- Amazing Freedom 2007 - ("Women of Faith" Conference) So if the Son makes you free you will be truly free. - John 8:36 
Me (L) & HaeEun (R)
Women of Faith Conference was held at the Verizon Center in Chinatown, Washington DC this past weeekend. Just by seeing HUNDREDS of women packed in the metro as we got closer to Chinatown, and seeing SO MANY WOMEN gushing out the escalater and metro station exit, I was shocked. Seeing the Verizon center packed with women, I was so surprised by the number of Christian women who were so actively pursuing their faith. Hae Eun and I sat almost at the top. Looking down the arena filled with 16,000+ women who were there to meet God, it felt like a holy sanctuary. The stage light seemed like a light that God was shining down on us. God has taught me a lot of things, especially what it means to be a "woman" of Christ. I was familiar with my identity as a "Christian" but being reminded of what it means to be a "woman" of Christ was very refreshing. So many great spiritual leaders, speakers and writers who I only knew through the books I have read were there. I was soo excited!! Marilyn Meberg, a woman who truly knows how to see her experience and life path through the lense of God. Sheila Walsh, a woman of Christ who has such a gift of singing and preaching. Her Scottish accent was such a delightment. She is a woman who struggled (and still struggles?) with depression. But I was touched by how honest she was about her weaknesses and God truly used her to touch my heart. Lisa Smith, a young woman with Down’s Syndrome who has taken the gift of signing. God has shown me that becoming a true spiritual leader and being able to minister does not mean living a life without messing up but being authentic and transparent, truly showing who you are. Authenticity is an open window to have our lives to be used for others. Also It reminded me of one of my journal entry that I wrote after being inpired by a book. ............................................................................. "My life is a gift to be shared." - Henri Nouwen, 'Bread for the Journey' Father, can my life really be a gift? Are you sure, even when it seems so ugly and tainted? I don't want to share my ugliness with others. I really don't... fhew, here comes my selfishness and pride again. Lord, I thank you for using my life as a gift not to just hold onto but to be shared. Though I feel so undeserving, it's so amazing how you can use even the smallest one for Your greater picture and purpose. Father, it is truly comforting to know that you use anything. Thank you for giving me these gifts, as a full package, not just only my joy, happiness but also my shortcomings and struggles. Help me to live it out like that... loud! - June 8, 2007 on a peaceful friday evening. ............................................................................. I was so encouraged to see what it would be like as woman of faith in the future, in my 30's, 40's and even till 70's. I was so touched and moved by the old ladies who were so proactive about their relationship with God. Some of the talks about relationship with husband, family, marriage, retirement... it was hard to grasp since I'm single but it was good to hear and learn that my walk with God is a long and exciting journey. Thank you so much for speaking to me, O Lord, through this conference. A moment with you always brings great joy and thankfulness for who You are. I love you, Father. ** God works in our weaknesses and when we realize that, we can experience true freedom and peace. Freedom from various fear- how others may view us, not being able to forgive our own selves. The next time you give someone a hug of encouragement, imagine the love of God fillining your heart so that it overflows from your heart and moves out through your arms to soak right into the person you're embracing. - Barbara Johnson | 
