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!

Women Welcoming Guests through open door

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?
A Welcome map of women

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.
Driving Car

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!
Angry Woman

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. BE PATIENT AND STAY IN THE WORD.

Women Studying Bible on Computer
AND RUTH BECAME MY MENTOR.

SO, WHO IS RUTH?

  1. Ruth, a Moabite and pagan, married Mahlon, who moved with his parents to Moab due to a famine in Israel.
  2. This young woman learned about the God of Abraham from her mother-in-law, Naomi, and became a believer.
  3. Ruth and her mother-in-law are tragically widowed.
  4. 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 and Naomi

Ruth’s life was changing; surely she was a little scared, but unlike me, Ruth didn’t lecture God on why she deserved better.

  1. After an exhausting trek the women arrive in Bethlehem.
  2. Ruth probably received a tepid, if not hostile, greeting. The Moabites and Israelites were enemies despite a shared heritage.
  3. 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!
Welcome not so much

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.

  1. Intrigued, Boaz casually asked the foreman about the newcomer.
  2. Armed with information, Boaz approaches Ruth to offer her protection if she gleaned in his fields.
  3. 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?
Women Pointing in Welcome post

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!

Welcome Ending