Before We Travel, We Gather

Whenever I prepare for a trip, my mind naturally begins making lists. What needs to be packed? What time do we leave? Do I have everything I need? When a retreat is approaching, the list becomes even longer, programs, presenters, transportation, accommodations, and all the details that help everything come together. But before Esther entered one of the most important moments of her life, she did not begin with a list. She began with a gathering.

Esther had learned that her people were in danger. Mordecai urged her to approach the king, although entering his presence without being invited could cost her life. She understood the seriousness of what she was being asked to do. Yet she did not rush forward pretending that courage meant she had to face it alone. 

Instead, Esther said, “Go, gather together.” She asked the people to fast for her. She and her attendants would fast as well. Before she entered the king’s presence, she wanted to be surrounded by the prayers and sacrifice of her community.

That part of Esther’s story feels especially meaningful to me,  as we begin our Week of Prayer and prepare for the Elevate Her retreat. Our retreat does not begin when we arrive in Florida. It begins here, today, as we gather our hearts, pray for one another, and invite God into every detail.

Women will come to this retreat carrying different things. Some will arrive excited and ready for fellowship. Others may come tired from responsibilities that did not pause simply because they packed a suitcase. Some may be praying for direction, healing, renewed faith, or the courage to face something waiting for them at home. We may not know everything another woman is carrying, but we can begin covering one another before we travel.

Esther reminds us that being elevated does not mean becoming independent. She was queen, but she still needed her community. She had access to the palace, but she still asked others to stand with her. Her position did not remove her need for prayer.

Sometimes we hear the word elevate and think about moving higher, becoming stronger, or stepping into greater responsibility. But spiritual elevation often begins lower, on our knees, with open hands, admitting that we need God and that we need one another.

As I think about the days ahead, I do not want to become so occupied with preparing the program that I overlook the preparation of the heart. The schedule matters. The travel arrangements matter. The presentations matter. But what God desires to do within each woman matters even more.

This week, we gather before we travel. We pray before we pack. We make room for God before we enter the room. And perhaps, like Esther, we will discover that courage grows differently when we know we are not standing alone.

Pearl's Prayer:

Lord, as we begin this Week of Prayer, gather our hearts together. Prepare every woman who will attend the retreat, as well as those who are praying from home. Grant us safe travel, open hearts, and the courage to receive whatever You have for us. Help us remember that we do not have to walk into our appointed moments alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I am the Vessel, God is the Grace