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Grace Touch
Facilitating Global Impact
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Saving Influence
By Melissa Kreis & Viki Rife
"I don't know if I can do this any more," Mary confided to Shelly, her best friend. Shelly was surprised. This didn't sound like the Mary she knew. When they were growing up together, Mary had always been a leader, whether as president of her high school student body or editor of her college newspaper. She was highly respected at her job, and was usually the one assigned to mentor newcomers in the office.
But when the conversation turned to the ministry Mary was leading in her church, Shelly detected despair as Mary poured out her challenges. Coordinating and motivating volunteers required constant effort. Some of those under her didn't follow through on what they said they were going to do, leaving her scrambling to cover bases. Several of the male leaders in her church seemed insecure and felt threatened by anything she did. They also seemed to resent the way people turned to her for answers.
"The worst part is, I feel so alone!" Mary admitted. "I just wish I could talk to someone who has been there and can help me figure some things out." (
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A Prayer Summit
What is your soul crying for? Let's meet September 30-October 2 to seek God together. For more information on the Soul Cry summit, click
here
.
Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2016
Auburn, IN
LaQuinta Inn & Conference Center
Register and Make a Room Reservation TODAY!
Cost: $95
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Prayer Watch with Sharon MacMillan
Investing in Effective Influence
Should women influence men? Do they influence men? If so, how do they influence men and why should they do so?
Whether or not we think women should influence men, they are often placed in positions where they do. Golda Meir was known for her stabilizing effect for the Israeli government and its people. Esther influenced her king to allow the Jews to protect themselves from anti-Semitic attack.
The authors of Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood discuss women's influence through prayer as a God-appointed means of getting men to be where they should be. We know by experience the negative impact of nagging, shaming or criticizing. In fact, it may lead men to react in the opposite way. So our call is to live wisely and righteously: "The prayer of a righteous [woman] avails much" (James 5:16b).
In the context of a conservative view on women's roles comes this powerful quote: "Praying women exert far more power in this world than all political leaders put together. This kind of powerful influence is compounded immensely when one considers the degree to which the world is shaped and guided by the effects of how men and women are formed by their mothers. This influence is perhaps more effective than all the leadership of men put together."
(Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, p. 51)
Prayer from God's daughters will allow us to be effective influencers.
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"This is what I've been needing, and I didn't even realize it!" Once again last weekend at the Soul Care class in Eagle River, Alaska, women shared how much the Women's Leadership Studies classes mean to them. If you have ever attended one of the classes and been blessed by it, would you consider giving just $15 a month to help us reach other women with the opportunity? Our Trellis consists of women who help provide support so we can support women in their spiritual growth. For more information on the
Trellis
Ministry and how to donate, or to find out about the other ministries of WGUSA, visit our
website
.
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Power that Overcomes
Do you like to hear how what God is teaching other people like yourself about His power? The articles in Women's Spectrum magazine help us connect and learn from each other. We are touched when we receive a message such as this one from Robin Penfold, army chaplain's wife and one of our featured missionaries:
"Just wanted to let you know I received a copy of the recent edition of Women's Spectrum and enjoyed hearing from the hearts of the other Women of Grace.
"While reading Laura Hoffard's article (Air Force wife), I felt remiss in not having included ALL military wives in my suggestion to pray for and/or "adopt" a chaplain's wife-especially since it is more likely to be someone from their church who is serving in any military branch."
Thank you, Robin, for your thoughtful and gracious spirit.
Haven't purchased a copy of the Spectrum yet? Order
here
.
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Mom to Mom: What's Saving Your Life Right Now?
By Kate Ward
I have been a mom now for almost 10 years. When I look back at the last decade, I can't believe how meaningful my life has become. I am so thankful for God's blessing of raising three sweet boys.
So ten years ago, my number one priority became being a mom. I live and breathe it. When I lay my head down on my pillow at night, I am still in mom mode with my mom lists in my head. Motherhood never sleeps, literally.
But as the years go on, I realize that being a good mom means being who God made me to be. He made me to be a parent, but that is just one part of me. However, it is a big part of me and it needs a lot of attention.
A friend of mine introduced me to a phrase that she and her husband use when life gets overwhelming with the day to day needs. They ask each other, what is saving your life right now? Or in other words, what is giving you life right now?
As much as I love being a mom, I notice that often I don't have my own space. (
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Mark your Calendar
Sept 30-Oct. 2 - Soul Cry: A Prayer Summit - Auburn, IN
Register
Nov 4-5 - Spiritual Formation (Spanish) - Winona Lake, IN
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