Come Get Me!

Over the weekend, I participated in the Women Who Minister retreat, where I experienced a wonderful mix of love, companionship, enjoyment, and liberation. I was accompanied by my close friend who drove me from Maryland to Pennsylvania. As we approached the resort, tears started streaming down my face, triggering a flood of memories from my initial retreat back in 2019. During that time, in my first year of Seminary, I was struggling to cope with life's challenges.

One day, a staff member from New York Theological Seminary asked me to visit her office. I gladly went as her office was always a pleasant place to be, filled with a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Adorned with beautiful native pieces from the continents she had visited, the office felt welcoming. Upon my arrival, she greeted me warmly with a big smile and a hug. After inviting me to take a seat, she presented an exciting opportunity to join a new mentoring cohort. I listened attentively, intrigued by how God was guiding my path once more.

She informed me that I had been selected to receive a scholarship for a retreat and to join the inaugural mentoring cohort for Women Who Minister. I was attending Seminary at the behest of my Pastor. Typically, Seminary students are paired with a mentor from their home church, but in my case, I was being singled out once again. I agreed to the offer, expressing gratitude to her and to God for the opportunity. Despite my reservations, I was determined to move forward. Feeling out of place among younger women who seemed more put together, I questioned my need for a mentor at my stage in life. However, I decided not to let doubt hold me back. I resolved to proceed and let go of any shame associated with my perceived delayed timeline.

Every day, I am grateful for the presence and influence of the conveners. They possess a remarkable blend of confidence and bravery. Following each retreat, we divide into our care groups, providing a space for heartfelt discussions with a convener and our fellow sisters. With the addition of a new sister annually, our care group sessions always yield profound moments. This year, Destiny's simple yet powerful words, "come get me," resonated deeply with me. Echoing her sentiment, Ebony, both in their late 20s, reminded me of the challenging period I once labeled as traumatic. During those overwhelming times, a dear friend's daily "good morning" texts gradually transformed my perspective on life, eventually turning a seemingly ordinary day into a genuinely good one. I vividly recall enduring two years believing each day was the worst of my life.

Destiny's words prompted me to reflect on all the women who supported me. I recalled my dear friend who always greeted me in the morning. I thought about the person who provided me with valuable information for my upcoming interview. On the day of the interview, she called to motivate me to get out of bed and show up for myself. I also remembered the Pastor's words, telling me that there is more within me and that school will bring it out. The sister who introduced me to Women Who Minister also came to mind. I recalled how Women Who Minister reached out to me. Now, it is my turn to support other sisters who are in need. They are reaching out, pouring their hearts out - are we listening? "Come get me!"

Helping people transition from paralysis to purpose and from trauma to triumph is both my vocation and joy. I am unafraid to navigate through darkness and offer guidance to those in despair. Through the grace of God, I have conquered many challenges, and I refuse to let pride and ego silence me or conceal my liberation. Referring to Hebrews 10:35-36, the retreat scripture advises, "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." This past weekend, I realized that it is difficult to discard something that does not belong to you. Relying solely on my own strength and confidence leaves room for uncertainty, but with God, the outcome is always good. As God promises, "all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." My trust lies in God, and I cannot discard Him, nor can I forget all the instances where He has come to my aid. God is my salvation, my light, and my Lord; whom shall I fear.

In Loving Memory of Theorn Grant Happy Heavenly Birthday! Thank you for the effort to "come get me."