By Jamie Smith
When I went to the first Captivating Heart retreat last year, I’m not really sure what I expected to happen. I wanted to explore the idea of my identity in Christ, but wasn’t really sure what all that entailed.
I knew my pre-conceived thoughts and emotions surrounding my identity needed to be changed to something more accurate, something more healthy. But what did that mean?
It is because of my experiences at that retreat, that I want to personally invite all adult women of faith to attend the 2013 Captivating Heart retreat coming Oct. 11-13 in Colcord, Okla. (just outside Siloam Springs). I’ve been honored to serve on the planning committee this year and we all are excited for what is in store.
My experience
In the first few hours of the 2012 retreat, I “knew” that I would need to experience brokeness. My pre-conceived concepts had to be broken. I expected to experience pain as who I thought I was would come crashing down around me. I braced for what I thought was going to be a heart-wrenching, but necessary experience for me to grow. For me to truly live up to my God-given potential.
It was in those moments that I realized—I believe through God breathing the message to my very soul—that I did not need to be broken. I realized that my heart had already been hurt, that my emotions and self-identity had already gone through a multi-year process of breaking.
This retreat was the time to heal.
It was time to learn how God sees me, instead of seeing myself through so many other filters.
Your own experience
What I’ve described is my experience and what other participants experience will be something that is their very own. The focus for this year’s retreat is our identity in God and how our experiences have shaped both our view of him and of our human relationships.
Sponsored by Strings Attached Ministries, the retreat is based on the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. Cari Kaufman of Strings Attached Ministries and Brenda McClure, owner of Couples Touch of Love, return as the speakers this year.
The retreat is designed for adult women of all backgrounds and faiths although the Christian Bible will be used as a reference point.
Registration for the event is $129 and that includes two nights’ boarding, six meals and the retreat curriculum. There will be workshops, worship and social time throughout the retreat. Sunday will focus on worship time, allowing participants to return to their home churches if necessary.
For more information and to register, visit http://captivatingheart.com.
