Tonight Two Or Three begins.

Tonight women from all walks of life will be sitting on my couches, most meeting for the first time.

Tonight we’ll see what God has up His sleeve…

Oh, I have my plans and dreams for this group.

I dream that this home will be a safe place of refuge for women to share their hearts and feel heard and accepted.

In my dream, women who were once strangers, who have undoubtedly been hurt by other women at some point in their lives, will learn to trust and love each other.

It’s a dream that includes helping them find out who they really are, not as a wife or a mother or sister or daughter, but as a woman made in God’s own image.  That roles will be set aside in they will begin to see themselves through God’s loving lens.

I’ve planned and prepared the food. I’ve worked to make my home as homey and inviting and warm as possible.  I’ve brainstormed how to give them something “hands on” to participate and interact with.   I’ve run the scenario through my head a million times and envision women laughing,, talking, sharing and coming away with a little clearer picture in their heads of how much Jesus loves them.  I see women regaining their faith in womankind.  And I smile every time.

But the plain truth is that I have no idea what will happen tonight.  With the exception of about six people, I don’t know how many will show up. I don’t know the condition of their hearts, their stories, their heartaches.  I don’t know what their responses will be. I don’t even know if they’ll like the dessert I’ve prepared!

But I do know two things:

1.  Women need community.

2.  God will be here.  Where Two or Three gather.

So, if you think of us today, would you pray with me?  That hearts would be healed, if need be.   That hearts would be open to transformation.  And that hearts would leave this place knowing that they are loved, valued and accepted, not just by this group, but by the Lover of their very souls.

Jesus, I give all my best-laid plans to You.  Take them.  Change them.  Use them.  Whatever needs to happen for You to do what You want to do in these women’s lives.  I’ve done all the Martha stuff.  Now, help me to be the Mary, sitting at Your feet listening and following Your lead.

Eyes and arms wide open…

Matthew 18:20 – For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.. “

Proverbs 16:9 – In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
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