2019 Retreat Recap - My Faith in God’s Freedom

By Meghan King
I am new to Her Life Speaks ministry and the women’s conference held on March 16 at the Marriott in Saddle Brook was a day of healing for me. This was my first time attending a women’s conference. So much love, time, and effort was put into that day. The morning started off with fellowship over a light breakfast with coffee followed by worship. There is something about sharing a meal, even with strangers, that brings about peace and a sense of belonging. The only woman I knew at my table, leads the HLS younger women’s monthly small group called The Table and I had only met her once prior. I can get quiet around people I don’t know and yet I had such a sense of belonging with those women. It was great to talk and get to know one another.

The topics of the day were thought provoking and set my heart on a path towards restoration. We are meant to choose God’s freedom and love even when life feels broken. My current season that I am going through has been one of trials. Keeping my eyes set on God’s great love for me can guide me through anything. One of the speakers of the day was Sylane Mack.  The message she spoke about was choosing forgiveness in light of God’s love for us. She went through anguish and so much ugly growing up; but clinging to God’s love allowed her to persevere. She chose to forgive and in doing so helped her to heal. Sylane discussed two pieces of scripture that resonated with my heart:

“ In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118:5

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live  and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

My program from the day is marked up from underlining other scripture and notes to remember such as “Choose to give Him my burdens and take refuge in Him”,  “Receive life and His wisdom”, “Receive His freedom and love to do His work,” and “ Believe in His power to forgive, forgive yourself, and overcome your battles”.  This side of heaven is stained with sin and heartache. Jesus took that pain and died for us to have a loving relationship with our Father in Heaven. God knows our hurts and sorrows and longs for us to lean on Him. The table discussions led to opening up of fellowship between women who had not met before and fellowship is something God calls us to. I have noticed in my own life that I feel enriched in my faith when I seek a relationship with God and a stronger bond in community.  I find my freedom in recognizing the beauty and blessings in life that God has given me during this growing season.