Tuesday, April 30, 2013

inRL



About this time last year I happened upon a couple of blogs. Up until then, I didn't know a lot about blogs, bloggers and the online community that surrounds them. But once you read Lisa Jo BakerKristen Welch and Ann Voskamp you want to know more. You want to be a part of what is happening there. They are all bloggers for (in)Courage, a daily devotional website for women.

Last Saturday, (in)Courage sponsored an international "meetup" called inRL (in real life). There was a webcast on Friday night and then local meet-ups on Saturday. When registration opened a few months back, I signed up right away, and sat at my desk in tears feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit leading me. Signing up for this conference broke something in me. I have lived a life of fear for way too long but Jesus has been calling me to be brave and has held my hand as I took baby steps.

I subscribed to all the blogs of the local women and followed them on Twitter. Over the last few months I have gotten to know a few of the ladies through their blogs and conversations on Twitter. I've felt a connection to a few of them that is indescribable considering we had never heard each other's voices or seen each others faces.

But God has His plans and one of the ladies invited me to coffee with another friend. Crazily, I said yes and the three of us met for lunch and it was so amazing. The strangest thing happened though, I wasn't really scared. A little nervous, yes, but not worried about the outcome. We had a beautiful time, marveled at our bravery, and promised to do it again soon.

Skip forward to last weekend. The ladies I had met were unable to attend inRL so I was headed to a church an hour away and I didn't know a soul except through the internet. I have always been a nervous person and always fearful that no one will like me, that I won't fit in. This is not something I do, yet there was no hesitation. There was no trying to talk myself out of going. In fact, I was excited! During the whole drive my mind was occupied with the beauty of the day and anticipation of what would happen at the event. My palms didn't get sweaty until I was about 6 blocks away! Like I said, this was so unlike me I was actually surprised.

I wound my way through the hallways of the church, following the scripture signs leading the way. When I reached my destination, I was welcomed by the lovely buzz of ladies talking and getting to know each other and a familiar face from Twitter greeting me. The room was filled with beautiful women, delicious treats, gorgeous beach themed decorations and love. I could feel it from the moment I walked in.

I learned a lot that afternoon. I listened to some amazing women speak truth right into our hearts. But the biggest lesson that I learned was that when Jesus is present, we do not need to be afraid. And He was there, in the warm smiles and welcoming hugs. He was there, teaching us that if we follow Him, there is nothing to fear.

I am hopeful for the relationships that will come about from inRL. God really ordained the whole afternoon and it was so evident in the way that everything worked out. Even the next day when I went to my own church, my "regular" community, it felt different, better. I was so much more thankful for them all and felt the urge to reach out and extend myself farther, be a little braver, follow Him a little closer.

18 comments:

  1. Love this! My favorite part is "when Jesus is present, we do not need to be afraid. And he was there" Yes, He was! Blessings, friend!

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    1. Thank you, Paula! Meeting you was one of my favorite parts of the day! You just shine Jesus all over the place!

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  2. Amen!! I felt exactly the same way -- like I should be nervous, but I was mostly just SO excited for what God was stirring up, for what I knew He was going to do. I struggle with anxiety, and was pretty amazed that I didn't have a meltdown on Saturday! I'm so glad we got to meet, and am excited to see how God continues to grow the friendships that started there! :)

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  3. Beautiful post, Vicki. Your personality sounds very similar to mine. God works in amazing ways to bring His people together. I hope there are many more coffees!

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    1. I wish we lived closer so we could meet in real life too, Christine!

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  4. This is just lovely. I am so glad you followed His call and came - I loved meeting you and can't wait to see you again!

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    1. Anna! Thank you! You are such a blessing and beautiful servant! You and Amanda made the day just perfect! Thank YOU for following His call as well!

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  5. Love your heart, Vicki...and you're right. You have nothing to fear...cuz you're His. :)

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    1. What a blessing it was to meet you in person! I love your heart right back!

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  6. Beautiful, Vicki! Yes, a God ordained connection. I'm so glad the day went well. Can't wait to see you soon <3

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    1. Tina! I can't wait to get together again! Soon! Thanks for being so brave! :-)

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  7. Vickie, I was so thrilled to have found your blog through your comment at Divine in the Daily today. I love this encouraging reminder that when we follow Him, trusting Him with what He has for us, He will give us everything we need. Bless you, sister.

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  8. This is such a beautiful post!!! I'm so glad that you were part of (in)RL. :)

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  9. I wonder if they have any events near me. That sounds great ! I like how you described how the room felt. How wonderful for you to be encouraged and feel the love. May you continue to be blessed.

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  10. So sad that I found this so late! Boo on me! I have been having a fantastic time getting to know all the inRLMN girls on Twitter as well! Everyone is so encouraging!

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