Today we are going full TBT – Throw Back Thursday, so enjoy this reflection again from Katie Gohde:
In November of last year (2015), Steve and I finally decided to accept the invitation from several friends of ours to visit Kairos. We had heard great things about the community over the past few years. My good friend, Mazi, who led a couple Kairos womenâs retreats, would often share with us, upon her return from the weekend, âYâall wouldnât believe these women. Theyâre so real. And so connected to each other. Pretty refreshing.â
Our first Sunday at church, we were warmly welcomed by both friends and strangers. I almost cried as we were driving out of the parking lot and said to Steve, âAfter 9 years, I finally feel like we found a church that feels like home.â He agreed.
So many things have confirmed our decision to join Kairos: Corporate prayer during Sunday worship services, tears and bonding at the womenâs retreat in January, the home-cooked meal Jan brought to give us a break from the kitchen, and the many amazing families who have invited me into their lives with open arms and heartsâŚ
But possibly the biggest âmomentâ for ME personally within the Kairos community occurred last week at the womenâs gathering at Charlotteâs home. I had yet to share anything in a âpublic forumâ at Kairos (which is saying a lotâŚcuz Iâm typically VERY chatty). But that evening, after some socializing, Miriam invited us to gather together to share life updates, prayer requests, praisesâŚanything that came to mind. The thing that came to MY mind was a a major career transition for me which has brought quite a bit of emotion. I have felt some excitement but mostly anxiety, self doubt and some serious GRIEF as I am saying âgoodbyeâ to a team I love. As I shared, I admitted to feeling embarrassed by my prayer request (since others were sharing much more dire circumstances). But, as I looked around the room, I was quickly reassured by the kind eyes, smiles and nods all around. After everyone who wanted to share was finished, Miriam invited us to pray for one another as we felt led. About half way through the prayer, Michelle started praying and – I literally felt like the Holy Spirit Himself rushed to my side. Friends seated on either side of me put their hands on my back and, as I am a crier, tears streamed down my cheeks. I canât remember all the words of her prayer, but I remember it eliminated my embarrassment, reminded me of the faithfulness of our God and showed me the strength of this community of women who are WITH each other – no matter what the circumstances.
SoâŚyeah – weâre in!
– Katie