Win a shopping spree and fashion makeover with Shari Morrison Braendel, the woman who has helped us discover God’s beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!! This is one contest you don’t want to miss!! Enter at Shari’s site here http://www.fashionmeetsfaith.com/contest/!!!
Shari’s book Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad, just released! I read the entire book flying home from She Speaks. It’s that good, y’all. The color pages caught the attention of both women and men on the plane. Before I knew it, I was passing it around. If you love fashion or don’t, this book is for you. Shari offers great ideas and tips for every inch of your body.
Speaking of She Speaks… It was the best year ever! The conference had many highlights this year from our special guest to our main stage speakers. Lysa taught us that the right attitude far outreaches the wrong attitude. Beth Moore reminded us that our first ministry is our home. Angela Thomas set us free from trying to persuade God with our efforts. She proclaimed, “God is going to do what God is going to do.” What I loved most about Angela was her Southern accent. Karen Ehman batted cleanup. (her own words) Karen challenged us Sunday morning to keep God the main thing in our lives. She inspired us to return to our first love, the Lord God Himself. Wow, what a weekend. I wish you were there. I hope you’ll plan to attend next year! You won’t regret it. If you did attend, I’d love to hear about your highlights of the conference.
Usually when She Speaks is over, I experience a letdown. It’s sort of like when the holidays are over. There’s nothing more to plan for, to attend, to celebrate. This year has been different. My brother and his family came in from TX. It’s always a joy to spend time with them.
Then, my kids started school last Friday so there was no time to rest. There were notebooks and blue jeans to buy. The first day of school it always the best. The kids are excited to reunite with their friends. I get that. It’s just how I feel each year at She Speaks. It’s good to hug the neck of those you only get to see once a year. As happy as the first day of school was for my children, it quickly turned to a day of sorrow.
Friday afternoon four boys coming home from school were involved in a wreck close to our house. One boy walked away unharmed. Two boys are still in the hospital today. And one 17-year-old young man was lost his life. The young man who died was one of seven children being raised by a single mom whose husband committed suicide two years ago. This brave mom just moved to our area to provide a better environment for her children and her senior dies on the first day of school.
My son, Parker, is a friend of her youngest son Dristian. They met through football. Parker and a few other football players sat with Dristian Friday night after he and his family received the devastating news. Parker shared that it was the hardest and saddest thing he has ever done. Worst yet, this family didn’t have an ounce of food in the house and no insurance to bury this child. The parents, along with the church, are doing what we can to meet their needs.
Tomorrow we will say our final good-by at the funeral. The principal has given the football players an excused absent in order to attend the funeral. Please pray for us as we continue to minister to Dristian, and for this mother who has yet to leave her son’s bed while she clings to her son’s senior picture.
I love each of you. Hug your family today.
Stephanie's Mommy Brain says
Hoping and praying that I'll be able to attend She Speaks in 2011!!
That poor mom!! My heart aches for her. I'll pray that God comforts her as only he can.
Shari Braendel says
Oh Micca, how is that mom doing? I can't even begin to imagine it…I know you are a blessing to her. love you girl, Shari
Wander says
My heart feels the squeeze. I work with 3 moms who have lost teens in the last 2 years.
These women are in a club that no one wants to join!
I'm praying for this family and for yours as you minister to them.
God loves your sweet heart and theirs!