When God tells you to do something, you do it. Or at least you SHOULD. Because like a mother to her child, He knows what the outcome will be. As much as we’d like to think we could figure it all out, we JUST. HAVE. NO. IDEA what really is in store for us.
So enter Pursuit 31 into my life. Like a moth to a flame I was totally and completely drawn in. I have never felt the hand of God literally SHOVING me into something like this before. If only everything were so obvious, life would be so much simpler. I would never have to question anything, ever. It was so completely refreshing to be wholeheartedly sure of something… without a doubt in my soul. I know what you’re thinking… “um….deep thoughts by Jack Handy, Angie….” but really, that doesn’t even scratch the surface of how it initially felt.
When the opportunity presented itself for me to be a part of the New Haven Retreat, I leapt with my eyes closed. Having no idea on the details. I hassled Janice until I knew everything was lined up and that I had done my part to meet God where He was asking me to go. For me, there was no itinerary, no jobs lined up, no schedule, no photoshoot. It didn’t really matter to me; I just knew I had to be there. I am so grateful for my supportive husband who didn’t even hesitate to agree. We knew we’d figure out the rest.
So over the next few months of planning, the event unfolded. Stacy and I paired up and decided to make it a road trip and open up the suite we had booked to anyone else who needed a place to stay. It was the best decision we ever made and why each of them: Stacy, Beth, Rachelle, Katie & Sharna will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart forever (and ever and ever). And as if THAT weren’t enough, I also had the privileged to spend time with Alicia, Cam, Deborah, Margaret, Tiffany, Val, and Karen at Desirea’s magnificent landmark house in New Haven. These women literally have changed my life forever.
The whole experience took me a full month to digest and reflect on all of the little details. From our impromptu Yale Library tour, to our dinner at Buffalo Bills on Dave Chapelle’s street. Late night chats by the fireplace with an old janitor whose girlfriend had recently colored his hair, to Alica’s dad’s yummy home cooked meals. We brainstormed our business goals, website designs, workflow, branding and how to best juggle being a woman in business. Being a MOM in business. We shared ideas. We shared our fears. We prayed for my family battling cancer. We laughed, we shared our dreams out loud, and we chucked a roll of toilet paper around the room for the next person who needed to cry.
I think we used the whole roll.
It really DID take me a full month to take it all in. It inspired my life in so many facets and has propelled me forward for the coming year. My goals are clearer. My relationships are sweeter. My faith is strengthened. My heart is ready for new changes. I have the courage to step out further than I did before. I know the true value of authenticity.
It’s easier (even if it’s just a little) to let go of people that I should have long ago. No one who loves me should ever make me feel like crap. Period.
And most of all, I’m not as scared as I once was to be completely vulnerable, which is why you are reading this.
What started with a small group of women has grown to more than 1400 across the country in just over a year. WOW. The need for Christian businesswomen (specifically photographers) to connect and encourage one another was obviously great. It’s amazing how the mutual love of God can instantly bond you with other women. To let your guards down with one another and fast forward the “new friendship” part and jump right in exactly where you need them to the most.
Pursuit 31 will be holding it’s first national conference in Georgia this October with incredible guest speakers including Dawn Davis, Jody Gray and of course our P31 Founder, Karen Stott. I encourage anyone who is reading this and can relate, to just follow your heart and go where God is leading you to go.
Watch this to learn more about the conference:
It’s been a privilege to see this group grow and I am honored to serve in my local Tri-State area.
Please contact me here and we would love for you to join our small group so you connect with other like-minded women for support and encouragement.
To learn more about Pursuit 31 watch this:
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Karen Stott - Oh Angie I jus ADORE you!!!! I still to this day wish I would’ve been in that room with you girls. So much fun!!! Can’t wait to hug you again!