I Got This…
I don’t need help
A while back, the forecast threatened frost and I wanted to protect my beautiful, yet heavy, potted lemon tree. Walking to the driveway to pull the cumbersome planter back into my garage, I realized it might be difficult to manage. I considered asking my son for help, but didn’t want to add another burden to the long list of things he was already doing for me.
I had a whole conversation with myself, “I’ve done this before, I can probably lift it… but my hands still hurt… maybe if I pushed myself a bit…”
After much deliberation, I finally grasped the heavy pot and tugged.
The right side of my lower back tightened, then S*C*R*E*A*M*E*D in pain. I couldn’t move. Shooting sensations plagued every step, every lean, every small movement. It took a long while to traverse the short distance back to the house.
Forced to ask
My husband was away on business, so my kids took care of me. My son was home from college on spring break, and I thought everything would be easily remedied.
The next morning, I couldn’t get out of bed because the pain was ridiculous, dagger-style.
I didn’t know what to do because I’d never experienced pain like this before – so I got on Facebook, and asked for help.
Blessed BY help – blessed TO help 
The response overwhelmed me and brought tears to my eyes. Good info, great help, and a phone call from a physical therapist friend in another country, even. After praying, I made a decision, and made an appointment.
Then I saw instant messages popping up like crazy… people offering to help. So beautiful is the body of Christ!
I prayed and “just knew” who to ask for a ride to my appointment. I called her and asked for help. You won’t believe what she said.
“Oh, Nina! You are an answer to prayer! I just finished asking the Lord for someone to serve today, and then I got on Facebook and saw your plea! I’d love to do this!”
How cool is that? Isn’t He so good?
Align your path
This was one of those times when my definition of “good” and His definitions matched up. (OH! And I have a couple of really good things at the bottom of this, so stick with me for a few more minutes!)
Yet I wondered, “Is it good that I am suffering and in pain like this?”
The answer is YES, and here’s why:
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Most noteworthy, it’s for:
- those who are called
- the completion of His purpose, not necessarily ours – although they can be the same when we know Him well enough to know when we’re walking in His will
- those who love Him – which means we are obeying Him
So this got me thinking…
God calls us (and each of us DO receive a call), but if we walk away from the work He is doing in us, we are being disobedient!
Check John 14 for the details. It’s hard stuff – it essentially says that if we disobey God, we don’t love Him. OUCH.
I thought about the next thing that we’re doing here at Greater Impact. We’re hosting a Boot Camp for The Respect Dare and Daughters of Sarah and women leaders in general. We did it in 2016, and had 44 women from 15 different states come meet with us! Who does that?
Those that are called.
As the person carrying the vision for Greater Impact, I also see a future where He equips more women at Boot Camp, to be a part of our ministry in some way. We’re growing like crazy, doubling impact every year – and please don’t think I’m bragging – He has done all this! Today, He’s reached over 5 MILLION people through this ministry!
And I’m wondering… you’ve been here a while… are YOU called?
Are you called… to be a Titus 2 woman, one who pours into other women?
Are you called… to impact marriages and families for His glory?
Here’s what a few women who attended boot camp said:
I attended Boot Camp and it overhauled my leadership of small groups! I had led The Respect Dare® and used Nina’s Small Group Guide, but this training? Changed everything. So here’s what I’ve used and seen big results with: The affirmations. These are game changers for my groups and people. Telling people the positives you see just … does something to them. The conflict resolution model. I keep it with me all the time and review it often! I use it so much. It works great! Nina’s timer has helped me keep my groups orderly and free from dysfunction. Storytelling. OH MY GOSH. This has changed everything – now I am able to speak confidently, and emotionally connect = effective talk. So this stuff you taught us? It was gold. PURE GOLD. ~Melissa, TX
We’re in Session 2 of Daughters of Sarah – I’ve led The Respect Dare Small Group with the videos. I can tell you I grew up in the church, my father is a pastor, I’m a Christian counselor, and I’ve been leading women’s Bible studies for years – but there is nothing like Daughters out there! I’ve literally NEVER seen anything like it – and I’ve seen a LOT. The women bond quickly and lives begin to change in just a few short weeks. I can’t wait to come to Boot Camp and I’m bringing friends! This needs to multiply. ~Laurie, NJ
There are a ton more, but this should give you a flavor of what you can expect from Daughters and Boot Camp.
Help us make a greater impact
Please don’t think I’m bragging – I’m not. it isn’t me. It’s the method we use. I hope you are called to join us. We’re beginning something amazing – the fruit just keeps coming. I hope you want to be part of it.
If He’s pricking your heart, or you think you might be hearing a call, mark your calendars for the beginning of September. See below for more details.
I am glad you are on this journey with me!
Love to you,
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