Morsels of Hope for Life's Toughest Challenges

Marilyn Reaves (4th from left) and her daughters.

In the midst of life’s challenges, our minds are full of negative thoughts; our souls cry out for answers; and our hearts overflow with emotion. Life can be so unpredictable. There are many variables we simply cannot control. The spring 2012 edition of Girl Talk was all about dealing with life when things don't go "according to plan."

Our guest speaker, Marilyn Reaves, has dealt with more than her fair share of challenges. She became a widow at an early age and was left to raise five small children on her own. She is also a two-time breast cancer survivor who has endured chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical procedures and various other medical challenges.  Marilyn shared a message of truth that was infused with hope and encouragement. 

Girl Talk panelists started the day by sharing their biggest challenges.  Our panelists discussed the ups and downs of living with a chronic illness, enduring  grief & loss, feeling discouraged by career uncertainty, and wrestling with an unfulfilled desire to be married or have children.  

Next, each Girl Talk participant created a sign, which displayed a personal challenge and the emotions associated with that challenge.  As we wore our signs, there was a greater sense of unity, and we realized our challenges can be links that connect us.  
        

Our Challenges Connect Us & Refine Us

Challenging situations can be debilitating.  We are often tempted to isolate ourselves when life dishes out its worst, but isolation can actually amplify our challenges and make us feel worse.

During the Mix & Mingle segment, the clubhouse was abuzz as women made new connections and found strength and comfort in the company of other women who were enduring similar challenges.  Girl Talk participants discovered that openness and vulnerability can be great companions as we journey toward healing. 

But the focus of the day was not on our challenges.  At the end of the Mix & Mingle segment, each participant ripped her "challenging circumstance sign" as a symbolic gesture of the fact that we are not defined by our circumstances.  When asked how it felt to tear their signs apart, many said it was as if a burden had been lifted. 

Participants were also challenged to: (1) identify reasons for gratitude; (2) turn their challenge into an opportunity; and (3) dare to dream again.  Participants walked away with a 30-day challenge meant to help participants adjust their perspective and find a new sense of purpose.   

Morsels of Hope

There is nothing like having a wise and loyal friend to walk by your side during life's most difficult moments.  As we learned at the "Friendship Edition" of Girl Talk, friends can't fix all your problems, but they can make sure you never have to face them alone.  Even still, only God can truly meet our deepest needs and give us the peace we so desperately desire. 

Marilyn closed the day with some refreshing promises from God.  As you read them, allow them to sink into your heart.  Share them with a friend who could use a bit of encouragement. 

»        He is your maker, your husband, your redeemer. (Isaiah 54:5)
»        He wipes your sin away and remembers it no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
»        He will keep you free from all blame. (I Corinthians 1:8)
»        He will not give you more than you can handle. (I Corinthians 10:3)
»        He will enable you to stand firm. (II Corinthians 1:21)
»        He will keep you strong to the end. (I Corinthians 1:8)
»        If you stand the test, you will receive a reward. (James 1:12)
»        You will reap a harvest if you do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)