‘Vulnerable, uncertain and confused’

We need to write a new chapter says Kate Wright.

It was such an honour and privilege to host our second Aspire regional conference here in Plymouth.

After a crazy couple of years it was so good to be able to gather together again. And what a day we had.

Our theme for the conference felt so timely – ‘The story I’ll tell’.

Maya, who attended the conference, sums up how she had felt over the last couple of years in three words: ‘Vulnerable, uncertain, and confused’. I think we could all agree with her.

We last had the opportunity to gather in 2019 but in November last year, with lockdown being eased, I had the pleasure of attending Plymouth Christian Centre for the second ladies’ Brave Conference.

With over 250 women coming together, I was nervous to be around so many people again but expectant to meet with God and experience his presence.

We were led in worship with great confidence, and it was a joy to be able to sing freely again. Any nerves quickly disappeared.

Every person I spoke to was excited to be in a room with like-minded women, and they were eager and expectant to hear what God would say into their lives. Speakers Christy Wimber and Jen Baker led us with such authoritative and encouraging words to remind us about the power of our story.

The season we have been through has worn many down and taken its toll, but we were reminded that the story of our lives is not affected just because we are weak.

It is often in our darkest places where the light shines through. It is in these places that people relate to our humanity, and the parts of ourselves that we try to hide are the parts that God will most likely use.

The title of Jen Baker’s message was ‘My House, My Story’.

Jen encouraged us to stand firm. We are not held back by our circumstances; we are to take authority over the stories that are written for our lives, and not allow the enemy to use our past to choke out our future.

This is something which we can all relate to. How often have we allowed other people’s perceptions to hold us back?

The truth is that no one else knows our story. The words that others have spoken over us need to be replaced with the words God speaks about us in the Bible.

What does God think of us? Jen inspired us to see that God was writing a new chapter and giving us a new name. Always remember, when we can’t see that he is working, we should stay expectant and trust the Lord.

The message seemed personal to so many and I found it a huge encouragement.

The last couple of years have been messy, but God isn’t done yet. We need to write a new chapter. We are preparing to enter a new season.

It’s time to step into our purpose.

Kate lives in Plymouth, is married to Paul, and they have two teenage daughters. Kate supports Paul in his role as associate minister in Plymouth and also heads the team for the regional Aspire conferences in the Southwest Region.

First published in the February 2022 issue of Direction, Elim’s monthly magazine. Subscribe now to get Direction delivered to your home.

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