“Ramblers in the wilderness
we can’t find what we need
We get a little restless from the searching
Get a little worn down in between
Like a bull chasing the matador
is the man left to his own schemes
Everybody needs someone beside ‘em
shining like a lighthouse from the sea …”
I retreated last weekend with some of the best women on the internet.
I really never imagined myself saying something like that. I’ve made good friends and real connections on the internet. But, honestly, this group of other bloggers surprised me.
I accepted an invitation from Kayse several years ago. Some did some others and then we befriended each other in a Facebook group. We gathered in person for the first time last year we gathered together for a weekend last year and have been voxing about way more than writing since. We’ve prayed for each others’ families, laughed at funny life stories, and anticipated gathering together again this weekend.
“Writers’ retreat” is what I called this past weekend when I’ve mentioned it to other people in my life. Really, it was so much more than that, and I didn’t actually do that much writing. Rather, the time together was soul-filling, brainstorming time with my dear friends from other states who understand all the ideas and directions that pull my mind in different directions.
“… Brother let me be your shelter
Never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home …”
We came up with great ideas, recognized what is and isn’t working, and accepted there are seasons in life. We talked about our writing desires, explored social media strategies, discussed personality types, shared the good and bad about marriage and motherhood, and laughed until we cried.
After more than 60 hours together at my lake house, which is appropriately named Shelter Point Retreat, we held hands and prayed together. We praised God for what He has done and was doing, thanked each other for being available, and asked for what has begun to continue until next time.
“… Face down in the desert now
there’s a cage locked around my heart
I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were
Now my hands can’t reach that far
I ain’t made for a rivalry,
I could never take the world alone
I know that in my weakness I am stronger
It’s your love that brings me home …”
We’ve discussed how God put us together long before we witnessed the friendships that would develop. I’m grateful for this provision of both this group and this weekend.
I pray you have experienced this kind of meaningful community in your life. I’m blessed to have these women plus friends in my everyday life right here in Kentucky. Maybe you’ve been the one to extend the invitation or perhaps you said yes to someone else.
Deep friendships require bravery,
vulnerability, and availability.
May you be that for someone and may someone else be that for you.
*****
Oh, and, if you’re looking for some encouragement on the internet, you should let my friends into your life: Kayse Pratt. Mary Carver. Anna Rendell. Christen Price. Erika Dawson. Amanda Conquers. (And perhaps you should listen to that Needtobreathe song I quoted throughout too.)
*****

Hi Kristin. I had a wonderful blogger meetup last weekend. What a refreshing time! A writers’ retreat sounds wonderful. Still hoping something changes so we can meet up in Paducah in May. Blessings to you!
I sure hope so too! I don’t do things apart from my family much, so adding things to an already busy season is hard. I’d really love to meet up with you! Thanks for being here, Sarah!
Oh that’s so awesome! Glad ya’ll had a great weekend. I read Messy Beautiful Friendship by Christine Hoover last Summer with my small group and what ya’ll did reminds me of that. Good stuff!
Oh I haven’t heard of that book – sounds like a good one, though! Glad you’re here, Melody!
Kristin, I really love that you make this happen. And the lake house makes it so fun with a beautiful setting. “What’s said at the lake house stays at the lake house!” xo
It’s an effort my everyone involved to make it happen, but it’s so so worth it. And you’d love the lake house. 🙂
I love this so much…and I love that two of my favorite people (You and Girl with Blog) are part of this community. How awesome! Having moved in August, this is the one thing I am deeply longing to find. I am thankful that I have found some of it online!
I hope you find exactly what you need in real-life community – wherever that’s meant to happen! I’m thankful for your faithfulness here! xo
Kristin, how fun!!!! I need to find a group of Christian bloggers that are all located in North Carolina!! What an encouragement that would be!! You have inspired me! 😉
I’m glad you could be inspired here! Hoping you find a group that’s exactly what you need. Thanks for being here, Emily!
How beautiful that you ladies got together in person! That’s awesome. I love how God can use the internet to make so many good things happen.
The internet is loud and crazy sometimes, but there are so many good things here too. I’m glad our paths cross on it too! xo