iHope

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.

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

iHope

iHope is …
one woman telling her story
in a setting of creative beauty
with ongoing connections with other
women that are walking on a similar path.

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, God … my hope is in you all day long.”
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Tuesday, October 23rd at 7pm

The Gathering Place at Hopewell in Elverson, PA

Patti Kallal will be sharing …
“Finding God as my Father”
Hear Patti's story about growing up in a ‘fatherless’ home
and her journey to knowing and loving God as her father.

Music - Refreshments - Art

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This is an event happening at my church, that I'm involved with. Hope is essential to continue moving forward in life. I believe beauty, whether in the form of art, music or words can give hope to most anyone. Plus, our stories have so much to teach us ... both for the person sharing and the audience. Our goal is give hope by giving women an opportunity to share their story in a setting of beauty.