One of my favorite things to do is watch Track & Field events. From the relays to the triple jump and everything in between, you can find me laser-focused on the TV. I seriously enjoy every event. Many years ago, I was a high school English teacher, and I coached track part-time. I knew very little about what I was tasked with supporting, but the kids knew what they needed to do. I was there to encourage them, manage their time, and determine their eligibility to compete. Over the course of several weeks, I learned that being an expert in the high jump, javelin, and triple jump wasn’t required to coach – what was important was my Yes. My Yes meant that I’d show up on time every time. I’d offer encouragement to athletes who were having a tough time and celebrate small and not-so-small victories. God allowed me to use my gift of teaching to explain concepts to my athletes while secretly building their capacity and character.
At the end of our first season, one of my girls said, “Coach, you’re a good teacher.” When the others chimed in and seconded Iceland’s assessment, I felt really good. I might’ve even blushed a little. See, what Iceland had done was encourage me and affirm me. What they didn’t know was that all season long, I felt like an impostor because I wasn’t an athlete. I come from a family of athletes, but I wasn’t athletic. The Harmons in my hometown all played basketball, but I played the piccolo. No matter how much time my cousins spent trying to teach me the fundamentals of basketball, the lessons just didn’t stick. They couldn’t understand why I had long arms and legs, perfect for blocking shots or tipping in an off-course jumper, but God had a purpose and a plan for my limbs. Attached to those long arms and legs are hands and feet! That’s right. God had equipped ol’ piccolo-playing Michelle to be His hands and feet on this Earth. God used that season of coaching to show me that my presence – my Yes – could help others grow into who He created them to be.
That same Yes is what led me to mentor women through the Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI) here at Bridgeway. WLDI is a nine-month discipleship journey where women are equipped with the spiritual tools and leadership strategies to live boldly and faithfully as God’s ambassadors here on Earth.
- Whether they’re raising kids, preaching Truth, or teaching teens, the lessons these women learn stick.
- Whether in the boardroom, bedroom, or the courtroom, they learn to wield the secret weapon of prayer, and the lessons stick.
- Whether they’re in a pit, a palace, or standing at a well, they know that God is close by, and they hold this confidence in their hearts because the lessons stick.
- Whether Holy Spirit prompts them to fast and be frugal or to serve and celebrate, our sisters know how to navigate it all because the lessons stick.
These women know the importance of being spiritually disciplined through abstinence and engagement, and they end the year not just inspired, but equipped – grounded in spiritual discipline, fueled by faith, and ready to lead because WLDI’s lessons stick..
Yesterday, the WLDI team passed the baton to 30 new women leaders. Please join me in celebrating the WLDI Class of 2025. They are strong, courageous, and mysteriously complex. They are humble, smart, and gifted. Many of our new grads are stepping up to serve, and WLDI alumnae are showing up everywhere, leading in every ministry they can.
“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng” (Psalm 68:11, NIV).
The women of WLDI – past, present, and future – are spreading the Gospel all over the world. I may not have all of the answers, but I bring my Yes – every session, every prayer, every step of the way. And God does the rest.
Will you say Yes to our invitation to join us this fall? If you are a woman 18 years or older, we invite you to attend a free information session on July 26th at 10:00 AM at the Columbia campus.
Want a sneak peek at some of our grads? Check out this short video.
If you need help or support, please contact Care.
If you are looking for activities to meet others, check out our Events.
If you are looking for people to do life with, connect with our Groups.