On September 18, a light mist hung in the air as roughly 60 women traveled the mountainous curves and hills that led to the Appalachian campground in Blowing Rock, N.C. for a weekend of renewal and refreshment. The rain that brought slightly cooler temperatures was enough to put everyone in fall-mode for the annual Appalachian Women’s Retreat. This year’s theme was “For His Glory: Fashioned, Forged and Fulfilled” and those gathered seemed eager to hear from God’s Word and connect with one another.
The four teaching sessions were rooted in Scripture and pointed attendees to their Maker, the preeminent Christ who has fashioned us for good works and as gospel ambassadors. Speakers also highlighted how our difficulties mold and shape us into the likeness of Christ and how our ultimate fulfilment and joy come from wisdom and receiving the crown of life.
After each session, there was a time of reflection through artwork. Each person received a pane of glass on which they painted a design reflecting their unique, God-given identity. Later, while learning about hardship, attendees wrote their struggles on the back of the glass, which was then shattered into mosaic-like pieces. Those pieces, symbolizing our brokenness, were reconstructed to represent how God can use our struggles in the process of sanctification. It was a powerful picture of Christ’s work in our lives, shaping us for usefulness in his kingdom.
If you’re in the Appalachian region and missed out on this year’s retreat, mark your calendar for next fall and plan to join us for a weekend on the mountain. You won’t want to miss it.
