped at the chance, then prayed for God’s direction and guidance. As I continue to pray for God’s direction in this role, my hope is others see I am simply an imperfect vessel. I need Jesus every hour of every day. I often take for granted He is there for me, yet I don’t always take the time to put HIM first in my life.
I am thankful God never gives up on any of us and each day is a chance to start over. Our God is a loving and forgiving God, and we are the clay (Jeremiah 18:4-6).
We are given opportunities throughout our lives to make choices. My choice today is to serve others by inviting women in our region to join together in community so we can support and encourage one another.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20, “If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”
And Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 points out, “If two lie down together, they can stay warm. But how can anyone stay warm alone? Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap.”
We are stronger together.
I am stepping out in faith with my good friend, Anne, to help lead a faith-based community of working women called “Polished.” I hope you will join us in praying for a community of women who come together just as we are, imperfect, as the clay that God is molding each day. In Matthew 11:28-29, God says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” This scripture puts a huge smile on my face and brings me peace.
I look forward to what God has in store for all who participate in this community of working women as we fellowship, learn and find the peace only God can provide. We are all imperfect people seeking God’s grace and mercy as we are molded in His Love. Let’s push the busyness of work aside for one hour a month and make time for Jesus and His Word as we seek Him in our work and all of life together!
Stacy Matlock is a financial planner in Northwest Arkansas.