Love Can Build a Bridge

Dear Sisters,

Today is the anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.  It's hard to believe 11 years have past.  Many of us continue to recall where we were and what we were doing on that day.  I was at work and it was my daughter's 2nd day of kindergarten.  I knew in my mind she was safe but I needed to just wrap my arms around her.  Today is important for us to remember not just the event, but those effected loved and lost.
But just as today is important, tomorrow and each day after continues to be just as important because what we do tomorrow to build bridges of love and understanding is critical so that we can all work together to stop events like 9/11 from every happening.  Is that possible?  I don't know but I do know that I have HOPE in Christ and I know through him all things are possible.  So as we remember today, I challenge you to think about what you will do tomorrow to help build that bridge.

                                                              Love Can Build a Bridge
                                                              Between Your Heart and Mine
                                                              Love Can Build a Bridge
                                                              Don't you think it's Time
                                                              Don't you think it's Time

                                                         (Lyrics from the song, "Love Can Build a Bridge" by The Judds)

                                                                            
Blessings and Peace,

Barbara
A Woman Destined for God's Purpose

Labor Day

Greetings My Sisters, It is good to be back and writing once again. Today in the United States, it is Labor Day. A day in celebration of all those who work in our country to give us all a day of rest. However, through the years, things have changed in our country and today all stores and restaurants are open so this holiday for workers really isn't a holiday anymore for many. It is just another opportunity for marketing to reel consumers in for Labor Day Sales and to make money. I also think of those involved in labor trafficking and today and everyday are working factories and sweatshops 12-14 hours days with little pay, poor conditions, no benefits but much abuse. As Christian Women, we need to be mindful of the slavery footprint the goods we purchase carry. Continue to look for fair trade items, buy locally home-grown products whn possible or even try growing your own. This summer I grew tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers. We need to put pressure on the big corporations to hve a conscience and make sure that th workers making their products receive fair wages in good conditions. Women working together to bring awareness to the issues of labor trafficking and purchasing fair trade will make a difference in this world. Let's continue to be women... destined for God's purpose and make a difference in our neighborhoods and around the world. Blessings, Barbara

Coming Soon....

Stay tuned for A Woman Destined for God's Purpose. Our page will be getting a facelift and this woman will be back in action blogging away. So much to share, unfortunately over the past 2 years so little time to blog. Looking forward to reconnecting with my sisters and continuing my journey with you as I am a woman destined for God's purpose. Check back for the relaunch September 3rd. Blessings my Sisters, Barbara

Sheroes - My Liberian Sisters

Greetings Sisters,

I have just finished reading the book, "Mighty Be Our Powers, How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Change a Nation at War" and the documentary, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" the story of Leymah Gbowee and her Liberian Sisters. These women have become my sheroes. Their faith, actions and courage are amazing and they have become role models for women around the world. They endured through hardships I can't even imagine, saw and experienced death all around them, they were victims of violence that no woman or girl should have to experience, yet they never lost their faith. When they came together to demand peace, they knew they couldn't do it alone and enlisted their Muslim sisters. They put their differences in faith aside and worked together to save their families and their country.

I believe that when women come together, they can become peace builders and build bridges of peace around the world. Our Liberian sisters have proved that when they used their voices for peace in their country. This is why I encourage all women and girls to find their voice and use it to make a difference in their community and our world.

I use my voice to bring awareness and educate others about the issue of Human Trafficking. How do you use your voice? Leymah Gbowee says in her story that, "Sometimes, the biggest changes in your life begin in moments you barely notice while they're taking place." I believe that is true and that God has plans for women who answer his call and do all things through him who gives us strength.

I challenge you at this moment as you read my thoughts that this may be the moment where a big change will begin in your life and you will stand up for the oppression of women and girls in the United States and around the world. Use your voice for women's health issues, education for girls, economic empowerment, ending violence against women - whatever the issue might be.

As women find their voice in this world and as we come and stand together, we will be the peace builders around the world and one day all of us may experience peace and use our voices for the nicer things in life, like singing and laughter.

I encourage you to read Leymah's story and see the documentary.

Until we connect again, let us remember that we are woman, destined for God's purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara