Newsjournal of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan | September 2023 | Volume 67, Number 9
FROM SCARS TO BEAUTY
Tricia Johnson – Warren Woods Baptist Church
Michigan Baptist women gathered over a weekend to learn how God can use the deepest scars to transform lives into the greatest beauty. It was all part of the “Scars to Beauty” conference held at the Warren Woods Baptist Church in Warren, Michigan, April 15th and 16th. The message of the conference was that scars can be overcome and lives can be transformed into beautiful women through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The event was filled with a roster of women whose personal testimonies bore witness to God’s transforming power. One of the speakers, Toni Cooper shared that her mission is “to help women look in the mirror and love the person that they see”. Cooper shared her personal story of how scars have been changed, and are still being changed, into God’s beautiful work in her own life. She also led the group of women in a series of activities that taught the process of changing their scars, and reminded them that it was a process, not an instant fix.
Women offering praise to our Lord at the Scars to Beauty conference. (Photo courtesy Warren Woods Baptist Church)
Another keynote speaker was Julie Ziglar Norman of the Zig Ziglar ministry. Ziglar Norman shared many of her own life battles and her realization that in each and every one, God was there. It was clear across the room that many of the women were personally touched by her stories.
In addition to the speakers, Cassandra Perkins shared her personal story of struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide. The group also heard testimonies from women who had attended previous conferences and the impact they have had on their lives. They shared how great it was to have an event like this where women can come together, connect, and learn how to grow out of their own life struggles.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tricia Johnson, reporting from Warren Woods Baptist Church in Warren, MI, part of the Motor Cities Metro Association. She is Women's Ministry Leader at New Life Baptist Church.
