With the turn of every new year, you’ll find countless people considering their goals for the year. From New Year’s resolutions to SMART goals to dreams for a better year – there’s no shortage of fresh inspiration. Quite typically, however, that New Year zeal starts to fizzle within a few short weeks and even faster when life doesn’t go as planned. But I am doing my part to change that.

I am using my talents and gifts to inspire women in my community by creating inspirational events where they can rekindle their dreams and reconnect with their God-given purpose.

In 2017, following the devastation in our islands caused by Hurricane Irma, we sought to pick up the pieces and move forward. While the rebuilding had begun, there was still a strong sense of hopelessness and the looming question of ‘what next?’ I felt discouraged and disoriented. But instead of wallowing in despair, I felt God prompting me to do something about it.

Venturing that other women were feeling hopeless too, I invited 12 friends to a small gathering where we could regroup and consider the next steps for our post-hurricane lives. It was like a breath of fresh air and just what we needed. They wanted more and soon we reconnected to create vision boards reflective of the big plans we felt God had in store for us. I knew God was calling me to reconnect with Him and to inspire other women to do likewise.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

By 2019, I opened the doors to the first Vision & Purpose Brunch, a half-day motivational event for women. It’s a space where real women get to share real hope, bond together in community and create a compelling vision for their future. Now in its second year, the sold-out event brought together 40 women eager to reignite their passion, reconnect with their ‘why’ and move forward with renewed purpose.

I am amazed at how God will take our little and make it much. What started as disquiet in my soul has turned into a deep desire to serve and encourage the women in my community and beyond. I feel honored to pour into the lives of these women and I can’t wait to see what God will do next.

My story is a reminder that God wants to rekindle the dreams He put on our hearts, no matter how buried they might seem. He has a purpose for each of us, and He will use even difficult circumstances to reconnect us with His plans. When we lean into God, he will make our paths straight.

Marva is a sister in the four-member Tortola Church of Christ (in the British Virgin Islands). If you wish to connect with her for more information on her work or to organize an event see details below:

Email: [email protected]
On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @marvatsmith
Website: www.MarvaSmith.com