She Retreat

What a joy it was to be one of the 80 ladies that came together at the Country Place Inn in Moscow, TN on April 6th and 7th for our SHE retreat! Our speaker was one of our former Living Hope members and a dear friend of mine, Mackenzi Groff. The weekend was titled “Everyday Holiness.” She expounded on the truth that the majority of life is lived in the mundane moments. Much of our daily and weekly routines make up the largest part of our lives. Mackenzi challenged us with the truth that God reveals His glory in every second of every day. Even when my day feels boring, God is in that! She said, “when we seek to give gratitude, see glimpses of God in creation, use our gifting, participate in godly group, and pursue ordinary opportunities for gospel living, we work alongside God to reveal His glory in all moments.” 

I am so thankful that I was able to hear this timely message as I am a wife, a mom of three young children, and also work part-time outside our home. It was also a blessing to get a break from my normal responsibilities and get away for a weekend with many of you ladies! I laughed a lot, cried a little, and ate three meals that I didn’t have to cook myself! 

Gathering together in the beautiful chapel, worshipping our Savior with 80 voices led by Heather and Joanna and listening to Mackenzi guide us through God’s word were rejuvenating to my soul. Anita opened and closed each session and gracefully led us through the weekend.

And the ladies that shared testimonies of what the Lord is doing in their lives...Joanna with her family’s fostering journey, Jennifer and her journey to being mentored and mentoring others, and Brandi and Natalie’s craft ministry in North Memphis to primarily Muslim women were amazing and inspiring. There were more stories that I heard that touched my heart. It is all such a good reminder to me that God loves it when we as believers gather together. We need each other. It is essential to our Christian walk. It is encouraging to us so that we can encourage each other, our neighbors, our co-workers, and our world. 

- Laura Oppenheimer