what IF?
April 3, 2024 | Brooke Gentzel
Can I be honest with you for a moment? I’m talking about the kind of vulnerable honesty that is uncomfortable for me to fully admit. The kind of honesty that I’m (not so) secretly hoping you can identify with, too. Here it goes: I crave community but sometimes I wonder if I truly have the emotional capacity to pour into it. Even more? I feel guilty if I do pour into it. It’s this weird dichotomy of loneliness and a desire to be alone. As a working mom of three, I struggle with balance. Between work, kids’ activities, family time, marriage, and basic daily needs, it’s hard to have margin for anything else. But what IF I made the time?
What IF I realized I was created for community with others?
What IF I set an example for my children of what it looks like to grow in my faith with others?
What IF, in caring for my spiritual health, I showed my children how to do the same?
What IF I looked around and noticed all the other ladies just like me who are struggling with the same thing? Hi, friends. I’m so grateful to know I’m not alone.
You see, in the very beginning, God created us. But, he didn’t create us to isolate. In Genesis 2:18, “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone…’” Even God, Himself, is not just one; he’s three. He is the perfect reflection of relationship and connection.
I remember having a conversation with a friend once where we said, “You always have the freedom to not show up, but I love it when you choose to, anyway.” Some of my most meaningful relationships have been ones where I show up authentically. What IF you chose to do the same? What IF you made room for God to move in your life through community? We have the perfect place for you to start.
Next weekend, on April 13, women from all over our community are invited to take part as we stream IF:2024. We will get to hear from some incredible speakers like Jennie Allen, Sadie Robertson Huff, Jada Edwards, and Bianca Olthoff. Along with this, we’re excited to create opportunities for you all to build connection and growth with each other; to have some room to breathe and invest in your relationship with Jesus.
There will always be a thousand reasons for you to say no, but what IF you choose to say yes? For yourself, for your faith, for your family. Join us.