I just spent 7 days being affirmed, and I cannot begin to tell you what that feels like. Training camp was intense and it took a physical toll, that's for sure. But I would do it all over again in a heart beat, because the floodgates of heaven poured down and quenched the thirst of my soul in that week I spent in Toccoa Falls, Georgia.
When I arrived to meet the other 60 people of my missionary squad, I was running on fumes. I was dry. I was coming out of the heat of battle and feeling more than just a little beat up from living a life of faith.
So Jesus met me right where I was, as He always faithfully does. He brought those 60 people into my life to simply love me. They loved on me. I'll say it again — they loved on me.
At training camp, I was refilled by the Holy Spirit to overflowing and I was rejuvenated. I received exciting visions, spoke life into people, received healing and just boatloads of affirmation.
People would touch my shoulder or hold my hand or hug me and lock eyes with me and speak truth, love and encouragement into me. In every individual, with whom I have the privilege to serve alongside in the mission field, the Holy Spirit was manifest and would speak into me through them. Sometimes it was a prophetic word, an encouragement, a prayer and sometimes people would even sing over me!
It gives me chills just thinking about it.
More than anything else that stood out to me, amongst the women of virtue, God surrounded me with men of biblical caliber.
My I-Squad brothers are amazing. When these men speak, the scars of my heart are erased, my spirit is lifted, and I'm stirred to press harder into the heart of Jesus and burst forth into battle. I dare to say, that when these men speak I hear the voice of Jesus in my life. When these men speak, they are literally vanquishing all the past hurts, fears and lies caused by boys that have never learned to be real men. Mighty men. Men of honor and high courage and love. Men who speak life. Life.
- Imelda, I am absolutely against abortion; but I am 100% for you. I will fight for you, honor you, love you and pray for you. If men would be real men, there wouldn't be fatherless children, abortion and divorce. You are worthy, my sister.
- You are beautiful, and we will protect you. You are a godly woman, and I'm encouraged by you.
- I love your boldness! Keep encouraging your sisters. Lead them into freedom.
- Thank you for your example.
- When you speak, your words are like a sword. I appreciate the way you love the Lord and serve us.
- You're one cool chick.
- I'm ready to serve with you. Let's do this, baby.
My brothers are teaching me to appreciate biblical manhood. They are co-laborers in the Kingdom and they are for me, not against me. I love my brothers.
The sisters of I-Squad are indeed blessed! Can I get a witness?
