She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

That’s what Proverbs 31:25 says.

Before this past Monday, I had never read that version of the verse–it’s the New Living Translation.  For some reason, the power of it doesn’t lessen the more I read it.  I’ve read it about fifty times this week–and each time, it inspires me as much as the first.  Can you imagine that?  Living in a way that you can laugh without fear of the future.  I want to be so full of joy and strength and dignity and faith that I laugh with such a light heart.  One that’s not weighed down by anything that will hinder my hope for the future.

I’ve been away at a conference. It was the most gorgeous place I think I’ve ever been to.  Deep in the heart of some rolling mountains in Georgia, lies the WinShape Retreat.  One hundred amazing women gathered, all of us part of a photography group called Pursuit 31.  We all went for rest, fulfillment, to find direction for our businesses and lives, and I’m pretty sure all one hundred women would tell you that they have been changed in some way–some maybe just in a few smalls ways–and some, I believe, in life-changing ways.

I was completely blown away by the speakers.  There was an amazing group of women speaking. . . well known photographers–some who also speak at conferences as large as WPPI, which is the huge conference I have attended in Las Vegas two years in a row.  They were so transparent and shared their hearts so openly, that it went a million times beyond any expectations I had walked into the conference with.  They were friendly–and became a part of us. They didn’t hide away, huddle together as a group or run away from the rest of us.  They hung out with us.  They ate with us.  They in no way acted better than any of us during our entire stay.  It was unbelievable.  And I hope they know how much everyone completely appreciated and loved that.

Mary Marantz (of Justin & Mary) and Jody Gray (of Zach & Jody) were two of the speakers who shared their hearts, their knowledge and their time with us.  

My favorite part of the conference though, was spending the entire time with my sister-in-law, Rachelle, who I consider to be one of my best friends (though we live hundreds of miles apart).  I’m pretty sure we spent about thirty minutes separated the entire day–and that was when we were out reflecting and spending some time with God.  Everyone found our story interesting. . . how our husbands are brothers and how we never used to be close, and we both separately started getting into photography at the same time–in two different states–with two completely different backgrounds.

I have a lot to digest and think about.  A lot to wait on.  A lot to mull over.  I don’t expect to figure things out tomorrow–but I am ready to listen and act when it’s time to act.

Until then, I remain a Daughter of God.  And that is where my value lies (thank you, Katelyn James for the wonderful reminder)

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.’ We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson