January 29, 2018
#SheRisesSeries meet Sydney

Meet Sydney. . .
AGE: 26

HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: 4

3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Fun, refreshing, Holy Spirit filled!

WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: I love attending She Rises conference because I always leave encouraged and closer to God.  The expectancy and unity that is experienced is so powerful. I love being a witness and apart of what the Holy Spirit is doing at She Rises Conference.

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: I love serving and being apart of the creative arts team. It is something so special and brings me so much joy to be able to use dance to bring inspiration and healing to thousands of woman.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: Come! Know matter where you are in your faith come to conference. I know and am confident that God will speak to you, you will be encouraged and you will make so many new girlfriends.

HER STORY: Depression, anxiety and insecurities for years was my identity. I had no idea who I was or just how much God loved me. God completely transformed me by the grace of God. I went on a journey of getting to know him and allowing him to love me and care for me in ways I had never known. He was patient and kind towards me as I walked out of hiding and into my true identity.  Now I know I am a child of God, I am his masterpiece and he is my hiding place. Depression, anxiety and insecurities no longer have a stronghold in my life. God had redeemed me and has given me back my innocence that was once stolen. I am passionate about seeing God’s redemption and people coming to know God as the good father that he is!

January 22, 2018
#SheRisesSeries meet Maria

Meet Maria. . . 
AGE: 39
HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: 11
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Powerful, refreshing, transforming.
WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: The conference refreshes and builds my faith.  

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: My favorite moment from She Rises Conferences was in 2015.  I was in a dry season and was desperate for emotional healing and reconciliation. I had an experience of healing like no other. Prior to going to the conference, I had a dream about being reconciled with a friend that I had done ministry with. I had not spoken to her for three years prior to this conference and my resentment  started to grow and take root inside me. I started to become bitter and I no longer wanted to attend church, this was unlike me.  Prior to the Conference, I had prayed with the expectation of God moving our hearts to be reconciled towards each other.  I was desperate for His touch, I was desperate for answers, and I was desperate for reconciliation.  I wanted my joy back and was tired of allowing my mind to be tormented with unforgiving thoughts. I remembered telling God, “I don’t know how, or when, but I know that if anyone can make this peace between my friend and I, it is You.”  I had a dream prior to going to the conference; the setting of my dream took place at the She Rises Conference, where the reconciliation happened between us. On the actual day of the conference, I was entering the the theatre with a friend who accompanied me that evening. As I entered the double doors of theatre, my friend that I had differences with grabbed my arm to get my attention and she told me that she loved me. I was speechless, because it was unexpected and I was caught off guard. Then the Holy Spirit began to remind me of the dream I had. Then I realized this was a divine moment, a God moment! Up to that point, I had not spoken to anyone about my dream, other than my husband. Right there at the entry way of the theatre we embraced each other and the presence of God was strong. I experienced a healing like never before. God heard my desperate cry for reconciliation, He woke something up inside me.  He revealed to me that it is through reconciliation, that the church can move together in unity.  There are no words to describe how I felt that night, God amazed me with His loving power. That moment was just a precursor to what God had in store for us and His daughters that first night.  Beth Moore was the speaker that evening and she spoke about “unleashing each other.”  I couldn’t deny the presence of the Lord, and how He made this She Rises moment special to me. It has changed me forever.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: Go to She Rises! It will transform you, equip you, refresh you and can even heal your life, because it did that for me.

HER STORY: I have learned that when you tell God to send you or to use you, there is a process that has to take place, so that you are better equipped emotionally. I’ve learned that the targets on my life have nothing to do with me, but everything to do with who God is in me. It is personal to God, so He will defend you and rescue you.  His promises are real! There is no other way I want to live.  

January 17, 2018
Starting With The Truth

I love any excuse for a new beginning or a fresh start.

2018 is upon us, and I find myself reflecting again on what I want to be different in my life in the upcoming year.

I try to notice where the same old sins keep popping up, and the one that has been brought to my attention is how often I compare and envy those remarkable women around me. Specifically, I find myself being judgmental and envious of those who are able to be transparent about their flaws.

I think the reason I envy that is because it is so hard for me.

It feels like one of my self-proclaimed life purposes is to hide those flaws that some people seem so able to accept about themselves.

I don’t like this about myself, and I know that a lack of authenticity is not the path to maturity.  

This continues to bring me back to the idea of TRUTHFULNESS as a practice for this upcoming year.

It’s not that I’m not a truthful person. I excel at being diplomatic, and working to avoid hurting people’s feelings. Part of what makes me a good leader is my genuine care and concern for others. However, while I want to be loving and gracious, I fear that too often I do that at the expense of truthfulness.

I want to be a woman who speaks the truth and does so without fear.  

In order to pursue this in 2018, I think what I need is to become more well-acquainted with the truth. It needs to be more of what I ingest in order for it to be more of what I communicate with my words and actions.

Here are a few specific ways I want to practice this in 2018…

  • PRAY HONESTLY. I heard a phenomenal pastor preach about how important it is for us to pray prayers that are honest and bigger than the reach of our ability. Instead of asking God for what I really want, I try and figure out what He wants, and pray that, to make His job a little easier for Him. I don’t know when or why I decided that was part of my human job description, but I want to give that one up this year. I want to be fearlessly honest in my conversations with God, because I believe that He already knows and that I am the one who needs to hear that truth the most.
  • SHARE TRUE FEELINGS. I too often curate and filter my thoughts and feelings to try and appease the people around me. There’s certainly something to be said about discretion and wisdom, and I deeply value that. However, erring on that side leaves me feeling not known and not seen, rather than deeply connected, the way God created us to be. When I edit the honesty of what I share, I hinder the depth and authenticity of all every relationship I am a part of.
  • AVOID FLATTERY. In the same vein of curating what I say when it comes to sharing my honest thoughts and feelings, I sometimes fill in the blanks in silences and interactions with flattery and pleasantries just for the sake of being liked and approachable. Again, this isn’t a bad thing, necessarily, so much so as it’s just not the best thing. The best thing is honesty in relationships and true connection, and flattery doesn’t serve that purpose.
  • TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. It’s easier for me to take responsibility for other people’s stuff than for my own, and I have learned that I sometimes use that as a crutch to avoid looking at what I am actually responsible for. I wear busyness and other people’s stress as a badge of “care” and honor. When I pursue the truth about expectations and reality, I have to come to terms with what’s in my control and how very many things are not, so that I can be a good steward of what’s been entrusted to me. This is a humbling understanding, and keeps my perspective steady on God, who is actually in charge of everything.

I truly believe that our calling as Christians, particularly as leaders, is to be intimately acquainted with truth. I see my shortcomings in this area, and as 2018 approaches, I am determined to be steeped in truth and to prioritize that over my addiction to being liked or easygoing. Here’s to a more truthful 2018!

 

ABOUT SARAH ROSE LOCHELT

Sarah Rose Lochelt is a Southern-California native who is passionate about the power of communication and the connection that happens through conversation, especially when there is coffee involved. She is a pastor in the LA area and loves to write and speak about the lies of shame, the truth of grace, and the freedom that comes from relating authentically to one another, especially for women in the church. She always has at least one book to read in her purse, is infamous for making silly faces at babies in public, and could live on pizza for every meal.

 

January 16, 2018
#SheRisesSeries meet Aileen

Meet Aileen…
AGE: 31
HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: 4

WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: I attend the SheRises Conference because every year I hear the messages and speakers, somethings speak to my current state however much more of it I don’t understand at that moment in time and I have realized that its words and messages that prepare me for what’s ahead and it’s not until the following year that I see why that word was needed to be in me so that I could overcome and get through what was ahead.

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: My favorite moment has to be the dance pieces, they are just so beautiful and remind me that God gives us the gifts and that its ok to worship Him through them.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: Come, have an open heart, it’s going to transform your views and perspective. There’s nothing better than seeing women rise together and lifting others as we push to rise.

HER STORY: God spoke a word into my ear 4 years ago at my very 1st GodChicks event only a year after I had accepted Jesus into my life. Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” I had no idea what it meant, but I felt it in my heart that God would do amazing things if I did not hold back, if only i would allow Him to stretch me. Today 4 years later OMGoodness has he stretched and enlarged. Out of that has come 3 annual Friendsgiving women dinner, increased the number of ladies in attendance as a group to the annual GodChicks (70 this year). And this year our very first Women’s Conference which completely blew our minds! We prayed for 300, and asking God if only He would bring 500, well He showed up and showed off, He packed the house at capacity at 1,000! This is only a bit of what he has done and continues to do through She Rises inspiring us that we can reach His women here at home.

January 8, 2018
#TIMESUP

I was wearing black last night as I watched the Golden Globes. Of course mine was black sweats by Target and not a designer gown :-), but I was standing (or sitting on my couch) with my sisters.

I have two thoughts …wanna read them?

  1. Just do.

In December, Time magazine named the “Silence Breakers” – those women and men who spoke out against discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse – as its ‘Person of the Year’ for 2017. Last year also included the revival of the #MeToo hash tag which inspired millions to share their stories of abuse and harassment. Last night women were wearing black because recently a new campaign- #TimesUp -was launched. This campaign was created, not only to continue raising awareness of harassment and abuse, but to also raise money to form a legal defense fund. This fund will go to people who have faced assault or prejudice in the workplace and don’t have access to legal representation in arenas such as agricultural, or factory workers, caretakers or waitresses.

I appreciate that the campaign is about more than wearing black attire, but is actually putting money where its mouth is. It is always easier to complain about something or like a post on social media than it is to actually do something.

And doing something is what we are supposed to do. As His Church we should lead the world in ‘doing.’

There are many issues that can grab our heart and attention these days. But regardless of which injustice fuels your passion, do something. We are to speak up for those who cannot, and ensure justice for those who need it.

Proverbs 31:8-98 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.

I continued to be stirred and outraged and the injustice many women around the earth suffer.

I host a conference every year that seeks to place value upon women, and at the same time mobilizing them to action. Three years ago was the first year we held the conference in the Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards), and it felt as if all hell broke loose after we made the decision to hold the conference in that venue. The enemy hates it when women are mobilized to do good. Matthew Arnold put it this way:

“If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known.”

Just because it is hard, doesn’t mean we quit. Just keep looking for ways and places to bring justice.

  1. Together.

This recent issue is not a man versus woman issue.

It is right versus wrong, and I appreciate that many men, some of whom have been victims themselves, are speaking out.

God’s plan has always been that men and women honor and respect each other, partnering together to see His Kingdom of love and peace established.
Together.
We are supposed to make the world a better place together. And the enemy’s plan has always been to destroy that.

I can’t change the whole world, but I can work on mine. So for me, I am looking for where have I let division in my marriage, my friendships or my church become the norm instead of viewing division as the enemy to God’s plan.

So for 2018, how about if we add those two thoughts to the rest of our big plans for the year?

 

ABOUT HOLLY WAGNER

Holly and her husband, Philip, are the Pastors of Oasis Church – a growing, relevant, multi-cultural, church located in Los Angeles. They have been married for over 30 years, love life and enjoy spending time with their two adult children, Jordan and Paris. Holly is passionate about seeing women become who God has designed them to become, and to see every generation of woman extend a helping hand to the generation that is younger. Through the women’s ministry of Oasis, She Rises (GodChicks), she has empowered thousands of women around the world. Holly has written several books including Find Your Brave, WarriorChicks, Love Works, and Awakened.

 

January 8, 2018
#SheRisesSeries meet Cameron

Meet Cameron. . .
AGE: 19
HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: 11
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Inspiring, joyous, reviving.

WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: It’s an amazing gathering that focuses on all of the Women of Christ and gives women an opportunity to hear about their value, their strength, and the community that they can find in Christ. It never fails to wow me.

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: Since I was little, my very favorite moment of She Rises (GodChicks) was always the giant confetti finish. I always wanted to be in a seat where I could actually feel the confetti rain down on me. It was a very special moment for me.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: Come. There are SO many things to learn, and new insight to gain from this conference. You’re honestly just surrounded by good, relatable, honest women who want to serve you and/or begin a journey with you that results in you becoming the best version of yourself that you can be.

HER STORY: It’s so easy to lose sight of who you are when we live in a society that idolizes false beauty, sex, money, and fame. I grew up in a pretty conservative home so I was sheltered from a lot of those negative views growing up, but as I got older and began to see what it is that our culture finds “attractive” and all of the stereotypes that the world gives Christians, it made seeing my value a little more difficult when I was put into situations where I wanted to fit in with everyone else. Proverbs 31:10 is basically the verse that I quote to everyone now, because it reminds me that I’m a daughter of the King, and I shouldn’t ever settle for less than God’s desire for me. My value is so embedded in my character now that I walk, talk, and think differently, and She Rises has definitely played a part in that.

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