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There's Power in the Name

I attended a women's conference last weekend. There were amazing, humorous, intelligent women sharing about their lives and their struggles. There was beautiful music, laughter, fellowship. There was only one thing missing.

Jesus.

In a desire to be welcoming, to be a safe place for all women to come - the conference organizers took a deliberate step away from the mention of Jesus. Occasionally, in the middle of a story, they would mention Jesus - but it was rare. There were many references to God, and to vague concepts like the "author of my story". But Christ took a side role, a backseat.

There was one specific moment that stuck in my brain. One of the presenters mentioned that the things we keep in the darkness have power over us. She was urging women to shine light into our darkest places. She said, "The light leads us to truth. And only truth can set us free."

Then she stopped.

And my heart broke a little.

Because while she is correct that only the truth can set you free, she failed to go the next, crucial step. The truth is a MAN and His name is Jesus.

Without Jesus, truth is just a flexible concept, devoid of any constancy. Without Jesus, light is just a weak beam fighting against an endless night. Without Jesus, religion is just a crutch or a shackle. Without Jesus, there is nothing.

The name of Jesus is powerful. The good news is that Jesus conquered death! When we accept His life in us, the same power that raised Christ from the grave is alive in us! Without Jesus, we can have all the encouraging conferences and self-help seminars in the world, but we do not have the power to change. It is Jesus, and only Jesus, who gives us His Spirit to lead us, guide us, and transform us.

While I am certain that many women were blessed at this conference, I left saddened that women were brought so close to the truth, so close to transformation, and then left to have their hopes dashed and their expectations foiled by a life that is full of good intentions without the power to see them accomplished.

There is power in the name of Jesus. I proclaim it proudly, and unashamed.

Meet    
    Cory

Psalm 84 and Trusting God
Messy Hospitality
Hit the Ground... Waltzing
Where Have I Been? (Living Without Hope)
Confessions of an Imperfect Christian Mom

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