Speeches, songs inspire women

An uplifting and thought-provoking mix of music, worship and speeches is bringing approximately 5,000 women to Qwest Center Omaha for the Women of Faith Conference.

The two-day nondenominational Christian conference started Friday and continues through Saturday.

Event organizers say the touring Women of Faith conferences have drawn more than 4 million women to events across North America since the series began in 1996. The last conference in Omaha was in March 2008, and attendance was estimated at about 10,000.

The arena is set up in the round, with a center stage for speakers as well as musicians. Overhead monitors project images from the stage so all can see. Lyrics of songs scroll near the bottom of the screen so all can sing along. But people aren't just singing, they're swaying, clapping and raising their arms in praise.

The sessions are phenomenal, said Diane Kelly, 47, of Kearney, Neb., who is attending her seventh Women of Faith meeting. “You're on a high for two weeks.”

“You connect with so many women,” said Kelly, a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Kearney. “You're not alone. So many have the same problems you do.”

Sandy Fienhold, 60, of Council Bluffs, was attending her first Women of Faith conference. She said the Friday sessions were “very moving. They have some awesome speakers.”

She was attending with 13 women from her church, Fifth Avenue United Methodist in the Bluffs.

Friday evening's session took up the topic of how women struggle with feelings of unworthiness. Lisa Harper, a minister from Nashville, was the speaker.

“So many women struggle with issues of worth: that they don't measure up and that they're not good enough,” Harper said in an interview. “So many of us have always assumed that perfection is a prerequisite with God, and that is simply not true. We have this great, redeeming God who absolutely adores mistake-prone people. ”

Harper, who has a master's of theological studies from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, previously directed women's ministry programs for Focus on the Family and for a large church. She is the author of “A Perfect Mess” and “What Every Girl Wants.”

“Even in your fat pants and when you're fussing at your kids, God finds you beautiful,” she said. “It's not a Pollyanna-false hope. It is a deep joy and peace. Regardless of what you're walking through and regardless of the difficulties you are facing, he not only accepts you, he absolutely adores you. That's the real liberty of the Gospel message.”

Friday morning's session showcased a presentation by management consultant Marcus Buckingham on how women can concentrate on their gifts and talents, rather than any shortcomings, to be happier and stronger.

Saturday's presenters will include gospel singer Natalie Grant, “Biggest Loser” winner Michelle Aguilar, inspirational speaker Luci Swindoll and former journalist Karen James.

Contact the writer:

444-1052, jane.palmer@owh.com

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