Hey Ladies,

Many times it amazes me the accomplishments that women have made throughout the years. When I need a little inspiration, I pick up the latest article or book on great women such as our First Lady Michelle Obama. When I need a little boost in my faith and a portrait of strength, I read about great women of the bible such as Queen Esther. When I want an example of grace and poise, I think about my Aunt Norma and Aunt Tense. When I am tempted to make wrong choices, I think about the legacy that I would be leaving for my wonderful nieces Victoria, Makayla, Alannis and Malia. When I want an example of what it means to be a mother that loves her child unconditionally, I think about my mother Janis Berroud. Just like myself, I am sure that there have been women, great women in your life that have inspired and encouraged you along the way. These women have paved the path before you and have helped you to be the woman that you are today.

It is important that like the great women that have gone before us, we take up our torch and run our course effectively. Hebrews 11:40 is the infamous “Faith Hall of Fame. “  It gives recognition to a few of the heroes and heroines of the Old Testament who were commended for their faith.  It lists the likes of Abraham, Issac, Noah and Sarah. It also includes Jacob, Joseph and Moses.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 [Message] follows that section with this:

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

From one girlfriend to the next, I believe that us girls have our own section consisting of great women of the bible. I can imagine them surrounding us and cheering us on. There is Mary, the mother of Jesus, saying, “you can do it!” There is Eve saying “you go girl!” There is Ruth, Queen Esther, Martha, Mary Magdelene, Tamar, Hagar, Naomi, Deborah, Joanna, Rahab and Sarah all saying, “you better run your race, don’t you quit.”

But it’s not just the women that have gone before you cheering you on and encouraging you, but it is also the women that will come behind you. Your legacy is your lasting impression on the earth and is between you and God. Your daughters are depending on you to overcome past family struggles and to leave a life of victory and faith for them. Your daughters are depending on you to choose healthy relationships so they too will have an example of such.  Your daughters are depending on you to fulfill your God-given destiny, as this will impact their future. Your nieces are depending on you to press on and complete that college degree. Your cousins, your neighbors, your sisters are all looking for women of strength to serve as an example for them.

Ladies, don’t underestimate your God-given power and what you are made of. God said “you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” [Psalm 139:14]. Since the beginning, God made us strong, compassionate, influential, full of purpose and full of faith. We are mothers and business leaders. We are astronauts and wives. We are activists and students. We are educators and politicians. We are judges. We are secretaries. We are medical staff. We are authors, poets and ministers. We gave birth to our Savior and helped support Him during His ministry. We were even the first to visit His tomb on Resurrection Sunday.   

So now here we are. The women of the past have passed the torch to us. It our turn to run this portion of the race fearlessly and faithfully. It is our turn to boldly pursue those things that God has placed into our heart. It is our turn to intentionally make wise decisions so that the road is easier for the legacy that follows. What are you doing with your torch? Join us for GFG 2010 as we “take up our torch and celebrate the legacy of women.”

See you soon!