March For Life

In 2024 the Lord placed it on my heart to become involved with C.W.A.  I had never heard of C.W.A. until Dec. 7, 2023 when I listened to a podcast featuring the CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, Penny Nance.  I was so inspired by the values of CWA and the Lord so clearly had been doing a work in me for years which He knew would lead to where I am today.  On Jan. 9, 2024 I applied to be chapter leader and by May 2024 I had my first meeting in my backyard with just me, Mary (of course) and Kelly.  Nearly two years later my niece (pic above) is an active and involved member.  Next to Mary my sister has been my biggest cheerleader, agreeing to host meetings when it became apparent that it was going to be easier to hold meetings in town vs having them at my house.  On average I have about 5 women at each meeting.  Five may not seem like a lot but as I keep telling the Lord, I'll keep throwing the net out if He provides the fishes.  What is so beautiful about this group of women is their commit to CWA, it's values and our purpose.  It may not feel like we are making any head way some days but when twelve women from central to northern Illinois took off work, showed up, encouraged one another and marched for the most vunerable I am reminded that if we stay on course and rely and trust God, He is faithful.  

Here is my small but mighty group.  Mary, Lauren, me, Jen and Shannon.  Once I was approved to be a chapter leader I spent from January to May dragging my feet.  I had never been a leader before and to this day I still laugh over it but I have learned God doesn't call the equipped he equips the called.  As long as I have breath in my lungs I'll continue to go where He sends me.  Thankfully He always knows exactly what I need and sent me Mary!  I joke that I'm Moses and affectionately refer to Mary as my Aaron.  She often gives me a voice when I have nothing to say.  She gives me ideas when my brain has turned to mush but more than anything she's my encourager.  I'll get ready to ask her something and before I can even finish saying, "Hey Mary, how," she responds with Yes (often before she even knows what it is I'm asking her).  

Watching my niece being involved with CWA has been a true gift.  She is an old soul, quiet in nature but always taking in everything around her.  No doubt the Lord has big plans for her and I pray that every second she has spent involved with CWA will stay with her into adulthood and help mold her into the young woman God desires her to be.  

Here's the entire crew from Illinois.  Many of these ladies drove 3 plus hours one way to the march.  A handful of them went to D.C. this last September.  What a blessing it is to know them.