What Happened in Richmond …

Earlier this year I committed to being more intentional with both my money and my time. This commitment has included a realignment of my priorities for the next few months and an exploration of new ventures. On Friday my friend Abigail – remember her 🙂 – and I took a road trip to Richmond, Virginia to attend Propel Women Activate! I stumbled on a YouTube video of Christine Cain in the spring. After listening to a few of her messages and learning more about her story, I started following her on social media. This summer as I was becoming active in my church’s women’s ministry and the coordinator shared Propel Women as a resource for those of us joining in on a new initiative. Fast forward a month or so as Abigail and I got the bright idea of planning faith-based, First Fridays and we were planning a trip to Richmond!

I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect. Other than listening to a few of the invited guests (Christine Cain + Lisa Harper, Dr. Rhiannon Bell, LoriAnn Rogers, Jackie Hill Perry, and Dianna Nepstad) via YouTube or following them on social media, I had no idea what my experience would be hearing them speak. I’d never traveled to another state to attend a women’s conference, never attended a women’s conference of this size – and with so many nationally and internally known speakers, and I’d never been to Richmond. Oh, this was also my first road trip with Abigail and we’d opted to rent an Airbnb in an unknown neighborhood. Adventure! Adventure! Adventure!

When I reserved our rental car, I selected the “we pick” option which means the customer doesn’t know what kind of car they will have until arrival. Our “we pick”: a royal blue, convertible mustang! The trip was off to a great start. With ample snacks and a load of catching up to do, the four-hour drive breezed by. We arrived safely to our Airbnb and were greeted by the lovely property manager. The place is located in a “transitioning” neighborhood, but was perfect: ample space and character for the one night we’d spend there. We had dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant – one of my favorites – and Abigail found the perfect spot for a long overdue, sweet treat indulgence. Saturday was going to be a long day so the night ended early.

By the time we arrived at the venue on Saturday morning – 30 minutes before doors were scheduled to open – there were already over 100 women waiting in line. We braved the cold, ushered in when the doors opened, and were met with a flurry of excitement! Women of all ages and ethnicities busy chatting, snapping photos, buying apparel, giving hugs, and laughing. The day started with a full worship set by Bethel Music. I wasn’t ready! I was expecting an opening song or two, not a full mini concert (and they returned to the stage twice that day) – what a blessing! Christine Cain came out full of energy and started the day with our first round of God’s word. Two other women preached that day, in addition to one of the most tear-jerking panels I’ve ever witnessed as women talked about becoming unstuck and leadership. There were also physical activity breaks infused throughout the day (go Public Health!).

By the end of the day, I was both overfull and exhausted. I kept thinking about the times I have blown $70 or $80 with little recollection of what I spent the money on and definitely, no worthwhile return on investment. Attending this conference and doing so with my dear friend was one of the best investments of my time, money and attention I could make in this season. Seeing women come from all across the country to fellowship and hear from the speakers; witnessing women praying, crying, and praising together; being encouraged about the journey ahead; being reminded yet again that I am not alone; worshiping with Bethel Music; seeing a little of Richmond (I want to go back for a longer visit!); gaining clarity on a few areas of my life; and receiving a much needed recharge as we near the end of the semester were just some of the blessings this trip and conference delivered.

I am grateful to have had the desire and provisions to attend the conference. I am grateful for safe travels and an overflow of blessings I never imagined. And I am excited to see what will come of the transformation that took place in that venue. Below are a few excerpts from the notes (direct and paraphrased quotes from various speakers throughout the day) I took. Enjoy!

• We don’t know if we truly believe until we don’t get what we want.
• The “missing” words of today’s church: “NEVERTHELESS, not my will but thy will be done.” (Luke 22:42b)
• Compare leads to despair.
• One of the benefits of living in (Christian) community is accountability.
• Our faith walk should be a delight, not simply a duty.
• Idolatry: Believing that something we see will be better to us than God.
• Remember Lot’s wife!
• The issue is your FRUITFULNESS, not your salvation, not God’s love for you or forgiveness of you …

Out of context, these snippets probably mean little to nothing to you. BUT perhaps this post has sparked your interest in checking out Propel Activate or another women’s conference in your area. I’m believing and affirming with you that your attendance will be well worth your time, attention, and money :-)!