REFLECTIONS-WOMEN'S RETREAT 2019

DAMAGED GOODS

The theme, Damaged Good, reflects our conditions from the struggles of life. Whether it be victims of trauma, acts of violence, emotional/physical abuse, family/personal issues, wounds/hurt, fears.... 

YOU HAVE NOT LOST YOUR VALUE BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN DAMAGED! 

The three segments of the theme was/is very relevant to.... Get a Fresh Start! 

FACE THE DRAMA  

This section allowed all women to face the drama that they have been avoiding or  covering up. Pastor Thora Daley shared a powerful story of a family drama in 2 Samuel 13- Tamar who was raped by her brother.  

The scheme and plot was not her fault, but she suffered greatly and was told to keep it quiet. She was rejected, thrown out and abandoned and remained bitter and desolate all her life! 

DEAL WITH THE BAGGAGE 

This session began with devotional breakfast by Minister Paula Modeste-Clarke, who taught us how to love and forgive and deal with the issues as a result of our drama.  First Lady Rolda Serieux spoke the word that equipped and encourage the heart of the broken to deal with the baggage.  She expressed that there was no shame because Christ bore the shame we face-He was naked on the cross bearing ALL guilt and shame so we can deal with the baggage in our lives!

HANDLE THE LUGGAGE

Pastor Julie Rhymer expressed how important it is to handle the luggage that has been carried-through three remarkable women.  

Martha (from the story of Mary and Martha) Luke 10:38-42- Martha crowded and drowned her drama with busyness.  She could have been covering up sibling rivalry, jealousy, hurt or other emotions from her childhood/past.  

Many times women uses busyness to avoid confronting the drama, baggage, and luggage they are carrying around!

The Woman at The Well in John 4, exhibited a thirst by her continuous exchange of men and issues of her womanhood.  She depended on her knowledge and heritage for survival. Her thirst was evident by her response to the Lord.  

Confrontations, excuses, and arguments are used when we are not handling our luggage well-Very obvious in the conversation with the woman at the well, but her drama/baggage was identified. 

Mary with the Alabaster Box in Mark 14:1-11 carried her luggage (her profession).  She was a victim of criticism and label which many women can identified with today-Your past or even current drama perhaps make you a topic of gossip.  

It was obvious that Mary carried her identity luggage.  She became a target of criticism and was told she wasn't good enough to get close to God!  

All three of these women got a fresh start ... What was the secret?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  IT'S TIME TO GET A FRESH START

The secret is all three women had an encounter with Jesus Christ! 

Martha was admonished by Jesus that spending time with the Lord was the better part, and she should remove herself from her busyness to get to know Him.  When she did we see that in another chapter, Mary remained at home while she ran out to meet Jesus. 

The woman at the well when she encountered the Savior, left her water pots and went to spread the news of the man who had quenched her thirst and allowed her to handle her baggage! 

Mary with the Alabaster Box broke her most valuable and precious possession when she met the Lord.  Although she was criticized and condemned, she turned to worship and was rewarded for doing that.  

Remember, Tamar never got a chance to get a fresh start, but you do-All you have to do is...

Face the Drama- Allow yourself to speak- Don't be silent about what have happened in your life (personally or otherwise).

Deal With the Baggage - Don't be afraid to to address and deal with the shame, guilt or any other issues. 

Handle the Luggage - Don't be afraid to identity the things that you are attached to, and let them go regardless of the cost.  

We encourage all to share their experience of the retreat or comments on this post:

What stood out to you in the session?

What would you like to say to others in the 3 areas(Drama/Baggage/Luggage)?

Damaged Goods was a remarkable experience, and we know that our women are ready and equipped to have a fresh new start.  Pray that those who are reading will consider joining us at the next retreat! 

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR GOD'S WILLING - MAY 1-2, 2020

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel