Real Beauty

Hi, my name is Melody Merritt, and I am the Director of Women’s Ministry at ABC. You may be asking yourself why am I writing the blog this week and not one of the pastors or staff members? They have graciously asked me to write this week and to share about the Women’s Ministry and an upcoming event in April. I feel inadequate to do this, but I know God has called me to Women’s Ministry and given me a love for the women of this church and community. God loves each of you, men and women. So, men, keep reading even though this is really for the women, and encourage the ladies in your life to be godly women of grace. Women, listen up!

The purpose of the Women’s Ministry is to encourage and equip women to gather, grow and go. This is pursued through Bible studies, mentoring, small groups, More for Moms, Apples of Gold, Treasurekeepers, Godly Gals of Grace, and special events. Women need other women in their lives to encourage them, to listen, and to share life. My heart’s desire is to see every female (from 1 to 100) that comes into the fellowship of ABC to feel welcome, encouraged, and equipped to grow in their relationship with God and the body of Christ.

On April 18th and 19th we will have “The Real Beauty Retreat” at Apex Baptist Church for women and teens. Shari Braendel, a speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries, will be with us to give a Christian perspective on beauty, fashion, and modesty. This weekend will be a chance for women of all ages to come together and celebrate being women and find out what real beauty is.

Last summer when we began talking about a theme and a speaker for our Spring Fling, I had just heard Shari speak, and her message touched my heart. As I prayed, I felt God saying this was something the women and teens of Apex needed. Modesty has taken a back seat in fashion for years. As Christians, we too often look at the world and go along with what the world dictates. God does have a word for us. We don’t have to go along with the world. We are daughters of the King, and guess what? “The King is enthralled by your beauty.” ( Psalm 45:11). God loves each one of us, and we represent God to the world.

The weekend begins on Friday night with the Modest is Hottest Fashion Show and a What Not to Wear segment for girls and teens focused on the 5 B’s of Modesty. This will be very interactive with audience participation. Moms, you are encouraged to come join your daughters for this night of excitement and hear the heart message that Shari shares with our daughters on modesty. Please encourage your daughters to come and bring their friends.

Saturday morning will be for women from 18 to 100. Shari tells it like it is in a best friend way, sharing practical image and style advice. The day will be uplifting, engaging, and off the wall fun. Shari will talk about body types, clothing styles, color analysis, and give lots of fashion tips in the Girlfriends Guide to Glamour and If Clothes Could Talk workshop segments. She will also share her heart and God’s Word on Real Beauty.

Ladies, you do not want to miss any part of this weekend. Plan now to come and to bring your daughters and their friends on Friday night and your sisters and girlfriends on Saturday. Tickets are $15.00 each, but moms come free on Friday night. Friday night is from 7:00 until 10:00. The doors open at 6:00 and Shari will be doing color analysis at that time. Saturday starts with coffee and muffins at 9:00. Lunch will be served during the day and the workshop ends at 2:00. There will be something for everyone. Don’t be the one left out of the fun when you hear about it on Sunday the 20th and wish you had come. I hope to see each of you there!