Sept. 10, 2014

By Tracy Leonard
Contributing Writer

It has been awhile since I’ve written, as God has abundantly blessed me with busy times; however, I’ve been moved to slow down and share with you the joys of some recent transformative moments in my life.

Last month, my sister was home from Texas for a visit. While here, the five of us (my sisters and I) shared dinner together at Ryan’s Lookout in Henderson Harbor.

As usual, it was an incredible time as we laughed and shared stories, but there was something unique that took place that night. Conversation towards the middle of our three-hour dinner shifted to one of serious contemplation and dialogue related to our faith journey. We shared our hopes, our worries, our questions, or joys and our understanding of what it means to be in relationship with Jesus Christ.

It became very evident to me that there was something serious happening around the table that night – God was at work! Although some of us sat quiet, just listening, God was working to pull at our heart strings. He was calling his five daughters to speak the truth or to ponder the majesty of His love and work in our lives.

Since dinner that evening, I have been carefully and thoughtfully considering my identity in Christ. I have had a yearning and desperate thirst for God to do new things in and through me.

I find myself longing for a safe, engaging relationship with Him; one which allows me to more deeply and fully experience His everlasting and transformative love not just at church on Sundays, but every day. While there is often other hard work to do and counsel to seek, the core of happiness I desire is a relationship that is grateful and graceful- one that knows the blessings we have in Him and with each other. Just like a glass of cold, ice water on a hot afternoon, or a swim after a long hike, I want to be satisfied, to have my thirst quenched, and to be refreshed.

This past weekend particularly, I was blessed to be satisfied in Christ.

Upon returning home from the Women of Faith conference in Rochester, NY, I find myself unceasingly reflecting on this experience- one that gave me just a glimpse of what it means to be filled and to want nothing more.
As my mom, sister, some friends and I joined thousands of other women, we celebrated the theme “From Survival to Revival.” The revival we shared was one of restoration, strength and awakening.

Whether walking with Jesus for a long time, or experiencing Him for the first time, the women at this conference realized they were not alone. It was very clear that we all have struggles and heartaches, but through an encounter with the living Christ, this conference had us desperately wanting more.

Together and individually, we were seeking for His mercy, His love, His forgiveness, and ultimately for a deep, real, and tangible relationship with our Father.

Nationally known speakers and musicians helped us to experience this encounter in an incredible way. It was truly transformative! 

As the weekend comes to a close and I must return to work on Monday, I feel a sense of restoration, but also one of obligation. I am very grateful for the spiritual high I am experiencing for when our faith is revived, our relationship with God becomes deeper than ever, yet I am also feeling called to pour back into the local church and community the substantial graces I have been given.

As I share this story, I hope it inspires you to set your heart’s compass on Christ. He is our hope, our joy, and our security. We need Him in the highs and lows of our lives and when our hearts are filled with the Gospel truth, we have the strength to face whatever comes our way. We can minister to our family and friends. We can counsel those in need. We find that our existence in Christ is so much more than just surviving each day.

This weekend is just an example of something that has helped me to realize that having Jesus means you have it all. To trust Him means that your needs are met. To know Him is to realize that He is your dearest, most faithful companion.

Yes, so often many of us feel overwhelmed to make time for the Bible, for church, for faith or for fellowship, but we need to realize that God wants to meet us where we are. He wants to be in relationship with you during your lunch break, while you’re waiting for an appointment, or even when you’re catching a quick breather from the craziness of your day.

Are you ready and willing to join God’s army of beautiful sons and daughters? Whether you are male or female, size 2 or 2x, age 18 or 81, the time is now.

He wants to be intimately involved with you and He longs to transform your life from one of survival to revival. Will you let Him?

Tracy Leonard of Watertown, second from left, is shown with family members and friends during a recent Women of Faith conference held in Rochester.