This weekend we had the honor of participating in a gathering called Woman Come Forth in Denver, Colorado.  The concept was based on a comparison of the story of Lazarus to the many situations we as women face throughout our lives that mirror the death, burial and resurrection experience.  

• We mourned as we contemplated times when we thought Jesus could have and should have shown up, but didn’t…at least in the time frame we wanted Him to.  
• We cried as we heard about the stench that has arisen in so many situations that seem to have been dead for so long.  
• We anguished over the misogyny (hatred of women), objectification, abuse and neglect that is occurring around the world.
• We were lifted in hope as we received the lavish love God has for us. He has forgiven us of everything.  He has removed even our most heinous sins, and those of the people who’ve hurt us.  
• We rejoiced to think that a community of loving and caring Christians could unwrap the things that have bound us and held us fast for so long, and that we could all be released to manifest the glory of God by becoming our authentic selves and helping others to be free. 

It was a glorious gathering that had a healing depth and intensity in the necessary steps along the way to knowing God of pain, grief and celebration, and boy, what a celebration! (Raise, or should I say lower the ROOF!)   I hope that women across the country and around the world will be able to experience Woman Come Forth.  Thank you Faith and David, Cyndy, Ellen, Janelle, Kathy, Laura and all of the wonderful Woman Come Forth Team! That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Phil. 3:10

Sadell Bradley - www.SadellBradley.com

(This article was originally written on April 23rd, 2008)

I also was honored this weekend to share in a sacred experience of healing and deliverance at the Women Come Forth conference in Denver Colorado. As I accompanied my dear wife Sadell, the Grace singers and musicians I had no idea what was in store. It was truly humbling and gut wrenching at the same time. The speakers were knowledgeable, honest, sincere and truly empathetic to the plight of women who have suffered tragedy and trauma at the hands of men and an objectifying culture. But this weekend has left me with the impression that healing has come to those who chose to demonstrate courageous transparency.  

 There was a revelatory manifestation of the Holy Spirit moving in the hearts of speakers, musicians, psalmist and artisans. From the outset the atmosphere was established as a place for the attendees of the conference rather than for the speakers and producers. This event set out to lavish the love of God on hurting women in practical ways that each person could understand, receive and reciprocate.

Where unconditional love is, miracles happen: and the miracle of healing was thick as molasses. To see the men present as volunteers in complete tuxedo’s serving where needed offered a touch of class and sophistication. I watched the other men as we shed tears over the pain articulated from the stage and viewed in the in eyes of women in the arena. I was so moved that I asked to speak a simple word that God laid on my heart.

He simply said to me to say, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the role I’ve played in abusing women, objectifying them, and turning the other way at the demeaning images and expressions of other men.” I apologized for being desensitized by a culture which permeates agony, suffering and bondage when I could have been shielding and protecting. I apologized for men in general as well as myself. As I teared up and watched the tears flowing from the audience, I had no idea of the response that would follow. Women who had never heard a man say “I’m sorry” would make their way to offer their appreciation and gratitude.

I was blown away and deeply moved as I now see with new eyes the focus and impact men of God must have if we are going to restore women back to their rightful place in society. Someone must take a stand, will it be you?

Sherman Bradley - www.CreativeGrace.net

(This article was originally written on April 23rd, 2008)