Woven Together in Love

Last Sunday afternoon, over 400 beautiful women gathered together for an Italian Tea Party. Doesn’t that sound inviting?

Some gatherings are pleasant.
Others feel like heaven quietly slipped into the room.

That’s how it felt at our recent Italian gathering at our church.
We could see love before we even sat down.

First — there was the wall covered with 450 hand-made name tags that greeted us — each one carefully crafted by a precious woman who poured her heart into the project.

Nearby stood a painted Italian doorway with the word “Aperto” — Open. And truly, everything about the evening felt open — open hearts, open conversations, open hands ready to serve.

Tables for eight were beautifully arranged with fine china, lush centerpieces, and little gifts for each guest. Women had lovingly decorated every table as if preparing for honored guests.

And we were. We were/are daughters of the King. And His presence was felt by all.

We sipped tea from delicate cups, enjoyed scones and Italian touches, and then moved into the sanctuary where we celebrated stories of several precious women.

One young mother shared how she nearly collapsed under the weight of her newborn in the NICU and mistakes made along the way. Yet two women stepped beside her — offering wisdom, comfort, and prayer.

Today that same young mom (and her baby) are thriving — and her cookie and pastry business is flourishing.

Another woman told of mentoring a younger friend — only to discover they both needed each other.

One brave gal confessed she hadn’t stepped inside a church in 22 years, but through the love of women here, she found her way back home.

As we sang worship songs, two women lifted their voices while another quietly wove a tapestry with cloth strips across a board.
Thread by thread.
Story by story.
Heart by heart.

“Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14)

We saw God’s love in action — right before our eyes.
God’s girls — woven together in love.

And when He does the weaving, the tapestry becomes something far more beautiful than any one thread could do alone. It is such a blessing to be woven together in love, encouragement, in prayer and in support.

Perhaps God is nudging you to become one who has a story and is willing to share it. Your story may change someone’s life, too!