There is a conference in October, which I have gone to the past three years in a row. Begun as the Relevant Conference, now called Allume, this conference has helped me to grow as a writer, expand as a blogger, forge and strengthen friendships with my online friends.
The Internet is an amazing place. 30 years ago I never would have thought that I would make friends through my computer. (Yes, we had one. A Commodore 64, wayyyy back in the early 80’s.) And now there are conferences dedicated to bloggers, meeting other bloggers face to face. What a concept!
The first year I went to Relevant, I got to meet a “Rockstar” blogger to me, and I also met others who made ME feel like a Rockstar. It was so weird! But the coolest thing is that some of those first ladies I met are now dear friends, like Michelle, Heather, and Steph.
The second year, which was last year, I didn’t meet very many people. I was turned inside, grieving as my Gramma passed away quite quicker than anyone expected, while I was back East at the conference. I had a few friends around me. I had one friend in particular whom I leaned on, a friend since the first Relevant Conference, while I was unable to really connect or have conherent conversations with others. Some women have told me that I DID have conversations with them… and I don’t remember meeting them… sigh. The sisterhood of believers, of writers, of women who insist on deep connection and the Holy Spirit’s presence were such a comfort to me.
Last week, I attended this conference for the third time. I went with excitement and some expectations, but again the most prevalent thing was just the connection, and re-connection, with dear sisters I love, and making new friendships that will grow.
Be thankful for those who make a point to connect with you, and to show you themselves. Being transparent in a made up, dressed up, faked up world isn’t easy. Invest in quality friendships offline and on, and the Lord will bless you through them!
Words. Mine, yours, collective yet singular. Each one of us has our own. We speak life, we are heard but only when we use our own. The world doesn’t need another Ann, nor does it need another Dawn.
Yes, we’ve done it. I’ve done it. Or I haven’t done it. School, that is.
