I've organized an event called iHope the past two years. It's an evening of hope for women - hope shared through stories and beauty. I've directed ten iHopes and I always encouraged the speakers to share 'the good, the bad and the ugly' because we can all learn so much from each others stories. Though I'm 'working' at each iHope, I've been blessed by each one. The 'will to survive' spirit in each woman - the 'digging deep' to process and move forward with life after devastating loss, grief and/or pain is inspiring and brings hope.
Frequently, someone would ask, "When are you telling your story?"
"Someday," I'd reply, not sure if I was ready to tell it all.
Well, the someday has come. (If I tell others to be real about their story, guess I need to be willing to be real about mine) On May 20, 2009, it will be five years since I was injured in the accident. iHope happens the 3rd Tuesday of each month, so it seems 'right' that I share my story on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Below is the info from the posters friends put together about the event.
iHope is ... one woman telling her
story in a setting of creative beauty
with opportunities to connect with other
women and activities that create hope.
story in a setting of creative beauty
with opportunities to connect with other
women and activities that create hope.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 7PM
During childhood, Janet Oberholtzer had a
hard time imagining the love of God.
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From restlessness to adventure to a
tragedy that almost took her life.
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Then left with physical limitations after narrowly escaping death,
more questions surfaced for Janet. But she has risen above the
circumstances of her life and defied the odds - one step at a time.
Though she still has some questions, she believes the promises of God
and is living proof that Jesus wants us to live an abundant life.
Janet will share her story and the journey about learning to
live in the tension between disappointments and miracles.
Music by Carol Ruffner and Jessica Zimmerman
Art - Photos and cards from Janet's journey
Hopewell Christian Fellowship
Elverson ,PA
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1 comment:
I wish I could be there. I am already in tears just thinking about it. Janelle told me about her ihope experience today. It was good. I would love to get something started like that with our women at church. Do you have any information you can send me? We will be at church May 10th. Hope to see you then! Annette
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