I’d been planning to take a GIG (Girlfriends in God) cruise for almost a year. However, after boarding the ship and settling in our stateroom, I couldn’t find a printed itinerary for the weekend. Calling the front desk, the man had no idea what I was talking about. Long story short, the educational tour had no record of my reservation. Yikes!!

Since cruising is not my favorite way to travel, the only reason I was on-board was to attend this conference. After several tense phone calls, I was told there was nothing they could do but I could try to attend the conference anyways. So that’s what my friend Ginger and I did. Even though we didn’t “belong” with the group, we showed up anyways. We attended every session with an open heart and mind to the things of God.

We left that ship with our “spiritual tanks” fully filled up. I know that even if they wouldn’t have let us in, we’d have sat outside the doors just to listen in on the wisdom and knowledge imparted through the women who shared their stories. Real, authentic women who weren’t afraid to hide from the truth of who they are and who God is. No fake, fluffy garbage.....but mask off, real life authenticity and how God has a plan and purpose for each one of us, no matter our situation or circumstances.

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Romans 12:4-5

Father, You continue to build Your Kingdom here on earth as it already is in heaven. Thank You for revealing Your Mind and Heart to us through Your Word and Holy Spirit. Our “mess” becomes Your “Mess--age” when we give up doing things our way.! We belong to Your Family and nothing will ever separate us from Your Love!! Amen.

“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me.” Psalm 66:16