She Rises – She Rises

June 11, 2018

Make Peace, Don’t Just Keep It

It used to be that when someone started out talking about peace, I relaxed a little. I’d consider my efforts to try not to be a dramatic person, and how I value harmony and everyone getting along. So peace and I, we see eye-to-eye. “Blessed are those who keep the peace…”? Check! I’m all about that conflict-avoidance life.

You can imagine my surprise when I actually read Matthew 5:9, which says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” I had to hear someone clearly distinguish the difference between being peacemakers and being peacekeepers before I realized how far off I had been in my misplaced confidence.

It’s like Sarah Bessey says, “Oh, man, if only ‘going along with what is easy’ was a spiritual gift. I’d be the holiest woman in the room.”

Turns out, I tend to be good at keeping the peace, not stepping on toes, that kind of thing. Not so much the holy and glorious task that Jesus commends us into, which is being people who create and facilitate peace through telling the truth and making hard decisions.

Bob Goff says it this way, “What I’ve come to learn so far about my faith is Jesus never asked anyone to play it safe. We were born to be brave. There’s a difference between playing it safe and being safe…If our life and our identity are found in Jesus, I think we can redefine safe as staying close to Him.”

Making peace, this way, is a task that requires facing and navigating conflict, pursuing wisdom, and speaking the truth in love. All concepts that sound much prettier in words than they feel in action. It requires knowing the truth from God and internalizing it so much that it starts to pour out of us in word and deed. The ultimate result of this is reconciliation and redemption in us and the people around us.

This peace doesn’t remind others of conflict-avoidance and sweeping things under the rug. Instead, it looks like mature conversations, keeping your cool in emotional situations, and countless numbers of genuine apologies issued. It requires taking a time-out when needed, asking deep questions, and believing the best in others when it would be easier and less time-consuming to make reactive assumptions.

I have a note on my phone that I’ve paused to look at way too many times to count, and it’s titled “Offended? Freaking out?” It’s specifically for those moments when it would be easier to avoid or react without wisdom and without truly taking the time to try and create peace. Here’s what it says:

“A person’s insight gives her patience, and her virtue is to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
“I can either be easily offended or deeply loving but not both!” (Tom Hughes)

First, take some deep breaths. Then ask these questions:

What’s really going on?
What am I feeling?
Is my reaction in proportion to what actually happened? If not, who do those emotional reactivity points actually belong to?

Then, take a moment to vent in myself, to God. alone. “I am not a victim to my emotions or to any person’s actions or feelings. I choose how to respond out of God’s power, strength, and unconditional love for me.” Only then can I respond appropriately, acknowledge disproportionate levels of emotion, apologize, and seek reconciliation.

“Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.” (1 Peter 4:1-2)

You’d think I’d have it memorized by now, but I need these reminders so often.

I need the reminder that I am called to be a peacemaker, and that means not idolizing conflict as being more powerful than the task of seeking peace.

I need the reminder that peace never happens by accident, because it is the result of connection, not simply a lack of conflict.

The reminder that my feelings are not the truth or reality of any situation, simply indicators of my commitment to and involvement in it, and that I have the choice to seek something more than just a feeling.

And the ultimate reminder that God is a God who brings peace through love and sacrifice, not cowardice or fear.

This is always worth seeking, I just needed the reminder.

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.

Follow Sarah

February 5, 2018

#SheRisesSeries meet Jacey

Meet Jacey. . .
AGE: 68

HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: Too many to count!

3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Meaningful, joyful, overwhelming.

WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: Community of women and great messages.

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: I love the praise and worship (especially the Oasis team!) and Joyce Meyer.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: It’s a great way to make friends, share stories, feel safe and hear from God.

HER STORY: God has healed and delivered me from my dark days. The doctors called it bi-polar disorder and that I would have to be on medication my entire life. Well, I am in my late sixties, but God did heal me and I am off all my medication. I have never felt better, or happier or more at peace than I do now and, if it took over sixty years to get here, I’m fine with that. I have found peace that surpasses all understanding. I am free from fear. I have joy unspeakable. My focus has become less on myself and more on Jesus and how I can help contribute to His Kingdom. It’s not easy to battle the enemy, but I’ve discovered that it is possible, with God. His ways are higher than mine and trusting Him has become more than just saying that I trust Him, it has become my truth. It’s a beautiful thing and I’m thankful every moment. God is love.

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 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

#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.

December 18, 2017

#SheRisesSeries meet Rebecca

Meet Rebecca. . .
AGE: 31
HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: 6
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Transformative, empowering, energizing.

WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: God always speaks to me so clearly and deeply at conference. I don’t know if it’s because I attend conference with the expectation of hearing from the Holy Spirit or if the atmosphere of worship enables Him to speak more clearly, but I have left conference changed every year.

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: I love the silly moments of nonsense Holly plans every year. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a bit ridiculous, so I enjoy mixing up the deep spirit transformations with some laughs!

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: Invite everyone you know. My friendships and relationships have grown stronger with the people I invite to conference. Plus, life’s better with friends – conference is no different!

HER STORY: The first time I attended conference, I was coming out of the darkest season in my life. I felt like I had made too many mistakes for God to fix and conference was my last ditch attempt at turning things around. God showered his love on me more tangibly than I have ever felt before. After a year of following Jesus and understanding my value, I attended conference again. During worship, God spoke to me about His purpose for my life – to reach teenage girls who feel far from God and teach them about their value and purpose in Jesus Christ. I have served in the Youth Ministry for 6 years and don’t plan on stopping any time soon!

December 11, 2017

#SheRisesSeries meet Kara

Meet Kara. . .
AGE: 27
HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: 4
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Hope-giving, excellent, creative.

WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: I attend the She Rises Conference to serve alongside our amazing team to provide an atmosphere of worship and excellence for every single woman who attends the conference. Seeing God speak life, hope and courage is the most amazing blessing that I can ever imagine!

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: My favorite moment is seeing every single woman worship with all their heart-fully surrendered and full of hope.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: I would tell them that every single aspect of the conference from the speakers, worship, decor and so much more is done with excellence. And most importantly, to come with an expectant heart because God will reveal dreams, heal broken parts of their life and pour out courage and hope! Lastly, they will meet amazing women that our going through the same journey and they will be reminded that they are not alone and that God carefully orchestrates every single detail of their lives.

HER STORY: I have been a Christian all my life. I grew up in a very conservative church back home in the Philippines and when I was only 5 years old, my mom left to work here in LA so that she could provide for my education. Growing up without my mom and not knowing who my biological father is, I learned how to be independent but I didn’t realize that I learned how to wear a mask and pretend that everything is okay but deep inside I was insecure, lonely and fearful. I found out about Oasis through my co- worker and the moment I stepped foot inside the theater I instantly knew that I was home! Pastor Philip was preaching about giving oasis a year. Three months into attending, I signed up for the internship program and since then I have been serving for about 5 years now. I have never encountered a community of people who will hold your hand through your journey of healing, people who speak life and love into you and people who will challenge and encourage you to pursue your God- given dreams. Oasis have given opportunities for me to step into leadership roles that gave me freedom from fear. I learned that joy comes from God alone and that every single person has a story and all we need is to remember is that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “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.”

December 4, 2017

#SheRisesSeries meet Sarah

Meet Sarah. . .
AGE: 30
HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: 3
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Life changing, extravagant, heart filled.

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: God moving through worship and watching women’s lives be transformed.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: I would tell them to come!! It is life changing.

HER STORY: In this season, God has been showing me the importance of family, community and unity. I know Oasis really stresses the importance of community, but I didn’t understand the full impact until just recently. I came back from Madagascar and experienced how the villages did life together. We are supposed to walk this journey out together hand in hand. God has really shown me the importance of loving people where they are at. Cultivating a safe loving atmosphere for people to grow and blossom.

November 27, 2017

#SheRisesSeries meet Allison

Meet Alison…
AGE: 49
HOW MANY YEARS SHE’S ATTENDED SHE RISES CONFERENCE: More than 10!
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CONFERENCE: Joyful, encouraging, inspiring.

WHY SHE KEEPS ATTENDING: I attend the conference because it’s my annual infusion of inspiration and encouragement sprinkled with awesome worship and a large dose of estrogen. In a room that large with THAT many women – there is nothing better!

HER FAVORITE CONFERENCE MOMENT: There is not one favorite moment for me but the overall feeling I get each year when God’s spirit is unleashed and swirling around the room full of women knowing that many will be blessed and spurred on in their journey. You can feel the freedom of many being supported, encouraged, having chains broken, feeling loved on and glowing with utter joy all around.

WHAT SHE WOULD SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING ATTENDING CONFERENCE: I often invite many of my friends each year to attend and I simply tell them they need their soul fed and this is the place to do it. It’s safe and full of joy and love and care and kindness and they will walk away feeling stronger and more affirmed in their journey. Most women are exhausted in their day to day lives and this conference is the thing they all need to feel renewed and refreshed. It’s church 2.0 full of dynamic women!

HER STORY: Walking my unique journey as a single “maternal” woman, God has used my singleness over the years to be a blessing to others. I’m the nurturer to many and am so thankful that God can use me in this way to support, love and care for others around me. I can use my time well to infuse others with encouragement as well as meet needs when situations arise. I have found that using my life in this way satisfies my maternal needs as well as keeps my heart content in my own journey. God has taught me to love my tribe well and in doing so, I feel loved by God in extraordinary ways.