My silence last week was because I finally attended my first women’s retreat, the first held by my church! From Friday evening until Sunday afternoon, we stayed at the Grand Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. We had delicious meals, a speaker from Proverbs 31, Christ-centered activities, small discussion groups, and even an indoor pool for some additional relaxation!

When we arrived at check-in, the welcoming committee passed out bags of goodies containing a journal, snacks, and even a personalized bag. Our rooms were lovely, two big beds and even a kitchen with plates and utensils. Just being in a hotel with friends was such a relief, a chance to get away from all of the crazy of our daily lives.

Our meals were held in the penthouse of the hotel with a stunning view of the ocean that was especially stunning at sunset. Bacon, sausage, eggs, elaborate fruit trays, lemon cake with a touch of berry, prime rib…the food was really fantastic! The company was even better.

My roommate was someone that I met through a friend and am still getting to know. We had a wonderful time laughing, telling stories, and even playing Dungeons & Dragons well into the night. It reminded me of my childhood sleepovers, talking about everything until we passed out in the wee hours of the morning.

I met so many women, a lot of them from my own church, that I’ve never met before. It was amazing to connect with these women and hear their stories, the journeys they’re on and the trials they’ve been through. We did a lot of activities that helped us all to bond with each other, like string art, line dancing, fitness, and even a photo booth!

The most emotionally moving moment of all was the “Me Too” activity that Whitney Capps began. Citing Luke Chapter 1, Whitney talked about how God gives Mary a friend, her cousin Elizabeth, when telling her of His plans for them both. Mary and Elizabeth rejoice together and while they are together, Mary sings the praises of the Lord and His plan for the world. Sisters in Christ are a necessity. We need someone who can relate with us, who can pray with and for us, to hold us accountable and love us too. This is an idea that I personally can relate to very deeply. With this teaching, came the “Me Too”.

Whitney would speak a sentence and if it related to your life, you should consider standing to show other women that they are not alone. The topics were hard, like “If you have lost a child” and “If you have been a victim of abuse”. We were left with not a dry eye in the room. By the end, women were holding hands, hugging, and we all began worship together arm in arm. It was deep and a varying degrees of painful, but it pulled people together. I watched so many hurting women embracing, people who had never met each other before that moment. I’ve been told by many of these women that they have since reached out to the others and plan to continue supporting one another. There is not a word for the level of beauty and emotion felt that day.

My first women’s retreat was truly a success and evoked so much emotion from deep down in my heart. I never knew how essential it could be to my spiritual well-being to get away with a group of women and just BE. My heart and soul feel refreshed and I am so grateful that I attended!