This past weekend was rich, encouraging, and memorable, as I was blessed to attend The Gospel Coalition Women's Conference in Orlando, Florida. It was rainy and overcast for most of the weekend, but that did not put a damper on the gospel-focused teaching, the soul-stirring worship music, and the inevitable fellowship that happens when over 3,000 women who love Jesus assemble in one place. TGC brought together a long list of well-known pastors and Bible teachers to help the ladies who came to grow in awe and worship of our great God. And from the feedback that I've seen, I would say...mission accomplished!
*The overwhelming feeling of standing with all those ladies, led by the music of Keith and Kristin Getty, to sing with our whole hearts to the Lord. The words to all of their songs are deep with meaning, and moved us to worship. I especially loved it when Kristin Getty stepped to the microphone to read a passage of scripture between songs. Her Northern Irish accent was unmistakable, especially when she pronounced the word "awake" as "uh-wek". :- )
*Sitting on the very front row for the pre-conference sermon from John Piper called The Search for Joy and the Supremacy of God in the Gospel. In his trademark passionate manner, Piper outlined 7 obstacles that the blood of Jesus obliterates to clear the way for us to come to Him and fully enjoy, savor, and treasure the person and work of Jesus Christ. I have greatly appreciated his books over the years, so it was a treat to finally hear him preach in person. There were many wonderful speakers there for the weekend, but Piper's two sessions were my favorite.
*The sight of hundreds of human bodies flowing out of the ginormous ballroom where the plenary sessions were held, and up the escalators in one fluid motion like a river, when it was lunch time...
*The exhortation from one of Don Carson's sermons to rejoice when counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus, because it is truly a privilege.
*Listening to the collective wisdom of three pastors wives who were interviewed in a focus gathering session. They talked about the joys and challenges of marriage to a pastor, and the blessings of the full-time ministry life, serving Christ and His church. Very near and dear to my heart, and I was encouraged by the positive, hopeful manner in which these ladies spoke of their ministry experiences.
*The genuineness of Carolyn Mahaney words as she described a dear family friend and her faithful testimony of trusting God through painful trials. Her talk was listed in our program as The Snare of Compare, and she subtitled it at the start of her session as "What to do about things you can do nothing about". She walked us through John 21, where Christ gives Peter the double exhortation to follow him, though that passage also includes an allusion to Peter's eventual death by crucifixion, and a rebuke to not compare his life to what is chosen for his fellow disciple John. "What is that to you?" I went away thankful for the reminder that every unwanted circumstance is assigned to us by God himself and it is all an opportunity to bring Him glory.
*Finally, I will remember the sweet fellowship with the ladies there. Four of my friends from our former church in California met me there, and that reunion was lovely! It was wonderful to catch up, share prayer requests, eat chocolate, and be encouraged together. But it also made me so happy to meet women in my Christian family that I didn't know before. There is a mysterious instant bond when two believers meet, and I am so looking forward to cultivating new friendships.
It was an encouraging, stimulating weekend, and I am already beginning to think toward the next TGCWC. I wonder who I can bring with me next time. :-D
