Influenced.
If you know me (in real life or only online), it's quite possible that you've heard me talk about bloggers and/or the Influence Network.
Quick history: about this time last year, I started finding some Christian blogger ladies that I was inspired by/encouraged by/able to relate to. I specifically remember following Hayley (www.thetinytwig.com) and seeing her post about the Influence Conference. (That's how I remember it was about a year ago! Hahaha)
Then, after the conference, I started reading the recap blogs of other ladies who attended the conference and had their lives and hearts rocked! I'm pretty sure I follow a ton of those ladies now!
As much as I wish I was going to the conference this weekend, it just wasn't meant to be this year. Whether I didn't plan enough or try enough to save money or pray enough or because God just didn't have that for me this year, I'm still so excited for the ladies who are heading to Indiana this week! I know I will feel a ton of emotions this weekend, as I know you're all meeting and hugging and laughing and singing and sharing, but that's natural. It's like a reunion I'm unable to attend, even though I haven't met you in real life (yet).
I still want (so much) to get to know each of you more - to build and grow real friendships, to strengthen our community, to lean on each other in hard times. Let's be pen pals. Let's Skype. Let's text. Let's email. Let's pour into each other and build each other up.
I know the enemy is trying to distract me - with feelings of jealousy and whispers of "none of them will even realize you aren't at the conference" - but I'm saying, "No." The Influence Network is important to me, and I believe in how the Lord is using it.
I know the enemy is trying to distract YOU - the leaders, the volunteers, the lady who is still so doubtful about going there alone. I'm telling you now - God is in control. The devil has no hold on us, no power over us. Cling to the truth. Cling to the Lord. Cling to each other.
It's going to be amazing in so many ways. I can wait to hear/read about recaps and see how God is working in your hearts while you're there this weekend!
For all of us stay-at-homers, let's pray for our sisters/friends as they prepare for this incredible weekend!!!!!
Love y'all,
Jessica
@jesstinybird
hanks for this beautiful post. I have been thinking about how I've been worried about being alone and not knowing anyone prior to going. And I agree that is the enemy trying to distract me from what God has for me. There's a purpose and plan for everything that happens in our lives. When we remember that things fall into place.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I just found your blog and I LOVE it! I'm not going to the conference either and I am completely feeling the same way! (In fact, I'm in the middle of writing a post similar to this right at this moment!) I'd love to get to know you better! Let's chat since we'll both have some free time September 26-28 ;)
ReplyDeleteKailey | living in the rain
www.kaileyrogers.com
i'm home too this year. i did attend last year and know exactly what i am missing. Jesus rocked my world last year at influence and i know he will do that to all the women there too!
ReplyDeleteJessica, I am home for the second year in a row. (have never been) but this post was everything that I would say. so thank you for expressing the words for me. and yes I am praying for everyone this weekend!
ReplyDelete