GARDEN CITY – I just got back from a popular music festival called “Alive” in Ohio I have attended almost every year since 2008. For most people, the big draw is the main stage artists that headline each of the three nights of concerts. This year did not disappoint, drawing crowds of 6000 fans to sit on the grass or stand in the mosh pit to cheer, dance, jump and sing along with the likes of David Crowder, Lauren Daigle, TAYA, Mac Powell, Need to Breathe and, yes, even the 80’s hair band Stryper.
Families, youth groups, their leaders, as well as couples and groups of friends of all ages attend. The artists proclaimed God’s love, faithfulness and the hope that is found in Christ in song, testimony and infectious energy. I love to see God’s faithfulness as He brings His people to worship together under His sky, surrounded by His handiwork.
My original reason for going was an opportunity to take my teenagers to see some of their favorite bands and spend time with their friends. But I was surprised to find that God used the time at Alive Festival with Him and my co-leader friends (who are further along the journey), worshiping under the canopy of nature, and hearing His truth from a different perspective. It was for my good, my growth, and my healing as I came face to face with God.
He pointed out the truth of who He is, His character and His faithfulness as He drew me into His loving arms in a way that changed my perspective. As I leaned in, God uncovered hurt and sin, but provided peace by being near and whispering words of hope in scripture that I could hang onto for dear life. As He showed me a new way of living, one that was centered on Him, I received a purpose to point to the only One who can rescue from the lies of the evil one.
This was my last year at Alive, but my journey is not over. As any loving Father would, He continues to give good gifts to me. One of the gifts that I am looking forward to is seeing what He has to say to me through Ellen Harbin at the Women’s Harvest Retreat, October 13-15 at Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center.
Harbin will be speaking on the subject, ‘Face to Face’, explaining how God’s presence shifted the gaze and focus of those in scripture. Having their eyes fixed on Jesus, from a face-to-face encounter with Him, allows proper perspective through the hardships in life, perfect peace amid our scattered pieces, and passionate purpose God reveals through the disruptions of life. This is available to us, too.
I invite you and your friends to join me for the 2023 Women’s Harvest Retreat at Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center. Register soon as we expect a full retreat. Go to Bambilake.churchcenter.com or call Bambi Lake (989) 275-5844. Cost range from $139.00-$149.00 before 9/30/23. Scholarships are available. Please contact darlene_walsh@yahoo.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mickey Gross lives in Garden City, MI and is a member of Resurrection Church in Lincoln Park. She has devoted years in church leadership as a children's ministry director, praise team member, pianist, facilities coordinator, and event planner. Mickey loves camp ministry and has had the privilege of spending time at camp as a camper, serving as a volunteer, and operating on the leadership team for Harvest Retreat.