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I was privileged to
speak at a Christian women’s conference where the theme was “Finding
the Fabulous Woman Within.” I began my presentation by asking how
many women in the audience had ever experienced a day when they
didn’t feel very “fabulous.” As every hand in the room went up, we
realized how much we all had in common.
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Although my faith has always
been a big part of my life, that faith has certainly been
tested many times over. Like women everywhere, I’ve had my
share of trials, losses and disappointments. I’ve survived
those difficult times because of God’s love, care and concern
for me. In the process of helping me grow into the imperfect
woman I am today, with all my faults and shortcomings, God has
taught me some valuable Life Lessons that I’m privileged to
share with other women of faith across the country. And for
me, sharing my life means sharing my sense of humor.
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Click
here to see how Jean connects with women of every age
and every stage of life.
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I’m delighted when audiences laugh at me, because laughter is
one of the greatest gifts God has given us. When people laugh
they open themselves to learning, and they remember the
message. So I have no problem sharing my stories - like the
day I became “The Favorite Grandmother” with our first
grandson.
It wasn’t that difficult. All I had to do, on his 5th
birthday, was promise Carter that on his 16th
birthday “JeJe” (that’s me) would buy him a brand new
car. Now it didn’t occur to me at that moment that he
might not be our ONLY grandchild. He isn’t. And the word
has gotten out about the car. So I’ll be working for a
long time because I have lots of cars to buy. I also share
other lessons learned, like the night I found out that
if you try to sleep in flannel pajamas on
flannel sheets, it’s like Velcro and you can’t turn over
by yourself!
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As we
all know too well, life isn’t always funny. Bad things happen
to good people every day. While we can’t be in charge of
everything that happens to us, we can be in charge of how we
respond. We can choose to give up, or we can choose to
look up and ask God for His help and guidance. While
that hasn’t always been easy for me, I’ve learned that even in
my darkest days and nights, God is always there. Sometimes I
can feel His presence, and sometimes I have to trust that He
is there. And then, instead of letting that painful experience
define my future, I have to use what I learned and continue to
work on becoming the woman God desires me to be. I’m
definitely a work in progress, and the good news is that God
isn’t finished with me yet! |
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My
favorite Scripture is from Jeremiah 29:11 –
For I
know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for
welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
When Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans,
thousands of people were left homeless, overwhelmed and
afraid, with no future and no hope. Fleeing New Orleans just
hours ahead of the storm, 12 members of our family evacuated
to Baton Rouge and lived with us for over a month. I was
amazed daily by their courage, their faith in God, and their
belief that there was a future and there was
hope. As I talk with women about the Life Lessons I learned
from Katrina I ask them, “What’s the name of your
storm?” |
Their answers
vary, but they always begin with the same words: “The name of my
storm is…” They talk about the loss of a parent, spouse or child, a
daughter with an eating disorder, a husband with cancer, a sister
with emotional problems, an alcoholic brother, a child on drugs, a
parent with Alzheimer’s, an abusive relationship, financial worries,
poor health, or the loss of a home, a career, a love or a life. Then
we talk about how God’s grace helps us face our challenges with
wisdom, faith and courage.
In addition to
sending His grace, God also sends people to help us through the
tough times. If we put pride aside, ask for help, accept the help
God sends, listen, and focus on a future with hope, we will never be
alone – no matter what storms we may endure. When we join our hearts
with the heart of Christ, when we place ourselves in God’s hands, we
are in the best place possible. And it is in that place where
we will find the Fabulous Woman within each of us, the woman God
desires us to be.
Blessings to you and yours,
Jean
Gatz
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