It’s that time of year again, time to register for the She Speaks Conference. And once again this year Cecil Murphy is giving away two scholarships. Thank you, Cec. For more information about the conference, please visit HERE.
I just found out about this scholarship opportunity today and the deadline is already tomorrow-Friday, March 11th.
To enter please visit Lysa Terkeurst’s blog for details.
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So why do I want to win one of these scholarships?
Because I want to learn how to effectively communicate the messy stories of my life. Without shame I want to boldly point others to my hope and healer, Jesus Christ.
One area I am passionate about is a woman’s real beauty. I have an article titled, “Does God Care about my Bra Size?” that is still looking for a home. Going to She Speaks would help me possibly tweak and then pitch this article. This conference would also help find a way to start speaking on the topic of body image, using my life story.
(pic mine)
What is my story? One chapter from twenty years ago includes me having breast implant surgery. I thought that surgery would help my insecurities, instead I felt plastic. I felt shame for falling for the lie of sexy.
Today no one I know of in the Christian writing or speaking world is sharing from an “I’ve been there, done that” perspective. Why is that?
This seems to be one of those taboo topics that Christian women aren’t even comfortable talking about. I think it’s time we open up and share the battle that all girls and women face.
We want to be beautiful.
And the truth is we already are!
But unfortunately, the media tells us Beautiful has a certain shape and size. That sexy look is portrayed on commercials and magazine covers, making us feel inadequate. Even ugly. We forget these images are air brushed. We compare ourselves with women that really don’t exist. Glossy images of edited perfection.
In my opinion, Christian girls and women are deeply affected by this seduction. Some fall for the lie I fell for and expose too much skin. They sacrifice their bodies in the name of Beautiful. But the truth is chasing sexy doesn’t last.
I know.
So after two decades I’m finally ready to use this sliver of my story. 🙂 Not to condemn those who do what I’ve done, but to encourage young girls they are already beautiful. Period. And to remind the older women of their beauty and significance.
Here’s my truth: Changing my outside never healed the deep issues of my heart. The only lasting real beauty I’ve found is NOT in my bigger bra size, but in Christ alone. My relationship with Him is where real beauty is found.
Today my three inch scars serve as a healthy reminder of what one desperate woman will do to find value and beauty in a sex saturated world.
I long to be a voice of truth reminding women their significance and beauty goes far beyond the surface of our skin or their bra size– but I have no idea where to start?
Why? Because this is NEW territory for me, but I believe God is asking me to write and speak on this topic now, so I will need all the help I can get!!
She Speaks seems like a perfect next step.
“Here I am, Lord, send me.”
I choose you to win!! because your story must be told. Hoping beyond hope to hug you there!!! xoxo
Well aren’t you precious to jump in almost the minute I hit send to encourage me. 🙂 Thank you, Lisa! xoxo
Yep! You need to tell that story for sure.
Thanks, Melanie. Your support means a lot.
Tiffany, you have my vote! I’ll partner in prayer the Lord opens that door for you.
BIG hugs and tons of blessings,
Lisa
Lisa, Your love is one of the reasons I can share this with confidence. Thank you.
I choose you too … but I don’t get to vote! But I can pray!! I’d love to go but this year, I think, is just too soon after losing my hubby! However, I have an article due on the 20th of this month regarding Easter! Also, praying to see you soon!!!
Thanks for praying, Cindy. And I hope it works out that we meet face to face!
Tiffany, you definitely have a story to share! Have you tried submitting your article to the Proverbs 31 Woman magazine?
Women of all ages need to hear it. I too have a passion for the teens; they are worth investing in!
Share it boldly, my friend!
Lynn Cowell
P31 Speaker
Hi Lynn, No I haven’t shared with Proverbs 31 yet. Last time I read the guidelines I wasn’t sure it fit. I will peek again. Thank you for the support…
Does God really care about my bra size, the name of that made me giggle, hehe! But so true, so many women struggle with body image!
Stephanie, the title makes me laugh too. 🙂 I’ll stop by and meet you this week. Appreciate your friendly visit!
Oh, I hope you get picked! 🙂
I have been struggling with my face. :O
I happened to see a “butt crack” between my eyebrows on a photo, and all the photos now (of me) I see that thing. Someone told me about botox…butt I am just trying to be okay with aging…
(Okay, mostly I am being funny, but I am realizing that as I push closer to 50, I am going to have some issues to deal with…so speak to me sister! lol)
God bless you!
~Kathy
I know all about the face crack! 🙂 I’m getting my second one between my brows and I wish I could hit the “delete” butt—on. Yep, aging is a reality. We need to wear our age well. With a smile. Thanks for reading my story, Kathy! Hugs
Tiffany I know how tender your heart is for those that are hurting.
You have a heart for those that show the “mask” on the outside but are falling apart inside.
What an encouragement it is to show women that they have beauty from within. God loves His daugthers.
I will be praying for you and how God will be using your story.
Love ya,
Rachel
thanks, Rachel. I love that God connected us.. 🙂 I’m on your side. Believing for your God sized dreams to come true.
Hi Tiff,
I know you did not win a scholarship but in reading the comments I hope you are encouraged. God will do something MORE with this. So many of us get stuck looking in the wrong mirror. I admire your courage. There is not one chicken bone in you girl! Fly like an eagle… A beautiful eagle. hugs, B
Would definitely vote for you you but am not a voter. Will keep you in prayer. You share from the heart and lots need to hear you. You have a critical message. Bless you for your courage.
Thank you for your sweet comments lately. I appreciate your support and prayers!
My dear darling BEAUTIFUL sister. I think this is a wagon we’ve all been suckered into riding.
Why can’t we look in the mirror and see what God created? I don’t know–but I think every woman deals with something that we don’t like about ourselves.
What’s God saying about that? I don’t think our dislike for His creation is pleasing.
I love that God is opening your heart and mind to share—YOUR voice will hopefully break the cycle of judging ourselves so harshly! It is your voice I love to hear–and your voice will bless and benefit so MANY!
GO! WIN! Write the article….MAKE IT A BOOK!
He says…DREAM BIG. CLAIM BIG DREAMS.
Angie, your words are such a gift. Thank you for being such a faith-filled friend. Love u
Tiffany!
I’d vote for you too, but I dont have voting privileges. I’ve registered for the She Speaks conference and I’ll be going. Please let me know if I’ll FINALLY get to meet you face to face this year! BTW–love your new blog. I’m searching for someone to help me redo mine & I’m switching to wordpress too.
lots of hugs, love and blessings!
Thank you, Shonda. I feel like I’ve known you for years. I think it’s time we meet, maybe at She Speaks! Thanks for the encouragement. I made my own header for fun. I hope to learn more about website design because I enjoy the creative side of this and it helps me not have to hire someone. 🙂