When you agree to join a group - any group of individuals, be it faith-based, hobby-based, like-interest-based - prepare to be challenged.
Challenged because we are all humans and we bring our own junk to the table - we love each other anyway.
Challenged because we all bring different life experiences into the group - and diversity is great.
Challenged because each personality presents it's own unique set of boundaries and quirks - and realize you are not always easy to be with either.
These groups will either grow you or make you tunnel so deep into yourself that you bring a whole new meaning to the word Narcissism!
I joined our book club because I like to read. Really like to read. To escape into the pages of a book is my greatest joy.
I joined because I was no longer working and missed adult conversation.
I joined to meet people. To know my friends better.
But these ladies are Iron Maidens!
They don't choose touchy-feely, mushy, self-congratulatory books! They choose books that drive you to your knees! Books that take 3 months to read! Books that sometimes I want to throw out the window because they so challenge me where I live.
Each Iron Maiden brings so much to the table -
A newly wed, expectant mom with the zeal of life I forgot was possible - she is our energy;
A mother of almost-four who budgets and plans with the intensity of tornado, pouring into each child
intensely and each friend with immense grace and quiet solemnity - she is our steady rock;
A mom of two, business partner to her husband, missions worker, who is adopting two sisters from Africa
and walking a life of faith - she is our quiet peace;
A wife, and mom who loves us with the zeal of a prophet and tackles each challenge in life as if each
moment might be her last to love us - she is our cheerleader;
A wife and mom and minister who never thought she'd be leading her own family in a Christian walk
not to mention a herding a team of workers and volunteers and children- she is our spontaneity!
New to the group is our muse. This mom of two who works from home always brings a song or story
to nail a point of God's love.
Another wife, mom of 3 and minster who is constantly thinking, digging, striving, delving for truth - in
God's word, in each situation, in each book, in each life - she is our Jimny Cricket - our conscience.
I don't know where I fit in. I'm just honored to know them. They have enhanced my life so much! I can text each and everyone of them for prayer at a moment's notice - and they can decipher my texts! I love their kids! I love their ministry. I love that they put up with me and my cynicism (I'm working on it! I promise!)
This Saturday, our women will meet for a breakfast. It's been a long time since we've all been together. I hope there's relationships made so that other Iron Maiden Groups can be made!
I love my Maidens!
... stepped you up from COWS!