Sometimes you attend a women’s event, hear a really good speaker, and go home inspired. Other times, you leave feeling challenged. The women who heard Dana Ladd speak at last week’s Heart to Heart meeting at First Baptist Church couldn’t help but leave feeling both inspired and challenged. Inspired to be a better mother, sister, daughter, friend...Challenged to take the steps necessary to be a better person.
Although Dana speaks and trains teachers for the Region 8 Educational Service Center for a living, she said that sharing a personal testimony about women in her life who influenced her was much different. She asked God for something to say, and He gave her just that.
Growing up in a dysfunctional home with two older brothers, Dana never really felt connected to her mother. However, God had a plan – He put several women in her life by design to love her, be an example to her, challenge her, and shape her into what has become her favorite title now – a Mimi to four grandchildren.
One woman who had a big impact served in a children’s ministry, picking Dana up regularly on the church bus for Sunday School. She got a hug every time she got on that bus, where she learned that Jesus loves her. Another woman who had a big impact on Dana’s life was her youth choir director. Dana thought this lady was beautiful, dressed very nicely, and always wore heels! During those teen years, Dana also learned about inner beauty that comes only from loving the Lord. She taught Dana to sing, and Dana plays an active role in the current music ministry at FBC. On choir tours, Dana learned how to share the gospel with unbelievers. Dana even told the story of practicing in the heat one day in preparation for a tour, only to pass out. She was given water and a few minutes to cool off, and it was back to practice. Through these trips and practices, Dana learned the value of hard work and determination.
From her high school cheer sponsor, Dana learned that her past did NOT define her- she had the ability to change because God had a plan for her. From her grandmother, Dana learned what it meant to love “unconditionally.” She often spent summers with her grandmother and learned many old sayings that she repeats to her own kids. From various friends, Dana learned that God sometimes puts people in her life for a season and sometimes for a lifetime. Friends are the ones you vent to, the ones who can see your pain, and the ones who know your heart and still choose to stay.
The last woman in her life that meant so much to her was her “mother in love.” According to Dana, she was the “perfect example of what a mother should be.” She taught Dana to “honor your mother and father,” knowing the kind of home Dana was raised in. She encouraged Dana to let go of any bitterness she felt, as bitterness destroys relationships. Most importantly, her “mother in love” taught Dana not to worry but to give everything over to God.
Dana concluded her testimony by encouraging younger women to listen to older women – to be encouraged and strengthened by them. She challenged older women to share their experiences and wisdom with the younger.
We all go through seasons – some good, some hard. But all women need to let go and let God take over.
The Heart to Heart team ended this last meeting of the 25-26 year with a video message from each speaker and a reminder for everyone to “Choose Joy.”
