It is so very hard to articulate something so special and intangible. I am still trying to wrap my head around what took place. The whole preparation process for The Courageous Woman Retreat was a journey of lessons even up until moments before we began. So I knew that God was up to something and it was going to be GOOD. While I didn't know any of the ladies who were attending, God knew them and wanted them to know how much they were loved. I was just a vessel and I am so grateful for the privilege.
The day started off at the spa where the ladies had breakfast and a spa treatment. For some, it was their first spa experience, so it was pretty cool. Afterwards, we convened in the meeting space to begin the workshops. I opened with prayer and LuJuana led us in song. First up, Workshop #1, The Courage to Be Me. The ladies explored several questions related to being totally free to be themselves. And one special Sistah from each session was chosen to sit in the hot seat, share her answers and receive a mini coaching session. It was an amazing experience for everyone involved.
Workshop #2 was The Fearless Life. We talked about releasing the brakes, walking on water and launching out into the deep. Great revelations came forth and then it was lunch time. We enjoyed lunch, but we also had fun taking photos with the Pink Guitar, Feather Boa & Funky Shades. It was a great opportunity for the ladies to take a walk on the "Fearless Side" by releasing their inhibitions & just going with it.
After lunch, we started Workshop #3, Forever Free, and that was a pivotal point for a lot of the ladies. Their Aha Moments were being crystallized as they realized that they were free to laugh, free to love & free to live. LuJuana then sang a stirring rendition of "I Am Changing" and we were all in tears. That primed us to close out with a covenant agreements to our sisters. We pledged to honor the bond of sisterhood and hold each other accountable to our dreams.
The big "Take Away" was that being a Courageous Woman is, indeed, a journey with many starts and stops. But with God's direction and the support of our sisters, NOTHING is impossible for us!
Stay tuned. There WILL be another Inspired Sistah retreat next year!
Live Courageously,
Tangie
Special Thanks To:
My husband, Jessie Henry of FlavaChordz.com for always loving, supporting and cheering me on.
Asabi Ifaramomi of Sacred Grove Designs for providing the amazing Courageous Woman Retreat logos.
Ada Johnson with Fear4lyMade Body Oils for creating the signature Courageous Woman body butter, Fearlessly Me.
Sha-Rhonda Davis of Empowered2Change, LLC, for loving, supporting & believing in the vision.
Dan & Chris Smith for always quietly supporting, encouraging & loving.
Renee Frisby Jones for believing in the vision enough to share of her resources.
Elisha Akram of Kustom Kreations for capturing beautiful images and having a beautiful spirit to match.
Sherilynn Marilyn of ImStylynn for making me look beautiful & courageous.
Tammie, Kenyatta, Seante, Brigitte with Team IS for your tireless prayers, contributions, love, support & work to demonstrate to the world that Inspired Sistahs really do rock REAL HARD!
All of the beautiful, bold, courageous women who attended the retreat. Thank you for obeying the call. Keep soaring, Sistahs!
