Gratitude

I’m still carrying so much gratitude from this year’s Symposium.

After a year of serving as Executive Director of BWIM NC, it was incredibly meaningful to stand in a room filled with women and allies who believe so deeply in this work and, more importantly, who believe in one another. Throughout the day, I found myself looking around and thinking about the stories represented in that room: stories of calling and courage, joy and disappointment, open doors and doors that are still stubbornly closed.

But the moment that stays with me most happened during closing worship, after we served each other communion around the tables, when we sang “I Need You to Survive” by Hezekiah Walker.

     “I need you; you need me
     We're all a part of God's body
     Stand with me, agree with me
     We're all a part of God's body”

As we sang, I looked around the room and saw women who have encouraged me personally, women who have paved the way for others, women just beginning to discover where God may be calling them, and friends who continue to show up and say, We are with you.

And I was deeply moved.

Because after this first year, I know more than ever that ministry was never meant to be done alone. We need people who remind us who we are. We need people who celebrate our calling, make room for our gifts, and stand beside us when the road gets difficult. I need that. We all do.

     “It is his will, that every need be supplied
     You are important to me, I need you to survive
     You are important to me, I need you to survive”

In that moment, “Better Together” became more than our Symposium theme. It felt like our testimony as an organization; the reason we exist here in North Carolina!

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this community. Thank you for showing up for one another. And thank you for reminding me once again why this work matters so much.

We see you. You are not alone. We need one another. And we truly are better together.

All love,
Leslie

PHOTO: Parable Media