Saying Thank You by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
“I thank my God every time I remember you…” (Philippians 1:3, NIV)
One of the attributes I loved about Paul is that he often began his letters thanking God for the people he was writing to, or being thankful to God Himself. He lived a life of gratitude. And today as I reflect on the Level-Up Women’s Conference, I am first thankful to God for guiding us in every aspect of the event and for making His presence known on October 8th.
I am grateful for the incredible worship experience we had. Many don’t know this but our worship leader, Renee Rollins, took her payment and divided it among three other worship leaders because she was more concerned with this being an excellent event than having more take home pay. Renee is now a member of our Pearls of Promise team. We love her heart! Katherine Legg was paid to play her flute last year, but loved it so much that she came back to play for free at our time of prayer.
I am extremely thankful for the speakers—Kim Crabill, Dr. Barbie Breathitt, Starlet Bell and Destiny Yarbrough. I always believe the LORD points out speakers prior to the event. Three of them believe in us so much that they traveled in from out of town. Each brought a unique presentation on faith, dreams or prophecy.
Our panel, made up of Mayada Naami, Judith Cruz and Taylor L. Cole, shared their testimonies. All demonstrated what a life before and after Christ looked like. Judith even overcome demonic possession and broke the devil’s grip on her by saying the name of Jesus. She serves the LORD faithfully today. Grateful for Aurora Ortega Geis who moderated the panel and acted as co-emcee. Every time Aurora was on the stage, she provided a pearl of wisdom for those in the audience.
And no event can be successful without a strong support team. Thanks to Michelle Burden for all of her behind-the-scenes help and for being a rock of support to me personally. Also so thankful for Gina Wright, Melanie Watkins, Bailey Worley, Gledis Potesta, Julie Christianson, Lara Ingram, Joy Lewis, Rebecca Harris, Fenita Maberry, and our Dallas Theological Seminar intern, Morgan Underwood, who served on either the support or prayer teams or both. Gina and Melanie traveled from Austin to help us, and Gledis was in the middle of a move, yet still wanted to be at Level-Up. That is dedication.
Alma Jimenez Hall is an amazing friend! She stepped in and created beautiful decor for the tables, even though she was unable to attend.
It was our seventh conference and “seven” is God’s number of perfection. This year’s Level-Up Conference seemed perfect. I would not change a thing and I thank God for everyone who made it so special. I love you all.