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Citrus women hear stories of faith at conference of 'Contagious Joy'

The group of 48 travel by bus to Orlando for the Women of Faith gathering last weekend.

By GAIL HOLLENBECK
Published November 18, 2006

Sheree Monroe led the tour for Tally Ho Vacations and made sure the women traveling by bus to the T. D. Waterhouse Center and Hilton Garden Hotel had everything they needed - including candy bars - for an inspirational and fun weekend.

Ruth Bowen, 80, said she knew she wanted to attend the conference as soon as she read about it in the newspaper last March.

"I saw it said women of faith, and I like to do things with Christian groups," she said on the trip to Orlando. "I've read some of the things written by the speakers, and I wanted to see them in person."

The speakers included Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Thelma Wells and Sheila Walsh.

Entertainment was provided by Avalon, Nicole C. Mullen, Anita Renfroe and Donna VanLiere.

The emphasis was on having joy, despite heartaches.

Each speaker told anecdotes from her personal life that chronicled times of grief, fear or deep depression. All of them did it with grace and a touch of humor.

Walsh, known for her stint as the co-host of the 700 Club, spoke first and offered the audience her personal testimony of coming to faith in Jesus Christ after a childhood of abuse.

"I was telling people about the love of God but dying for it myself," Walsh said about her television ministry. "We think God wants us to be good little soldiers, but he just wants to love us."

During that time, Walsh was diagnosed with clinical depression. She said it was because she was hiding her hurt inside.

"Sometimes God takes us into our deepest nightmare," she said. "God was longing for me to tell the truth. He's there speaking in the darkness. We can stay in the darkness covered up or come out into the fresh air. Here stands a woman loved by God. I don't have to hide anymore."

Patsy Clairmont told a humorous story about a bird hiding in a cage and then admitted, as an agoraphobic, she knew what that was like.

"I wanted everything to be easy and fast," she said. "God wanted me to have strength. He longs to help you grow strong. The only way our faith will be strengthened is if we trust him and take responsibility for ourselves."

Luci Swindoll spoke about life's disappointments.

"Life will not live up to your plans," she said. "It lives up to reality. We have to find a way to celebrate inside of it. Joy is made of those tiny moments in life that God sends just for you. Don't miss it waiting for something else. The most contagious joy in the world is the birth of our Savior."

An unexpected guest was Christian recording artist Sandi Patty, who brought with her a young woman who signs for the deaf at her concerts. Lisa Smith, who has Down's syndrome, brought the audience to its feet more than once as she signed for Patty's songs and later for Avalon and the conference praise team.

"Lisa Smith was the highlight of the conference," Lori Hoopes, from the Citrus County group, said. "She had such a beautiful, glowing smile and she really was so full of joy."

Several attendees agreed that Smith's joy was "contagious."

On the bus ride home, Monroe asked if they had enjoyed the conference. Her question was answered by a hearty round of applause.

"What an awesome experience for me," she said. "It's so sweet to be with people who love the Lord."

And then she passed out more chocolate.

[Last modified November 17, 2006, 22:20:09]