August 2024 – Positive Woman Connection

Oh the joy of gathering together and finding a common connection! As summer fades and the school year begins, let’s take deliberate and positive steps into a new season of connections. One of the ways we can deepen our friendships as women is to study the Bible together. Several years ago, I reached out to my neighbors to see who would be interested in starting a neighborhood study. A handful of women began to gather over cups of coffee and an open Bible. It was beautiful. Friendships were born.

This fall, we are starting our fourth year of growing together. We call ourselves “House to House” Bible Study because we meet in different houses each week and simply study the Scripture together. We are non-denominational, non-political, non-gossipy, and non-grumbly. Our group has grown to many women outside our neighborhood, and the connections continue to deepen as we walk through the truths of the Bible together. If you live in the north Dallas area and or want to join us via Zoom, please email me at Karol@Karolladd.com (subject line Bible Study) and I’ll send you more information.

Many of the women in our group have never been to a Bible study before, while others are well-versed in His Word. It’s a lovely mosaic of people from all different denominational backgrounds. I’ve found that in general, women are hungry for fellowship and hungry for truth. Neighborhood Bible studies offer both.

Wherever you are, I want to encourage you to connect with the people God puts in your path. Reach out over a cup of coffee with neighbors and invite them to join you as you grow in truth. You can simply study the Bible or study a book that points to Biblical truth. I’ve listed several of my books below that are perfect for reaching out and gathering women together. Ask God to give you the courage to make positive steps of connection this fall as you encourage women with His love.

Here are some of my books that make a great group study:

Olympic athletes inspire me. No, not to run a marathon or take up synchronized swimming, but the competitors inspire me to persevere, press on, and push forward – even when the going gets tough. When I watch these world-class athletes, I am motivated to put in the extra effort to do my best with the gifts and talents God has granted me.

Somehow the Olympians make their sport look effortless during competition, but in reality their accomplishments don’t come easily. We rarely see the countless hours of early morning practices, aching muscles, failed attempts, and frustrating injuries. Yes, every spectacular performance is preceded by unspectacular preparation.

As we watch in wonder while our favorite athletes perform, let us consider how we can persevere through the personal hurdles in our own lives. It may be facing challenges financially, or difficulties in relationships. It could be a physical or emotional setback. Whatever we are facing, we can gear up with mental toughness, grit, and perseverance, recognizing that we are not alone in our struggles. There are others who have stumbled down similar roads, and we can gain strength from their encouragement, advice, and examples. Most importantly, we can look to God for our help, hope, and guidance.

Remember the Lord’s words to the apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul went on to say, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”*

Through prayer and perseverance press on my friend. You are stronger than you think.

For more on perseverance, check out my latest book, Positive Connectivity.