"Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." Philippians 2:3-4

Hello Women of Hope, I pray you are well today!

We are right in the middle of Lent, and these verses from Philippians, along with those that follow ( Philippians 2:3-11) are probably my favorite to ponder during this season. The desire to impress others is something that is so challenging for us to escape. We all have things that are our gifts, things we are naturally good at, and we can't help but love it when others notice. Many of you know that I will be the first in line to champion a woman using her gifts. I will also be the first to tell you that in order to be useful for the Kingdom, God is going to do something in your heart that makes the gift (and the person who possesses it) what he wants it to be, and sometimes that stings. Sometimes it stings a lot. In Jesus' case, it was a literal death.
 
"But though Jesus was God, he did not consider equality with God something to cling to, but instead he took the humble position of a slave." (Philippians 2:6-7)
 
In order to be what God has created us to be, we simply must give up what we think we deserve, what we believe we have earned, what we believe our life should be. This is a ridiculously courageous thing to do. We don't get to see what the end will look like, we simply (courageously) trust that God's got it. I pray for you during the remaining days of the Lenten season, that you would be encouraged to step forward courageously to be the woman God has gifted you to be. I pray your heart will cry out for God to do what must be done for your gifts to bring Him glory. This is a courageous prayer, because the answer might sting. Yet you are not alone - far from it. You are a child of God. Own that truth and make it yours. Amen.
 
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to check out the next series of Wholehearted Workshops for Women. You will be diving into your unique personality, and how God wants to use your gifts, your experiences, and your true self for his glory. The first class begins Monday, March 19, and you'll want to register early for access to the materials to be prepared for the first night.
 
Our women's classes are in full swing, but you can join in any time and we would love to have you! You can learn about everything happening in Women's Ministry by exploring the calendar on our website. Our Monday Evening Group is kicking off a new series on March 19 featuring the Really Bad Girls of the Bible - so check it out!
 
Finally, get your ticket for the Women's Ministry Spring Brunch on April 14! Speaker Jody Whitsitt will bless us with a conversation on grace; the music will be wonderful; and you will have an opportunity to partner with us in supporting the vocational school for women in Ghana, Africa. Your ticket purchase provides funding which supplements the tuition costs, and a freewill offering will take place to provide sewing machines for these young women as they graduate.
 
God is on the move, and it blows me away every day that he would choose us - yet he does. I invite you to join the party! I hope to see you soon at Hope!
 
Pastor Amanda  
 

A Kids' Easter Eggstravaganza is one hour before each service on Saturday, March 31. Holy Week service times are also listed.
>> Learn more


Create a spring wreath.
Monday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 pm
>> Learn more

Parenting Your Teen Through Challenges, Saturday, March 24 & April 14, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
>> Learn more