2014 #InfluenceConf: Showing Up & Shedding Fear



Processing something like the amazing weekend that just happened is beyond me. I came home rejuvenated and emotionally exhausted in the best way.

While I am not sure I can do a recap justice, I can process what went on this weekend.

People Showed Up

Not just at registration (of course you showed up then) but before. People showed up with arms open to give hugs for the first time ever in person. People showed up to help. They stuffed swag bags, filled balloons, cut and tied tassels, potted succulents. Oh the succulents! A huge THANK YOU! to everyone who showed up to help, and stayed up late on Saturday helping even more.

People showed up ready to listen and they taught me how to listen better. One of my goals for this conference was meaningful conversations. I think it was my best year yet.

Jesus Showed Up

Speakers showed up and poured out their hearts. They pointed us to Jesus at every turn -- not to their own blogs or books or success, but how walking with Christ has radically changed them. Here are some of the words that are still bouncing around my head.

-- When you wake up in the morning you are already loved. -- Char, Mocha Club

-- Striving is crap. You are already accepted in Christ -- Hayley, The Tiny Twig

-- We need to preach the Gospel to ourselves often enough to remember it. -- Hayley, The Tiny Twig

-- Our God is a God of exchanges. -- Brooke Boon, Holy Yoga, reminded to me by Rach Kincaid

-- My identity does not hinge on anything I've done or haven't done." -- Jamie Ivey

-- Our idea of enough comes from looking around. The "enough" is a lie. These are fictitious voices. People are too into themselves to be judging you. Get over it. -- Jessica Honeggar, Noonday

-- God doesn't want a better life from you, he wants a better life FOR you. -- Jess Connolly

-- We fall into the lie, if we just get it right we will be free -- Ellen, Sweetwater


Fear was Shed

I overcame some serious fear. I dealt with issues that had been cropping up. Lara Casey, Jamie Ivie, Ellen Parker -- power house women got real, they got quiet, and they spoke truth. I cried a lot. I prayed more. And I overcame a few fears and insecurities in just a few short days. The chance to stand up to them rocked me in the best way. (emotionally exhausted)

Hugs were Shared

When emotions get raw, when fears are exposed, there are tears. At least for me. I cried so much I could no longer wear my contacts. The crying was cathartic, but oh the hugs! I hugged every one you see above and so many more. I am so thankful for the hugs. And this is coming from a serious non-hugger. But it was good.

I am over calling this a blogger conference.

You do not need to blog to come to the Influence Conference. It is about loving women, encouraging women, and helping them share the Gospel through their every day influence. Read the recaps by other conference attendees below.




5 comments:

  1. Shannon, it was great meeting you this weekend! Thank you for (repeatedly) checking in on me as I hung out on the wall with my baby. You were a friendly face I greatly appreciated!

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  2. I am beyond thankful that we roomed together this weekend Shannon. I cherish the growth in our friendship. You are wise and solid and I really admire that in you. Love you!!

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  3. I'm so glad I got to meet you during your breakout session! I loved hearing your story and I hope our paths continue to cross out here on the East coast!!

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  4. Every encounter I had with you was so encouraging - thank you for being that for this introvert! xo

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