What the women of First Baptist taught me

This season has been a beautiful one—full of stretching, learning, and stepping into spaces that make me uncomfortable in the best way. One of those areas has been speaking. Encouraging others has always come naturally, but putting those thoughts together in a clear, meaningful way in front of a room? That’s a skill I’m still growing in.

Recently, I had the privilege of sharing with a precious group of women at FBC Charleston, and it was such a joy—not just in the speaking, but in the learning and encouragement I received in return. This wasn’t just an event—it was an experience that deepened my faith and reminded me once again that ministry is never just about what we give, but about what we receive when we show up with open hands. Here are a few of the truths these women showed me.

Come Ready to Listen, Not Just to Speak

From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I was reminded that ministry is never a one-way street. Before I ever stood on stage, God was already speaking—through the women around me.

I met women who had navigated unexpected diagnoses in their children and spouses, women who had experienced the church stepping in at their lowest, and women stepping into new, unknown seasons or processing traumatic births and seasons of waiting. Their stories were precious. Their presence was a gift. And though I was an outsider to this particular church, I wasn’t an outsider to the most important thing—Jesus. The same God who had been faithful to me was the same God at work in each of them. Their stories welcomed me, encouraged me, and grounded me.

I had spent weeks praying for the women I would speak to, but until that morning, they had been faceless and nameless. Now, they had stories. Families. Testimonies of God’s provision, grace, and presence. Suddenly, I could see why He had led me to the words He put on my heart—because they weren’t just messages; they were for these women. As I spoke, their stories became woven into my own, and I found myself drawing from their faith to encourage my own.

I came to encourage them—but their faith became evidence of God’s work not just in their lives, but in their families, their churches, and even in me. What a beautiful space to be invited into, even just for one day.

Boss babes of the Bible

I jokingly told the women at the beginning that our talk was titled Unshakable Grace—not Unshakable Women. We weren’t here to talk about how to be "modern-day Esthers" or "boss babes of the Bible." Instead, we focused on the main message—that God's providence is stronger than all the powers and authorities, all the things we think control our lives.

But as I met these women, I couldn’t help but laugh because they totally could have rocked the label boss babe or wonder woman warriors for Jesus.

While preparing for this teaching, I was so encouraged. There were definitely moments I found myself deep in the weeds, but it was refreshing to experience this story in a fresh way when I thought I knew it so well. God was faithful to teach me new things and make the details come alive. For example, discovering how the entire book is structured around reversals was powerful. I wrote more about that in an earlier post, but basically, seeing the giant chiasm—the big mirroring story—where God moves from brokenness and exile to rescue and restoration—was so eye-opening.

It was incredible to see the moment Esther hides her identity as a Jew mirrored with the Gentiles becoming Jews in response to God’s work. Or the irony in Haman rolling lots to choose when he would attack the Jews, starting in the month they would have celebrated Passover—the ultimate reminder that God is the Deliverer. It was a beautiful nod to a future Passover—the night before the Cross.

And these women were all for it! What fun we had digging into God’s Word and discovering these anchoring truths—truths that help us remember who God is and what He’s done. Truths that are the anchor for our souls. And there was one more lesson I walked away with—leave room for God to work.

Be Faithful but Stay Open—Leave Room for God to Work

This has been the year of leaving room for God—not just in a "that sounds nice" way, but in a real, tangible, learning-to-let-go way. He’s been teaching me the joy of not having to control everything—of working hard for Him while intentionally making space for what only He can do. And, unsurprisingly, what He accomplishes in those spaces is always far better than anything I could have orchestrated myself.

During my final session, I planned to leave room for organic conversation and application. What happened next was powerful. After going over the life maps from session 2, I felt compelled to share what had encouraged me as an outsider. Suddenly, one woman asked if we could stop and pray for a sister walking through a difficult season, trusting God to sustain her and her family. These women didn’t just pray—they cried out to the Lord. They interceded, covering her in love and lifting her up with desperate petitions for God’s provision. It was raw, powerful, and beautiful to witness.

And the best part? It led perfectly into the final message—about how, while God’s ways are sometimes hidden, His character never is. And His character brings us hope.

Final Reflection

This experience reminded me that when I stop striving to control everything and instead leave room for God, He always shows up—and He does far more than I ever could. So if you're in a season of stretching, stepping into something new, or feeling unsure, know this: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just leave room, and God will step in. And sometimes, He surprises you in the sweetest ways—bringing strangers who become sisters, and showing up in ways that strengthen your heart like never before.