It was an AMAZING weekend. Melinda Garman and I, along with five incredible women spent a weekend in the mountains praying, seeking and talking about the new ministry gIRL.
It was a sweet time of unity. God revealed Himself in a mighty way. He showed us just what He expects from us as we move forward with gIRL — total dependence on Him.
I stand in awe of His provision and sweet care. He has repeatedly revealed Himself to me (and Melinda) as we've walked through these planning stages. And then this weekend happened…. and oh my!
What an incredible blessing and a time of revelation. It was also a time when I LEARNED a bit more about inclusiveness. In my desire to not hurt any, I ended up hurting some who are dear. But we met it head on and in truth and love we talked it through. We slammed that door on the enemy! And thanks to sweet sisters in the faith who are so loving and forgiving, I've lived a lesson I won't forget.
I headed back home filled with ideas, plans, and a list of to do items I couldn't wait to tackle. I was excited, thrilled, and ready to dive head first into God's Word and His Will for gIRL.
I walked through the door, kissed my man, hugged my girl, petted the dog, and talked to the cat — and then I tackled the stack of mail on the counter. It was different, hand addressed. I love a real letter so I ripped into it before tackling the bills and the plethora of credit card offers. Typed on plain paper, I was shocked at what I read. Seems this person, who didn't sign the letter, knows me and considers me a mighty prayer warrior. Sadly, she also believes that I've been spreading some type of rumors about someone — she was very vague and still managed to be very venomous.
I was stunned. Shocked. Why would someone who knows me and considers me a prayer warrior believe that I would spread lies and why would she write me a nasty letter instead of just asking me? I was confused — and I'm still confused. I don't understand people who mail unsigned letters. Trust me, I'm FAR from perfect and I have made some horrible mistakes and still do. I asked the Lord to reveal any malice I have in my heart toward anyone. I asked that He show me if the letter held any truth.
And there I stood…. literally only home for minutes before I wanted tun and hide. Just curl up in the corner and let the world go by. But that's not what we are called to do.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me? Ps 56:4
I do PRAISE His name and His Word
I trust Him.
I make a choice not to be afraid. I was afraid to tell anyone about the letter — but I faced that fear, trusted God and shared the letter. I was afraid to take one more step into ministry…. I wanted to quit. I
don't want mean letters, but I trusted God and I'm still here.
I know the enemy throws darts at us, but it breaks my heart that someone who knows me, who's prayed with me, would do this type of thing. I don't get it, but I don't have to. I'm moving forward. Trusting God to show me His will
And I'm not reading anymore anonymous letters… not this week anyway.
You know, I think God is going to make sure everything will work out according to His plan. I know that nasty letters can be disheartening (I’ve gotten a few myself because of my book)but as long as you remember you are not out to please man or woman but God you’ll be headed in the right direction. I can’t wait to see what God’s got planned for your ministry. 🙂
What that person meant for harm, God is going to use for good, my friend and sister! Praying that God will show the hand of the enemy and then bind those hands that would bring you harm, sister.
I love you!
Holly
That is not a coincidence that you received that letter on such a God high!
The enemy wanted to deflate your bubble and make you question the whole ministry opportunity
I am so thankful you chose to believe God who is the teller of TRUTH and the lifter of heads
The One who loves, forgives, and restores!
I am going to pray for this anonymous person – may God give her peace and a kinder heart!
Much love
Mary,
Your ministry efforts and future must powerfully impact the Kingdom. The enemy sure is worries and trying to derail you. Don’t give an inch and know how beautiful and loved you are by many and especially the Lord. Hugging you.
My sweet friend…..your friends and sisters will stand with you and pray. remember…satan loves to attack after you have been high up on the mountain with God….he likes to take the wind out of your sail….but don’t worry about him GOD our loving savior is in control….you serve a MIGHTY GOD and HIS strength can overcome anything! I love you!
Satan loves to try and bring us down, especially when we’re at such a wonderful place with God.
You are wonderful and I’m so glad to have met you and can call you friend!
The enemy does indeed know when we are excited about expanding God’s kingdom and he is right there to burst your bubble. Hand the entire thing over to God and move forward with your exciting plans!
And I think anonymous people are rather cowardly. If they have a problem they should own it and come to you in the light. Since they didn’t, try not to treat it as real.
wow, I’m so sorry… I see this as a direct attack. Targeted on purpose at just the right time.
It reminds me of the book of Mark when the disciples saw the transformation of Jesus and as soon as they headed down they had to deal with a demon possessed child(almost sure it was a child). Would need to reread to be sure.
Nonetheless, this is time to stand and praise the LORD for who He is and who you are in Him. Forgiven. Loved. And redeemed.
Hugs from Colorado Springs! Now to pray for you and whoever that was. God is able to restore this.
Sweet Mary…
This sort of thing kills me when it happens. We girls feel deeply. We experience joy deeply. But we also carry with us the propensity to get hurt deeply.
Guard your heart sweet friend. A true friend would have come to you and lovingly addressed whatever was on her heart and given you a chance to clarify any misunderstandings.
Standing off in the shadows and sending accusing letters does not speak to me this person is being guided by Jesus in their actions with this situation.
Love you friend…
Love to you today Mary, that’s about all I can say. Sending love to you today. You love the Lord and I trust your heart. May you be at peace and ask Him to fill you up where you feel weak today.