I like to take pictures. For me, there is not a more comforting feeling than being behind a camera. Looking through a lens, I can see, capture, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. While photographing an event, I often search for special moments; moments that must be remembered. I try to capture the emotions, expressions, and relationships taking shape. Never has the search been easier than when I attended the Baptist Women in Ministry of Georgia’s Spring Gathering. 
On Saturday, March 24, fifty women (and a few men) came from all over Georgia for the annual gathering that involved time for worship, recognition, and fellowship. The steering committee covered every detail in organizing the event, but something happened that was not necessarily planned. The sense of community and support the women provided for one another was more evident than ever before.
As pastor for the day, Katrina Stripes Brooks expressed how difficult it was for her to compose her sermon. She felt God really placed something on her heart to share, but she could not find the words to say it. She expressed the hurt that females in ministry often experience and presented an honest portrayal of the fatigue and self-consciousness that arise. She stressed the fact that, as fellow women in ministry, we need to be constantly giving support and encouragement to one another. We are not to be torn down and ignored when we know that we have a gift to share.
We were reminded of the character Abeline from the book, The Help. She nannied a young girl who rarely received any attention from her parents and reminded the girl each day, “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.” This message is one that cannot be spoken enough to our fellow women in ministry as a simple reminder of our individual and shared worth. Katrina led a time of blessing in which she, along with the organizations newly elected president, Gwen Brown, handed each woman a bead, looked them in the eyes and told them, “You are kind, you are smart, you are important.” There was not a person in the room who did not need to hear this. Tears filled eyes, hugs were shared, prayers were spoken.
The emotions, expressions, and relationships taking shape were never more evident than in this moment. I did not have to search to capture a moment worth remembering. The moments were evident in every interaction.
Meggie Dant is a McAfee School of Theology student and an employee of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. She also serves on the Baptist Women in Ministry of Georgia’s steering committee. This blog was first posted on the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s blog.