Genesis 16:13 (CSB) "So she named the LORD who spoke to her: "You are El-Roi," for she said, "In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me? " Good morning, sisters, happy Monday! Do you know the story of Hagar? She is one of my favorite people in the Bible. She didn't lead armies to victory, she wasn't a brave queen responsible for the emancipation of her people. She was a regular person. An obedient servant girl. She's one of my favorite people because I can relate to her. I was doing some research, and read that the name Hagar means "Stranger," but she was anything but that to our Heavenly Father. Hagar was mistreated for following orders. She ran away from her mistress, Sarai, because she was so nasty to her. She was pregnant with Abram's son and alone in the wilderness until an angel of the Lord spoke to her. He gave her directions on what to do and made a promise to her. After that, she was like, " Wow (I'm paraphrasing). God, you really see me. You really love me. I DO have a purpose. I DO have a future." I've felt like Hagar before. I've felt unseen, unwanted, and alone. God in His loving kindness sent people to speak life into me, He spoke to me through His Word, and through His Spirit. Just like Hagar, nothing about our lives is ever overlooked by God. He sees your effort, He sees your tears, and He sees your faithfulness. And just like Hagar, "The LORD has heard your cry of affliction." I want to encourage you today, sisters. God knows you. How could He not? He created your inward parts, He knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows (Luke 12:7). El-Roi, the God Who Sees, sees you. Hagar's mindset changed when she felt seen by God. How does it change you to know that God sees you? I love y'all, Shavonne 🧡 (Read about Hagar in Genesis chapters 16 and 21)

Hi sisters! Registration is still open for our April Outreach & Prayer Walk! We will meet on April 25th from 10am-12pm in the big parking lot at Old Mill Park first, then walk alongside the river and pray. We believe that while we're walking, God will give us insight into what to pray for and whom to pray for. God's promises will be the focus of this prayer walk, and NOT the enemy's schemes! If you're willing to align with the Spirit of God and with the Word of God, we want YOU to join us. This will be a family affair, so bring your husbands, fiancés, children, parents; everyone is welcome to intercede for our city! Prayer points and Scripture will be emailed out the day before, so you are prepared. Click the link below to sign up. We can't wait to see you 🧡 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tea-time-testimony-april-outreach-prayer-walk-old-mill-park-tickets-1984417240385?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

What is something God has freed you from? Emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or physically? *Your testimony matters, and it could be exactly what your sister needs today.* Please share below. This is a safe space 🧡

Good morning, sisters 🧡 Yesterday, my 14 year old daughter asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks (I was on my way to church). "Mom, why does God allow bad things to happen?" Not the question I was expecting her to ask as I was heading out the door, but I knew I had to take the time to be intentional with my answer, even if that meant I had to be late. First, let's be clear. I know where this question is coming from. It's coming from the world. It's coming from friends at school or maybe even family members who have questions, who are a different religion, or have chosen not to believe in God. Aubri is a believer. She's saved. She reads her Bible. This moment, God was telling me that yes, we've set a good foundation for her, but it's not enough. A prophet of the Lord told me two weeks ago to "get my house in order." The enemy knows her anointing and her gifts and wants her to question her identity in Christ Jesus. I'll save this discussion for another post, but let me get to what I told her: I told her that we live in a fallen world. God didn't create a world full of suffering. In the beginning, everything was good (Genesis 1). Sin was introduced in Genesis 3. What we see is the result of a fallen world. She knew that part. Our Father God allows things, but He doesn't waste anything. Nowhere in the Bible does it say everything is good, but it does say God can work all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Pain and suffering can be used for growth and for bringing us closer to Jesus. I told her that sometimes the thing that we're going through is what God uses to reveal Himself to us. I told her that we live in a world where we have free will. We have choices. God could force people to do what is right all the time, but then love wouldn't be real. You have to choose love. You have to choose God. I'm thankful that I had that moment with my daughter. It showed me where I need to step up! I can't assume that as believers, we know God's Word, and it also reminded me why I'm here. What my purpose is. To be an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), and to be a strong example to my children. To allow them to see me walk in boldness for Jesus, so they can, in turn, do the same thing. To send them into the world prepared, so when they are questioned, they can answer confidently and boldly.

Sisters, God has placed it on our hearts to start Testimony Tuesdays! Starting tomorrow, we will post a prompt, and we would love for you to share your testimony with our community! Listen, this is not the time to overthink it. We don't need to be perfect to give God glory; we just need to be obedient in the moment. DON'T MISS YOUR MOMENT! Do a video reply, one sentence reply, full page, whatever works for you. Encourage your sisters with your testimony. Glorify God with your testimony. Tell the devil nana nana boo boo with your testimony!! What devil what?! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)! Get ready sisters. Let's encourage each other with our testimony. We can't wait to see you in the chat. Love y'all, Shavonne 🧡