United in Christ

Community, worship, and Jesus!!! These are the three things that I just cannot live without! This past weekend, I was able to experience a beautiful night of worship and The Word with one of my best friends, Laney! We both attended a women's gathering that was centered around Jesus, community, and friendship.

This was my third time attending this gathering and I usually just go by myself. I had invited some of my closest friends to go with me, but unfortunately everyone had prior commitments! Although I was sad that I was going alone, I wasn't going to let that stop me from drawing closer to God! He was calling me to attend this gathering and I was 100% going!

When I was in college, Laney and I used to attend Church together! She has become one of my best friends and is someone who I talk to everyday. After graduating from college, I moved to a new town and, at this point, I hadn't seen her in 8 months! I figured this would be a great opportunity for us to catch up. As I was getting ready to leave my house, I gave her a quick text and asked her if she had any plans for the night. With such a short notice, I knew it would be a long shot…but by the grace of God, she was available and wanted to come along!

As we were driving to the event, we started to talk about all things girly & new. I couldn't help but feel grateful to see her and have her with me at an event that God had created! Friends through thick and thin, and forever sisters through Christ - this was us.

When we finally arrived and got settled, we were greeted with SO many beautiful people!! Smiles, laughs, and happiness filled the air! You could just tell that these people were on fire for Jesus, and it was the most beautiful sight to see! They were true images of God, and so was I.

Through the night we were living and breathing The Word. We worshiped and sang to our Lord. We prayed and shared our feelings and experiences. We were completely vulnerable! That is what friendship is about; that is what community is about!! God sculpted the most perfect opportunity for women all over the area to connect through HIM! Here is what I learned:

We need community. Fellowship is SO important and it can come in many different forms. It can be developed within your family, friends, and almost anyone willing to just take part in being together for one common purpose. Finding community within others can be hard!! Trust me, I know the struggle! One thing I have learned is that whenever you find those friends that care about your well-being, drive you to be a better version of yourself, and support you, those are the ones hand-picked by God!! It may take a while, but it's so important to trust that God will guide you to those who have the best intentions for you!
When we worship, we can connect with God. Music is SO powerful. It truly is a gift. When we open our hearts to the Lord, we are called to rejoice and praise our King! Whenever I feel the Holy Spirit, I just want to sing and shout with JOY! His goodness overflows through our veins and whenever we worship, we can connect with Him on a personal level! Praising The Lord for ALL of His goodness is such a privilege! How blessed are we?!
JESUS is The One True King! Forever and always, He will be!!! This is something we all know, but I just want to highlight how good our God is. I'm in awe at how wonderful He is!! As living proof of His mercy, love, and grace, I couldn't feel more honored to know Him. With a gracious heart, I have walked with God through the lowest points of my life and even the most highest! Through it all, He has never failed me. Through the pain and the hurt, God has ALWAYS reminded me of my value. God's faithfulness became so clear to me as I was worshipping and it brought so many tears to my eyes! I was filled with so much gratitude! Thank you, Jesus!!

United in Christ; that's the goal! It was a blessing that Laney came with me to this event. God used me to bring her to Him; how amazing is that?! If I would have never invited her, she would have missed out on everything we experienced together. God gives us these small opportunities to invite others, share our experiences, give encouragement, and lead others to Him every single day. So the next time you feel a little tug on your heart strings, just know that it is God pushing you to be the difference in someone's life. Don't be scared or ashamed; do what God has called you to do!

When we surround ourselves with people who share the same values as us, we tend to move forward, excel, and thrive!! Let your light shine on others and let Christ guide you to those who are meant to push you closer to Him.

With the biggest smile and a heart full of gratitude, I wish you well <3

Love,

Madi Brooke