It had been a crazy week—a really crazy week. I was in the middle of writing teacher evaluations and behind in preparing for an educational workshop I was asked to present. In my personal life, I was feeling unsettled but didn’t know why. And I had also just received word that a friend’s young nephew had tragically drowned in a grandparent’s backyard pool.
There were not enough hours in the day to get done what needed to be done, and I was drained emotionally. I kept telling myself, Just hold on until Saturday. Saturday was going to be my day—a day just for me. Time to sleep in, catch my breath, and regroup.
But then an invitation came—an invitation to attend a Lifeway Women simulcast at a local church. A simulcast? On my Saturday? All day? Beginning at 8:00 a.m.? I thought, I don’t think so!
Even though I had never attended a simulcast event, I anticipated the day would go something like this: sitting among strangers and being detached for 6 hours while watching a video with canned worship.
And yet, for some wild reason, I agreed to attend and give up my precious Saturday. My day just for me.
As I arrived, a team of greeters—whose smiles made me forget that I had originally wanted to sleep in—warmly welcomed me. I received my information, got some coffee, and found a seat in the auditorium next to a friend. Watching the countdown to the beginning of the event, I started to relax and wondered, Is it possible for God to meet me here today through a technologically-driven simulcast event?
As the countdown ended and worship began, I was immediately captivated at how the live worship team on the stage melded with the team on the screen. I lost myself in singing and felt completely connected with the worship leader and speaker. We seamlessly moved between listening to speakers on the screen and speakers on the stage as together we became one in worship, Bible study, and prayer.
There were tears and there was laughter and, oh, it was all so good for my weary soul. The Holy Spirit met me there in that auditorium, and I honestly forgot that there was a screen between me and those who were leading us in teaching and worship.
I left the experience renewed, refreshed, and with so many notes in hand. Notes that I could not wait to revisit and work into my journal because the words spoken were so powerful to that specific moment in my life.
The Saturday I had “given up” turned out to be life-giving. It was still a day just for me. But it looked a little different than the “me day” I had originally planned. It looked like an auditorium full of women, a message from the Lord, and a chance to reconnect with Him in the midst of my hectic life.
Consider this your personal invitation to “give up” one of your Saturdays to experience a Lifeway simulcast event. From hosting to attending, it is an amazing opportunity for women from different neighborhoods and churches to come together in worship and the Word. Give up your Saturday and see what you just might get.
Learn more about the Living Proof Simulcast here.
Deni Corbett received her BS degree in Education from Asbury University and her ESD in Reading and Language Instruction from Oakland University. She received her MA in Instructional Technologies and Media Design from NSU. Deni currently serves as Senior Director & Consultant for ETC (Engaging the Culture) Ministries as well as Program Director for the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools (SBACS). She is also the founder of FirefliesBlog.com which creates family legacy moments that encourage children to communicate with confidence and view the world with a sense of wonder.
