This past weekend, I was privileged and honored to kick off their convention activities on Friday night as the keynote speaker.  The women embraced me and made me feel that whatever I said was prime elixir.  By their enthusiasm, I was buoyed and spoke past my allotted time.  But they didn’t seem to mind.

I spoke about “Bold Women of Faith” both in my life and in my novel, The Treason of Mary Louvestre.  I told them that over the many years of developing the story, I had to “become” this woman of faith and courage who performed the brave act that helped the Union win the Civil War.  In similar ways we each came to a “defining moment” which altered the course of our lives forever.

And throughout the weekend, as I listened to the women’s personal stories and ministries, it was definitely confirmed to me, I was in the presence of an amazing organization of bold women – women who acted upon the idea that FAITH IS AN ACTION WORD.

Further, they were the “huggin’-est” bunch I’d ever had chance to meet.  Even Bishop Steve hugged.  It was not possible to be in their midst and not feel what it was to be fully acknowledged and accepted.  I thank them all.