A tapestry is a finely woven piece of material. Each thread is uniquely different and important to the pattern of the finished product. It is the same with our lives. Each thread that makes up our existence is uniquely different and important. And we, as individuals threads in that world-wide tapestry called the body of Christ are unique and necessary for God's grand and final design to be complete. This letter will be full of articles, quotes and information just for women of purpose— women who want the final product of their lives to match God's grand design!

Pain brings Transformation 

God is in the process of molding and creating us into His image. This process can be both joyful and painful. I personally would like to just experience the joyful side of molding and creating. But this is not how the process works. The other down side to this process is – He uses people to help Him shape us. At times, it can be very humbling and even painful. If we look only at the present suffering, it looks like there is no sense in our plight. I like George Burn’s motto–“I look to the future, because that is where I am going to spend the rest of my life.” 

So take heart—you will make it through all of this. I know from experience how hurtful things can be. Many nights I have cried myself to sleep. There were times, I thought my heart would never mend. But strong character cannot be developed in times of ease. Only through the experience of trials and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.  If I have learned anything from those teary nights, it is to stand up for what I believe to be right! This world needs people who will do just that. Abigail, Deborah, Esther, Ruth—the list goes on and on. Women who changed the course of history. History Makers! 

Abraham Lincoln said—"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men (and women)." The church is full of cowards. People who will not "mark those that sow discord." Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said—""Cowardice asks the question, "Is it safe?" Expediency asks the question, "Is it politic?" And Vanity comes along and asks the question, "Is it popular?" But Conscience asks the question, "Is it right?"" And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but we must do it because Conscience tells us it is right. You are a woman of conscience. Be confident! Be proud of that! 

Courage, desire, self-motivation, and confidence are all characteristics of those who press for change when they witness social injustice, or feel that a transformation of the attitudes of others is required. Will you choose to be a transformer or a conformer? The Bible states it clearly— "Be not conformed..but be transformed." We should strive to be transformers. Not only do transformers help themselves, but often they help others who do not possess the courage or ability to voice their opinions; to stand up and be counted. In the future, it should be the hope of us all that more people stop following the masses and instead, begin to become leaders (transformers). If we are weak or spineless, we will never be able to fulfill what God has called us to do. We must rise above the crowds in order to stand up and justify what we believe. Is it wrong to stand up for what we believe? I don't think so! I know that it is not! Unfortunately, the courageous and confident are usually persecuted. But still we must stand up—even it means standing alone. 

Here comes the big issue—You have to let go of the hurts and disappointments of the past. You did what you felt was right. And you got crushed! It hurt. It still hurts. It still makes you mad. There are times when I think back over the years of hurt and disappointments—just let me say, some bad thoughts come to my mind. But I have and am still learning to let it go. It not only hurts me. It stops my creative flow.  It stops my anointing. Getting over hurtful or disappointing experiences is much like crossing monkey bars—you have to let go sometimes in order to move forward. Mike always says this to me (like I need it)— Forgiveness is the fragrance that the rose sheds on the heel that has crushed it. Thank you, Brother Mike. It is true! Jesus was crucified. But he didn't stay crucified! He arose! He overcame! HE CONQUERED! You will too! I am praying that all this works out for your benefit. I have been crucified many times over—but it has only made me stronger. I am learning to thank God for those who use me, abuse me and cut me down. These people who crucify us—only bring us closer to our Resurrection. I love this scripture—"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed”. Learn it! Love it! Live it! 

—Elizabeth Shreve