WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to Women Seeking Christ
Don’t forget to add patrice@womenseekingchrist.com to your contact list. Want to make sure future emails get to your inbox and not to spam!
Hopefully, you’ve downloaded your free ebook and are learning some new things about prayer. Did you take the discover your mentor quiz or prayer style quiz? If not, do so soon. They are both fun and enlightening. After reading this welcome post, tell us how you are using the prayer book or share your thoughts about the quiz results in the comment section.
SO, WHO IS OUR COMMUNITY?
Although, we are different, I know one thing for sure, you are busy with work, family, church, ministries, and other life commitments. I respect your time; therefore, you will receive emails every few days to get you acquainted with our community. After that, I will send an email when I post new content, which is about once a month. Also, I never sell or give away my email list to ANYONE.
WHO IS THE PERSON BEHIND WOMEN SEEKING CHRIST?
My name is Patrice Van Dyke and I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. A woman who never thought she would start a website or blog, but God had other ideas. He is funny like that.
Although this blog is about community and not about me, I would like to share a little of my story that explains how a significant life event began a journey that led to WSC and writing about women of the Bible. If you want to learn more about me you can check out my author bio.
IT STARTED IN MY CAR – WHERE I OFTEN PRAY.
As I drive to work, I touch the chain around my neck. Hanging from the chain is a diamond heart; a present from my husband and the best piece of jewelry I own. He was excited to give me this gift; thus it was special, and I wore it often. Reconciling the man who chose this thoughtful gift to the person moving out of our home is impossible. I touch the necklace again; somehow it makes me feel closer to him.
The seat belt is annoying, and when I pull on the strap, the chain breaks, and my heart falls to the floor. Frantically, I search the car. I can’t find it anywhere; just like the jewelry, my heart is broken and my marriage lost. I lean over the steering wheel sobbing. Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble (Ps.10:1 NIV)? My husband is leaving; are you deserting me too?
Despite the chaos, a Bible verse comes to mind. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on (Exod. 14:15).
REALLY, THAT’S IT – MOVE ON!
I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. BE PATIENT AND STAY IN THE WORD.
AND RUTH BECAME MY MENTOR.
SO, WHO IS RUTH?
- Ruth, a Moabite and pagan, married Mahlon, who moved with his parents to Moab due to a famine in Israel.
- This young woman learned about the God of Abraham from her mother-in-law, Naomi, and became a believer.
- Ruth and her mother-in-law are tragically widowed.
- Naomi decides to return to the city of Bethlehem in Israel and Ruth goes with her to this new land.
RUTH’S ATTITTUDE ABOUT CHANGE
Ruth’s life was changing; surely she was a little scared, but unlike me, Ruth didn’t lecture God on why she deserved better.
- After an exhausting trek the women arrive in Bethlehem.
- Ruth probably received a tepid, if not hostile, greeting. The Moabites and Israelites were enemies despite a shared heritage.
- No time for self-pity, Ruth begins working in the fields to pick up stalks of grain left behind in the harvest. (Ruth 2:2)
MY ATTITUDE REGARDING CHANGE!
OK, God, I hear you. Ruth’s situation was dire, yet she remained positive and confident about her future. She was also obedient, resourceful, and thankful because she trusted you. Me, not so much!
RUTH’S TRUST LED TO A GOD WINK IN THE FORM OF BOAZ
Ruth was willing to trust God with the changes happening in her life. So, in Ruth 2:3 we read:
“And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, a relative of her deceased father-in-law.“
Notice the verse says “And as it happened.” Was she gleaning in Boaz’s field by accident? Not likely. This was one of those God directed coincidences.
- Intrigued, Boaz casually asked the foreman about the newcomer.
- Armed with information, Boaz approaches Ruth to offer her protection if she gleaned in his fields.
- Ruth’s reaction to his generosity was to thank Boaz and give glory to God.
The story takes other twists and turns, but eventually, she married Boaz and became a mother; and not just any mother, but an ancestor of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
UNLIKE ME, RUTH DIDN’T ASK WHY. INSTEAD SHE ASKED:
God brings that annoying verse to mind again. Probably to give me another chance to respond differently.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on (Exod. 14:15).”
A few days ago, I rejected God’s message. I asked “Why, God: Why me?” Empathically, I told God, ” I want my life back!” I realize, after examining Ruth’s life, that I should have said, “Ok, God, WHAT NOW? Where do you want me to go? What do you want me to do?”
Sure, not knowing what is on the other side was still frightening. However, like Ruth and other Biblical people who rose to their challenges, I had to put my trust in God, knowing he was completely aware of the journey ahead.
Just as God guided Ruth to Boaz’s field, God walks with me, and his call is still on my life.
If you love chick flicks, read this romantic book titled Ruth in the Old Testament. It is an encouraging story that shows us how God doesn’t forsake us during difficult times, but through obedience He can and will use us to accomplish His will.
Also, my Bible study, Fake News About Women, has a chapter devoted to this woman’s adventures that brings this young lady to life while relating her story to our daily lives.
SO, WHAT NOW
Like the Israelites, who had to take the first step to the Promised Land through the Red Sea, (Exodus Chapter 14) I must stop crying, leave my former life behind, and move forward to the adventure ahead. Gingerly, I take the first step; knowing God will not let me drown, but there is no guarantee my feet won’t get wet.
What was on the other side of the Red Sea? Marriage to my husband Todd, a wonderful loving blended family, and grandchildren. Also, this ministry that brings joy and fulfillment to my spiritual life. I know there is more. I’m still asking, WHAT NOW?
SO, WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been afraid to take that first step across the Red Sea? Tell us about it. Give your insights on my story, or share your struggles, ideas, and victories in the comment section below. We want to hear from you, and once again WELCOME!
Thanks so much for your honesty and transparency. So refreshing. My divorce was devastating to me, because I did not have a firm foundation on Christ. I thought I did. I thought I was “a good person,” so when something bad happened, I couldn’t put it all together in my mind. I fell into despair and self-pity, which is just one way that we humans demonstrate a lack of trust in God. It was sin to walk in such disbelief! BUT, rather than condemn me, Jesus picked me up instead. He made me “see.” I now know that God’s grace is sufficient. Your “revelation truth” was found in Ruth. Mine was the woman at the well. Jesus meets us right where we are. Doesn’t He?
The women of the Bible are great mentors. Yes, God does meet us where we are at any given time. It’s a good thing since we so often are wandering the in the wilderness lost and confused. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Patrice for starting this women seeking Christ blog. Also thank you for sharing part of your life testimony. Our testimonies are God’s gifts to be able to reach out and help others through him.
The stories of Moses, Job, Noah, Mary, and Jesus always had places in my heart but I never understood why nor put some of it together until few yrs back.
The grief from multiple losses of loved ones lives via alcohol enhanced suicides, to so thankful for God’s merciful grace on saving others that are still with us today after near devastating choices. The loss and grief from those that just walk away from someone’s life because they can’t accept someone else. When all you have is love you want to give them. Scripture says, God created us to love and also the ability to forgive. Just because someone divorces or separates relationships doesnt mean we all have to nor want to. It’s been heart breaking. Still not sure which is tougher to grieve. The loss of life to not see again or the loss knowing someone you love is still alive but they just don’t want to spend time with you, even though they say you’re a good person and it’s not you but. . Either way its a loss and pain on multiple levels.
However, through the adversitities of life, the many whys, the strength as you said like Ruth to carry on, I searched God’s word. I’ve retraced my life and actually in full awareness now see where all God guided me and Jesus was there to save me. By picking me up and saying come. By the people God guided into my life and when. His timing, not mine, so perfect. To the missions and testimonies I’ve been so graciously blessed to have heard to this point and i look forward to the next place and person he brings me to cross paths with. It is truly amazing!!!
I’m not a confident person, though most think I am. One thing I am confident in and have learned is God was in my life before I was born. He’s has guided me through it all, even when I didn’t think he was there. He has given me compassion, love, and the ability to push beyond where I thought I could go. He has shown and given me a hand up when I didn’t think I could stand. I must admit there were a couple times I looked up and said, “Heavenly Father, I do thank you for thinking I’m stronger than i am, but i could use a wee break here, please”. Now I know it’s not all about me, it’s about telling one more how great our Heavenly Father is and His son. I AM, never leaves you nor forsakes you. I know he’s not the one that caused the devastations but He was the one that was there to comfort me through them.
Your blog is one of God’s calling missions for you. My prayer is it touches each and every life and woman out there. To provide hope and healing through Christ our Lord’s amazing Grace. May we remember, Earthly life is a test. We are all works in progress and our goal is for our eternal life.
God’s blessings to all.
Thanks for sharing about your faith and walk with Christ. I am sure it will inspire others to keep “moving on” with Christ at their side.
I so appreciate your wisdom and transparency. I can’t imagine the ordeal of having a spouse leave, and I can only imagine how crushing it was. Your story will give hope to so many! I look forward to your next post. Thanks for being willing to share your story, and to do so through the lens of biblical truth.
Thanks for your kind comments. I hope you do stop by again for next week’s blog. If you have a story you want to share, please feel free to do so. We all have different lives and experiences that can inspire and help others.
God Bless.
Thanks for starting your blog, Patrice. I pray God’s blessing and glory transform many lives as people explain His help and presence in real life experience. I’ll be back to share my story.
Thanks for taking time to comment. Please do come back and share your story. I welcome guest blogs. I know you are a woman of strong faith and have much to share that will help others.
Your story really spoke to my heart. I thank you for sharing it. I was married for more than 20 years to a man who could not stay away from drugs and alcohol. When he was clean & sober he was intelligent, had a great sense of humor and a big heart. When he was impaired, he was completely someone else: abusive, cruel, paranoid, and almost crazy. It became apparent that I would not survive if I didn’t leave. For myself I really didn’t care, but I felt it wasn’t ok to continue to raise my children in that environment. Leaving was the hardest choice I ever had to make and I still struggle with guilt for abandoning the marriage even though he has since died and I am remarried. I seel God’s forgiveness and guidance daily and your story reminds me that I am His and I am loved no matter what mistakes I may have made.
I am glad it spoke to you. When we get married, especially Christian women, we never think it will end in divorce. There is pain, trauma, and guilt. I know many women who felt judged by their Christian friends and community. I, fortunately, did not experience that. The church I attended at the time of my divorce loved and supported me through it, but many other women are not as fortunate. I am glad you found happiness again and are remarried. If you want to tell your story through a guest blog, click on contact and send me an email. Many blessings.
I had a moment reading this that smashed me in the face. As I have not been married but am a woman of divorced parents and a horrible fear of failure in all areas. I do not take the kindness or protection of God and his incredible strength into consideration. I place restrictions. I set obtainable goals and go comfortably into them. When the pot gets stirred and there are many unknowns -I embrace some of it but then build up walls verbally and mentally to protect myself. Hence, why I have not stepped into a lot of things in life.
To read all of your comments and hear your hope and how powerful God is in our storms– I love how this is already a gift to women! I pray that we never feel alone or unworthy of the good God has in the midst of the chaos. Prayers we can all fight to focus on where God is at work in all things!!
Loved this-*****Instead, he tells her to glean only in his fields and offers this young vulnerable woman protection from predators and harm. Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner (Ruth 2:10).” Despite a rough life she didn’t wallow in self-pity but maintained a thankful heart.***
Hopefully we step out into Gods protection and maintain a thankful heart!
Thank you for this Patrice!!
We suffer from the same “Protection” mentality. Like we can protect ourselves anyway. God is our protection and only hope. Thanks for sharing.