I was part of the 2022-2023 cohort of Bridgeway’s Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI), and like most graduates report, that time went by in a flash! Before signing up for this nine-month discipleship program, I was struggling through a season of constant busyness—always holding on for 3-5 more days until I could rest in peace.

I don’t remember how I learned of WLDI or under what circumstances I decided to join, but I do remember feeling the need for friends who were serious about their walk with God. I found myself seated in class month after month, fully engaged but silent. In fact, I’m certain I didn’t speak more than a few sentences per class until about six months in.

No one who knows me would describe me as a quiet person. I don’t always like people, but I’m generally pretty bubbly and upbeat. It’s just, by the time I made it to WLDI classes on Saturdays, I was done. Completely drained or intentionally low energy – shielding myself from the energy zappers prepped to siphon joy from the rest of my weekend.

Regardless, I continued to attend. I did the homework, participated during classes, and kept my mile-a-minute speaking style to a slow canter.

Despite this, I was being pursued.

I was hugged often, drawn into brief conversations, encouraged to write more in my homework assignments, and to speak more often during classes.

WLDI Alumnae (previous graduates and leaders) were also always around each month in support of the current class, pouring into us, uplifting us, and providing a perspective that only wisdom born from experience could produce. It was really nice.

Meanwhile, I was going through it.

I was pulling all-nighters left and right, feeling exploited and overrun professionally, personally, and within my own home. I was being attacked, consistently and nonsensically, in the workplace. I even fell into a literal hole while I was out walking one morning. It was full of water, and my leg fell in to about hip height. It just felt like I couldn’t catch a break.

“God, is this really what you want for me? …Chaos?”

I had a decision to make. Was I going to continue showing up to life prepared to lose, or was I going to pivot and walk with purpose under the promises God declared over my life?

I went with the second option.

One of my favorite bible verses is from the New Testament:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

It helps me to keep things in perspective. If I can be grateful under these conditions, then I have to be aware that things could have been worse. I have to remind myself that only God knows what plans He has for my life and everything He does is for my good and His glory… even if I don’t always love His lessons or find his sense of humor all that amusing [insert bombastic side eye].

I took that new attitude into the final three months of the WLDI program. Despite my drained battery, I was now relying on Holy Spirit to fill me back up. I spent more time focusing on what I was learning, how God wanted to apply the lessons to my life, and just opening up.

I felt lighter.

I was now part of a community of strong, talented women leaders that I had only just begun to know. By the end of the program, I can’t say that I felt cheated, but this WLDI chapter felt unresolved and unfinished. Then, I learned that there was more.

Upon graduation, each cohort becomes part of the WLDI Alumnae group (WLDIA), where over 200 women are given the opportunity to continue doing life together.

I was able to join the WLDIA leadership team for the 2023-2024 ministry year, and that’s where I found my place at Bridgeway. All that I thought I had learned the previous year came alive when I got the opportunity to serve this community in a different way.

WLDIA meets once a quarter to connect, play games, reflect on God’s word, and bond in sister-ship! My sense of belonging within the body of Christ continues to this day.

If you’re a woman seeking community, I encourage you to learn more about this life-changing program at WLDI.

If you’re a WLDI graduate, I encourage you to participate! Our Upcoming Events will be featured during the next couple of weeks.

Not sure? Check out some recaps from this ministry year:

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.