Butterfly Messengers

It’s been three weeks since we gathered for Favored, and the God stories are pouring in! 

We have been thrilled to see pictures of you and your kids and grandkids wrapped in your silks and our prayers of blessing. In fact, everything in me cried out: “YES!” It’s because this is a multi-generational work! Every step you take toward freedom and connection with Jesus impacts the generations that a follow you. Think of all the people in the scriptures who were given promises and callings that we fulfilled across generations. God sees across the timeline and his plans are way bigger than us. But our role in it still matters! We each have a part to play.

🦋 Our community has been organically flourishing for years; but earlier this year, I was called to establish a non profit (Freedom House and Inspired Women)—and God kept confirming it with butterflies! I saw them everywhere and at pivotal moments for months!

Real Butterfly Earrings spotted in Ouray, Co.

Right now, as the butterflies are migrating through Texas, he’s been reminding me of this and I wanted to share their significance: One, butterflies are a symbol of the new life and transformation that’s available to each of us in Jesus. There’s also the reminder of the beauty that's birthed out of the mess. Butterflies are a sweet reminder about our identity, when we let the worm (sinful nature) die, we find spirit wings to soar and spread life and beauty everywhere we go!

 Finally, this: monarchs are generational creatures. It takes them 4 generations to migrate from Mexico to the US. This means that parents set off on a journey that their offspring complete for them! In the same way, I believe that God is doing something on the earth (and in our fellowship) that won’t be isolated to a single generation. He invites women of all generations to play their part! May we stoke the fires of revival for our daughters to carry and pass onto theirs! Daughters, you have a POWERFUL contribution to this! We need you in our company.

⚔️Hear me ladies, the enemy schemes against women because we are by nature generational creatures. From her child’s conception, a wholehearted woman lays her life down for her children to prosper. If she senses a threat, something powerful rises up in her to protect her kids. As a mother, she wants her ceiling to be her children's floor. This is why healthy mothers can be trusted to lead the way in setting kingdom culture. Our children will continue the kingdom work that we are paying for with our blood, sweat, and tears. How we steward our lives, dreams, health, spiritual growth—it all matters. It impacts us and the generations that come after us. 

💫So I want to encourage you: in the midst of all the business of life’s responsibilities, please continue leaning in and making space for the spirit to do his work in your heart. Make time dear daughter, because as a woman, you are also a spiritual mother. 

🌞 It’s a new day! There is a great harvest coming 🌾. My heart is that we would be ready to mother them, so I’ve got to take care of my own spirit, soul, and body. One thing I know well is that this walk is not easy, and it is best accomplished within the strength of healthy community. This is why I have devoted myself to building communal spaces for mothers and daughters. A place for us to flourish in God’s house and as God’s house. This is the heart behind our Inspire retreats. We aim to build women up and enhance their connection to God and the life-givers around them. We are stronger and better together. 

One thing I know well is that this walk is not easy and it is best accomplished within the strength of healthy community. This is why I have devoted myself to building communal spaces for mothers and daughters. A place for us to flourish in God’s house and as God’s house. This is the heart behind our Inspire retreats. We aim to build women up and enhance their connection to God and the life-givers around them. We are stronger and better together. 

So you are invited 💌 to join us at our next Inspired Retreat as well as our monthly Freedom Family Zooms. These times are aimed at nurturing your spirit and your connection to the Trinity, so that you can grow, heal, and become all that God designed you to be. These are spaces for you to rest, play, expand, and draw life into yourself so that you can have more to pour out on all those who depend on you. This is for the mothers, daughters and grandmothers. We all learn from and draw life from each other!

I emphasize this because I’ve worked with women for over twenty years; and I know that we have a hard time investing in ourselves. I want to encourage you to set these times aside for you. You heart’s vitality matters, big time!

The Lord provided an incredible location for us to come away with him to Fredericksburg and I believe he’d love for us to fill it up with the worship, laughter, ministry, and heart connection of Jesus loving women like you! We gather in about 5 weeks! The time to register is now so that we can prepare a special place for you. 

🛑 Would you pause and ask Jesus if this is something he has provided for you? Then if you sense a yes from him or from your own heart’s desire—take him at his word and make your bold step of faith in signing up here. 🦋

REACH OUT if you have any questions or need assistance. We have seen God do provision miracles. (Literally, money has manifested in people’s pockets and purses.) I have big faith for that, so hit reply and let me know if you need provision in order to attend. 

Better Together!

💞Lenay 

PS With a group this size, odds are that some of you have had it all just hit the fan since we gathered. We’re here for that too. Remember, the promise isn’t an easy life, rather it’s the power to overcome! As Jenn shared so well, we need the help of a tribe to get through it victoriously. It’s all here for you if you will lean in like she did! (You can start by reaching out to the friend who invited you to Favored and ask for prayer support. Then mark your calendar to connect up to the strength of our community by joining our call on November 7th at 6:30—or 6:15 for pre-gathering prayer. We will aim to take some time for you to receive prayer ministry in a break out room. RSVP here.) You aren’t alone! 💛

Oh and look at what Tori found as I was writing this blog. Ok Jesus, we hear you loud and clear! Read the spiritual message behind the painting here.