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Women of Faith
Oct. 16th, 2011 10:56 pmI attended the Women of Faith conference in Sacramento with my mom last weekend. It was odd -- as an Episcopalian, I had concerns that it might be a little too evangelical for my tastes, but I went with my mom because I really wanted to spend a weekend away with her, and figured we could joke about it together.
The reality was almost the opposite. I was somewhat shocked at how little God and faith were mentioned. I learned more about God and the Bible and had a more moving worship experience at Vacation Bible Camp with the kids last summer. The speakers were like a clean-cut comedy stand-up day crossed with a corporate individual empowerment session. They each quoted two or 3 Bible verses during their half hour talks, and mentioned how faith in God can be helpful, but they seemed much more interested in hawking their books or Children from World Vision. At least World Vision seems to have a good Charity Navigator score, but the cynic in me wonders how much "program delivery" actually goes to children as opposed to staff salaries.
When I first arrived and the band started playing the first song, I was emotionally overcome at how happy I was to be able to be there, but I grew more and more cynical as the weekend progressed. I had a wonderful time with my mom, her friends, and friends of her friends though. Now that I've had kids I don't get enough time just me and my mom together.
So, glad I went. I wouldn't do that particular one again unless I win the free tickets for turning in my evaluation card. God still holds my life, but I feel like I've still got a pent-up worship session buried in side me waiting to release some day.
--Beth
The reality was almost the opposite. I was somewhat shocked at how little God and faith were mentioned. I learned more about God and the Bible and had a more moving worship experience at Vacation Bible Camp with the kids last summer. The speakers were like a clean-cut comedy stand-up day crossed with a corporate individual empowerment session. They each quoted two or 3 Bible verses during their half hour talks, and mentioned how faith in God can be helpful, but they seemed much more interested in hawking their books or Children from World Vision. At least World Vision seems to have a good Charity Navigator score, but the cynic in me wonders how much "program delivery" actually goes to children as opposed to staff salaries.
When I first arrived and the band started playing the first song, I was emotionally overcome at how happy I was to be able to be there, but I grew more and more cynical as the weekend progressed. I had a wonderful time with my mom, her friends, and friends of her friends though. Now that I've had kids I don't get enough time just me and my mom together.
So, glad I went. I wouldn't do that particular one again unless I win the free tickets for turning in my evaluation card. God still holds my life, but I feel like I've still got a pent-up worship session buried in side me waiting to release some day.
--Beth
