2 Corinthians 2:15
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ”
Beauty for Ashes
AIM (Adventures in Missions) runs a beautiful women’s retreat called “Beauty for Ashes” where they empower and share the Gospel to women both in the US and around the World. As I have attended a few Women’s retreats in the past, I was expecting the usual teaching, notes, and then maybe some worship. I was pleasantly surprised with how interactive and creative this retreat was. After completing the retreat we were actually given the passages, tools, and structure- to be able to run the retreat ourselves!!! YES!!
The main part of the retreat that stuck out to me was how much it was centered on bringing everything back to the Lord- not relying on others or the person speaking. Each day we were asked to ask the Lord different questions like: how He viewed us, how we saw Him, a time in our lives when He was present, ect. We then were asked to draw what the Lord revealed to us. This would be a powerful way to connect with women through language barriers (if discipling in different cultures) and express without having to speak the experiences aloud (if it was a traumatic experience or something unable to put in words). The Lord gave me very vivid images and spoke to me in a way I’ve never experienced Him before. I thought I would share one:)
How I see him- A huge hand from heaven reaching down as I (small/ minuscule) step into the warmth of His palm. He holds me above the world. My protector and firm platform in which I stand. A God of love and grace. A God that I am just now realizing His forgiveness is so much more prevalent than His conviction.
Isaiah 49:14-16 says that not only does He carry us in His hands, but He has engraved us on the palm of His hand. He will shine His goodness upon you.
Stand for your Sisters
A list. Of struggles- hidden shameful acts, addiction, body image, insecurity. This was a 100% anonymous activity, so honesty was encouraged. Circle yes or no. We then switched papers and stood for our sister if they circled yes in experiencing this or struggling with this.
The Lord brought me to my knees once again to rebuild me up in Him. With this anonymous activity we were able to bring the shame to light and stand together. As I sat there circling yes after yes the shame creeped in. I left in tears. The Lord spoke this song over me as I was sitting alone, I quietly sang out to the Lord.
I put my faith in Jesus
My anchor to the ground
My hope and firm foundation
He’ll never let me down
Promises- Maverick City (my favorite song currently)
Again and again relentlessly the Lord reminds me of His LOVE for me. That He will never ever let me down. Even when I let myself down, the Lord will never let me down. As I returned into the room I felt the Lord’s peace surrounding me- along with the sweet open arms and love from the women on my squad, willing and ready to cry with me and heal with me. He GIVES us the gift of grace. We were already given it without even asking- through His death on the cross.
Satan’s strategy of attack is to make YOU feel ALONE in your struggles. Like you’re the only one. Unable to bring the sin to light because you feel like no one could ever relate. The Lord showed me that as women we must stand together, support each other, be vulnerable in our struggles, fight against satan TOGETHER as a whole, and lean into the Lord with our doubts, press into the truths He speaks over each and every one of His daughters.
My identity/your identity in sweet Yaweh.
Beloved- Jeremiah 31:3
A Child of God- 1 John 3:1
Delighted In- Zephaniah 3:17
Forgiven- 1 Peter 2:24
Washed Clean- Isaiah 1:18
Free- Galatians 5:1
Temple of the Holy Spirit- 1 Corinthians 6:9
Adopted Into God’s Family- Romans 8:17
Righteous- 2 Corinthians 5:21
New- 2 Corinthians 5:17
A Saint- 1 Corinthians 6:11
An Ambassador of Christ- 2 Corinthians 5:20
Holding a Secure Future- Jeremiah 29:11
Whole in Christ- Colossians 2:10
Wonderfully Made- Psalm 139:14
Set Apart- 1 Peter 2:9
A Sweet Aroma- 2 Corinthians 2:15
Never Alone- Deuteronomy 31:8
A Masterpiece- Ephesians 2:10
Bold- 2 Corinthians 3:12
Guaranteed Victory- Psalm 18:35
An Empty Perfume Bottle (Luke 7)
A beautiful team leader on my squad surrendered her all to the Lord, in a beautiful way! Her boldness is an inspiration to all women. Watch this short but impactful video that further explains: https://youtu.be/S-KjNnXoPjY
Samaritan’s Purse Update
My squad and I will be leaving Georgia campus and road tripping to Foley, Alabama on October 31st! We are beyond pumped to share the Gospel and serve- hurricane disaster relief. Here is a Samaritan’s Purse video that further explains what we will be doing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBZTT8iWKt4
SO thankful and humbled to serve sweet Jesus alongside you all. You are Beautiful, You are Strong, and most importantly You are DELIGHTED IN.
Blessings,
Viv <3
