We had such a great time together! I wanted to share with you a recap of our time together to remember for those who were there as well as those who were not able to make it this year. It was so so good and refresh my heart!
Ministry Wives Weekend is an annual gathering for Oklahoma Baptist ministry wives to be encouraged in connection with each other and in the truth of God’s word. On September 29-30, about 225 ministry wives met at First Baptist Church, Moore for wonderful food (Qdoba, Crumbl Cookie, and full spread hot breakfast!), sweet fellowship, and honest conversations about building a resilient life.
As ministry wives, we not only carry the needs of her church, but also our family and husband’s needs. It common to feel isolated and stressed because of your husband’s role and expectations that others may have for you. We want to make the most of our time together, so we dive right in and talk about relevant and challenging topics to the ministry wife. Here’s what some shared:
“This weekend was such an encouragement to my heart. Thank you so much.”
“It was such a blessing to my soul. I love the women God placed around my table. Loved it!!”
And this ministry wife was particularly impacted by what Kathy Litton, the speaker, shared: “God has a purpose for my current trajectory. I will encounter people I never would have, had it not been for my experiences. Only I can decide how I pursue the trajectory God has me on.”
Kathy Litton, Director of Planter Spouse Development at the Send Network and ministry wife to Ed Litton, pastor of Redemption Church in Mobile, AL, shared many relevant and biblical truths about resilience in life and ministry and how to emotionally support your husband. Tara Matlock, LPC, led a session with practical tips on gospel identity and healthy boundaries. Courtney and Doug Matlock led in beautiful worship.
In the post-covid church, resilience is essential. Resilience is defined as: the ability to stand strong and recover quickly from difficulties. Within the context of local church ministry and leadership, resilience is “having strength to fulfill God’s calls even when it’s painful and difficult” (Kathy Litton). Our theme verse emphasized God’s purpose in trials: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:6-7). You, my friends, are strong women who love Jesus so well.
Tara Matlock, LPC, shared how to live loved in gospel identity, saying no, living with healthy boundaries, and many other truth bombs. Here are some resources that Tara suggested:
Books –
- Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa Terkeurst
- Emotionally Healthy Woman by Geri Scazzero
- Drama Free by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- The Best of You by Dr. Allison Cook
- The Deeper Journey by M Robert Muholland, Jr
Podcasts –
- The Best of You with Allison Cook
- Java with Juli with Juli Slattery
- Emotional Healthy Woman Podcast with Geri Scazzero
- Theology and Therapy with Lysa Terkeurst
I look forward to gathering together again. Praying for you as you live loved!