I've never actually hated social media. Social media has allowed me to meet people who are now real life friends. So whenever I get frustrated with it, I usually start seeing faces (some of yours reading this right now!), and I remember why it's worth showing up. But that doesn't change that the requirements for showing up have drastically changed in the last five years. The introduction of stories at minimum doubled the amount of "expected" content for creators. Add in LIVE video, IGTV, and Reels -- and social media done "well" is currently a full-time job. But it's not just the content. The part we actually look forward to is having conversations with you. And we've found that social media is not really the best place for conversations anymore. (Sorry, Zuck!) But between too many things vying for your attention and the fact that SWHW women are pretty good about managing the amount of time you spend online anyway, it's just not. So how do we still show up to meet women who need this message and share reminders that we all need -- while freeing up more time and energy to actually do the work God has [...]

Spiritual gifts are from God to equip us to do His work. They are good, and they are needed. But they were never meant to be the main point. And even the good, necessary parts of ministry can distract us from our main mission. We dug into 1 Corinthians 12 this week with Alonda Tanner, and here are three quick reminders she shared that are important for all of us to remember concerning our spiritual gifts: Follow the Spirit, not the gift. Galatians 5:16 encourages us to walk by the Spirit. But it's a lot easier to follow our gifts. Whether it's due to pride or comfort, the end result is the same. Chasing the gift makes it much easier to make it about us, and chasing after God keeps us fixed on Him. Know your strengths but rely on the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God's power is made perfect in weakness. So while He will give you strengths and equip you to them for His glory, He also has plans to display His power and grace through your weakness.  [...]