I’m back from The Influence Conference, and today is filled with much processing and prayer (and laundry and groceries and such, too, but you’ll have that). ;)
While I’d love for this post to be poetic and eloquent and lovely, I have a feeling it might end up a total mish-mash of thoughts, and honestly, I’m okay if it’s not all shiny and pretty.
I just want to share.
The words above in this post title were spoken by the ever-inspiring Lara Casey. I love them for a lot of reasons. For one, God put it on my heart to go to the Influence Conference, and uncharacteristically, I didn’t hesitate — I just went. I’m normally a very slow decision-maker, but when tickets went on sale last year, I bought one right away. I just knew I had to be there.
The truth is I want to be that woman more often, a woman who’s filled with a faith that’s so much bigger than her fear, a woman who walks forward in His truth and goes wherever He calls.
But back to the conference…
Oh, dear friends, the truth and inspiration that was shared!
My notebook and my heart are full.
I was over-the-moon to hear Lara Casey and Shauna Niequist speak. I was moved to tears by Jessi Connolly’s story, and Hayley Morgan’s words encouraged me to walk and create in freedom.
I was tender-hearted all weekend — feeling both vulnerable and accepted. I met so many sweet online friends in real life, and I made plenty of new ones.
But more than anything else, I felt part of something BIG — the kind of BIG that only He can orchestrate.
Let me leave you with this question, friends: what calling has the Lord placed on your heart? And what can you do TODAY to GO?
a place to dwell 
Beautiful post! I feel the need to be still and be brave.
http://agodfashionedlife.com
friend, i’m super blessed by this!
Love this! So jealous you got to go, but I enjoyed seeing all the photos on Instagram. Thanks for sharing all that you learned. It’s inspiring, even from a distance :)
This isn’t a mish mash at all! What a beautiful way of sharing. I love the “just go” piece. I have to take the plunge and return to work in 2 weeks (from maternity leave). It’s totally different, but pushing me to have great faith and trust God’s plan for my family.
Wow, how cool! Can’t wait to heart more about it!
I love your statement:
“I want to be that woman more often, a woman who’s filled with a faith that’s so much bigger than her fear, a woman who walks forward in His truth and goes wherever He calls.”
So good!
“feeling both vulnerable and accepted” – YES, agreed! I echo you, friend, I usually am too afraid to JUST GO to stuff like Influence as well, but I did this time. So glad I did. Thanks for the encouragement, Katie!
Love this post! It speaks so deeply to me. I sense God working out this dream He’s given me to travel, write, and take photos to share the story of what He’s doing in our world, and in and around us. I don’t know what it all entails, but the vision is becoming clearer and I want to GO with Him where He’s leading! Today, I place my trust and hope in Him to bring it all together.
Thanks, Allison. Praying that in the stillness you’re blessed with bravery. :)
Thanks, Hayley! I was blessed by being a part of the conference and was so happy to connect with you there! :)
Thanks, Yelena! If you get the chance, you should attend next year. :)
It’s definitely on my bucket list! :)
@Beth Goad, thank you, friend! Congratulations on your newest arrival! Praying right now for you and His plan for your family. :)
Thanks, Elle! :) I’m glad you stopped by!
@Leslie Lee Thank you, friend! I’m glad we were both brave and followed His call. I wish I had been able to chat with you a bit more, though. I hope you had an amazing time!! :)
Thanks, Hannah! I love what God is doing in your heart — so amazing! I’m excited for you, as you put your trust in Him and watch Him orchestrate everything in His perfect way. :)
“What can you do TODAY to GO?” That’s what I’m working on! Lara Casey’s speech was a big highlight of the conference for me, too–she gave me a lot to think about and process.
sit. down. &. WRITE. not just think about it, but just do it. I loved meeting you at the conference, Katie, and I wish we’d had more time together! I love how you say it: your notebook and your heart are full, and so are mine; so are mine.
It definitely is something BIG. I love being a part of it as well :)
@RachelG Yes! Lara’s session was amazing! I’m still processing, as well! :)
Aw, Annie, yes! I love that! I loved meeting you, too. Looking forward to more chats and hopefully a mini-meet-up! :)
Thanks for reading, Kerrie! :)
I don’t think we got a chance to meet- so let’s plan on that next year. :) I love this from your post: The truth is I want to be that woman more often, a woman who’s filled with a faith that’s so much bigger than her fear, a woman who walks forward in His truth and goes wherever He calls.
Agreed sister. Looking forward to reading how this experience changes you!
Hi there, I am new to your blog and found you through the Influence Recap link-up and your post really spoke to me. Specifically, this:
“The truth is I want to be that woman more often, a woman who’s filled with a faith that’s so much bigger than her fear…”
Despite God putting this conference on my heart for the past two years, I have still allowed fear and insecurity to keep me from attending. As I read through the recaps like yours, I am saddened to have missed out on another opportunity to become a part of this life-giving experience! I really do hope to attend next year (although I should probably just buy my ticket now…baby steps!).
Aloha,
Angie