At the beginning of 1 Peter we find Peter reflecting over the past 30 years. Peter was undeniably a great man. He was a man who had endured difficulties with strength and faith, but also someone who often spoke first and thought later. He was the apostle who denied Jesus three times but then later became one of the pillars of the Jerusalem church. In 1 Peter 2:4-12, he encouraged believers to be “living stones,” “a chosen people,” and a “holy priesthood.” One day when I was reading this passage I asked myself the question: “What is a ‘living stone’ anyway?” The term “living stone” is one we tend to accept at face value. We are determined to be one, while at the same time not really knowing what it means. The full meaning of this layer of imagery is for us to explore in our own lives. This process takes a lifetime. It involves experimentation, practicing our gifts, trying out new things, and being prayerful throughout. It is allowing God to come into our lives and write our story. In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 we read:
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
We have an incredible and important role in the Kingdom: we are representatives of Christ. When we seek to discover our purpose and live it out, we are fulfilling our calling. Just like Peter, we may not get it right every time, but we can be faithful in our pursuit of God.
The 28th annual Bloom Conference is focused on imagining what we will experience “When God Authors Your Story.” Our keynote speakers are two New York Times bestselling authors: Serena Miller and Tamera Alexander. Several of Serena Miller’s books have been produced as movies. We also have an excellent line-up of breakout speakers: Katina Briscoe, Tiffany Byers, Beth Cox, Sarah Crouch, Caroline Dockery, Judy Hoggard, McKenzie Kilmer, Karrisa Neal, and Errica Rivera. By listening to women from different backgrounds and professions speak about how God has worked in and through their lives, it is our hope that their stories will inspire women to think about their own.
The Bloom Conference begins Friday, February 17th at 5:30pm. (dinner included) and continues through the luncheon on Saturday, February 18th, ending at 2:00pm. At 3:00pm., we will be screening Moriah’s Lighthouse, a Hallmark movie based off of Serena Miller’s book. Bloom attendees will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive book-signing by the authors and purchase their book at a discounted rate. Registration and more information can be found at www.harding.edu/events/bloom.
Dr. Anessa Westbrook is associate professor of Bible and Ministry at Harding University. She specializes in Spiritual Development of Women, Women’s Ministry.
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