Since the early days of incourage, we dreamed of what it might look like to bring our reading community together, the kind of gathering where we carried offline those friendships begun in the virtual realm.
Sometimes a girlfriend just needs a hug–skin to skin, cheek to cheek, the kind where you really mean it. If you’re a seasoned reader, you already know our solution was unconventional: in(RL), a conference designed not to carry us halfway across the country (at great expense and away from our families), but to engage with the women in our own back yard.
It took a little while for us to fully explain the concept, for all of us to understand how it could work, but now in our third year, it just keeps getting better! This year I’m hosting an event in my new hometown (register if you’re nearby!) and I’m thankful for this little push to do what I know I ought–fertilize my baby roots in a new place, to love fully and love well people within hugging distance.
If I’ve learned anything the past few years, it’s that I need – and I mean n e e d – other women in my life.
With little pockets of community dotting the globe, the joy of bringing together thousands of women means new opportunities are bound to surface. And this year, I’m heartened by a new element we’re incorporating into (in)RL: Giv(in)g
Rather than charge a small fee for the costs associated with producing an event like (in)RL, we’re encouraging women to support one of six organizations that are changing the lives of those who receive from – and give to – these phenomenal causes. Amber and Kristen have introduced two of them; and I’m honored to share the next opportunity, one I’ve gushed about before. So thrilled, I’m compelled to tell you about it rather than just write about it. Please watch the video below and I’ll wrap up details at the bottom:
(Subscribers, please click to view.)
You and I will have a part in impacting 1,000 lives when we give to the Freeset Business Incubator. This is no small thing to gloss over.
Let it sink in: your gift, regardless of size, is helping to write a different story – a better story – for your sisters on the other side of the world.
Women who need someone to step in, say yes, and love them by:
~ praying for them, Freeset’s important work and for this giv(in)g opportunity to be fully funded;
~ influencing others (as simple as sharing this post with your family and friends in whatever way is natural and convenient);
~ contributing a financial gift.
When I think about Freeset and its tagline, “In business for Freedom,” Paul’s words in Galatians always come to mind:
For freedom Christ has set us free…. (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Freedom…it’s not just what we’re saved from, is it?
If you’d like to learn more about Freeset, their site is a wealth of information. (Of course, cheerful giving might also mean cheerful shopping ~ smile ~ ).
~ Would you like to receive one of the beautiful braided recycled sari bangles seen in the video? When you comment, let me know you’ve contributed a gift of any amount to Freeset’s Business Incubator and I’ll send one to three readers!! ~
Thank you, lovies, for all the ways you love well. Your words and actions on behalf of others, are gifts, and I’m touched when you choose to open your story to others you’ll likely never meet this side of heaven….
~ Robin
(p.s. I received some BIG NEWS the other day and if you’re near Atlanta the evening of April 26th [yep, same day as (in)RL], consider this my personal invitation to you!!)
Leave a Comment
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Robin,
So excited for you and your “big news”!! That’s great! Also, I wish I lived closer to Macon, Georgia – I would love to meet you in person for the (in)RL event! I always enjoy your posts and words of wisdom…maybe because I can relate to your season in life :). Will have to do some shopping with Freeset…thanks to you and all the (in)courage team for being the cheerleaders for our sisters around the globe!
Blessings to you,
Bev
Robin Dance says
Bev,
You have such a gift of encouragement; than you for how you support the incourage community. Truly, your words make a difference! 🙂
Tori says
So happy for you Robin. Long time fan, my prayers will be with you!
Really appreciate the encouragement you provide through (In)!
Robin Dance says
Thank you, Tori…that means a LOT to me! xo
Mothering From Scratch says
{Melinda} I go to a Christian & Missionary Alliance Church where one of our main goals is to support missionaries in remote locations and to go there ourselves to help build churches and reach out to those who haven’t heard about Jesus. For years, our church has supported and visited a women’s prison in Ecuador … these women prostitute themselves to the guards for the barest necessities. We try to provide them with funds and support the missionaries who try to help them find ways to sell products, so they don’t have to sell themselves. Love that (in)courage has that same heart for missions.
Robin Dance says
Melinda, it breaks my heart to learn what some women feel they have to do to survive or get by; what a wonderful outreach your church has; I love learning what others are doing to make a difference in the lives of others. 🙂
Holly Barrett says
Love the Freeset site and all the shopping! I’ll definitely be purchasing several things there later in the week (waiting on a tax return to hit my account, and then watch out!). 🙂 Also love supporting causes rather than charging an entry fee…can’t wait for (in)RL!
Robin Dance says
Isn’t it great, Holly? While there are REAL costs associated with producing an online event, I can’t help but appreciate how DaySpring is leading out with this choice :).
Joanne Peterson says
I love that (in)courage reaches out to the community locally, nationally, and globally.
Punjammies and Freeset have partnered together. I knew I had heard of Freeset before and could not place where. Then it dawned on me. I had decided to make God’s (my) dollars mean something more than just replacing my pajamas. So, I googled and discovered Punjammies. Punjammies are the pajama bottoms, and the matching tops are from Freeset. Both of these Christian organizations train women and provide a living wage, and have them live in community with their children after rescuing them from the sex slave/trafficking bondage.
Thank you that this is your passion to encourage us to live beyond ourselves, as Christ would have us live, for Him. To be generous to others and help set them free because Christ has done that same thing for us.
Blessings,
Joanne
Robin Dance says
Joanne!! YES!! You “get” it–you’re putting your money where your mouth is; or your jammies where your sleep is :). xo
Kris camealy says
I love this, Robin. I love the heart of (in)courage!! Love you!! Love Freeset!!!
Robin Dance says
Oooo, Kris–I likey that you’re so exclamation-y 🙂 🙂 :).
Rosanne says
I love that (in)couragers are championing women around the world. It’s so awesome to me that I can help someone a whole world away just by doing a little online shopping. Thanks for providing ways we can make a real difference in other women’s life! 🙂 Too bad I don’t live closer to Georgia – I’d definitely love the opportunity to meet you in person. 🙂
Susan Shipe says
I love ministries such as this. Teaching people “how to fish”!!! I donated and am blessed to do so.
Angie Ryg says
Well, if that wasn’t just the cutest vlog on the block! Loved hearing you tell the story, Friend! (in)courage and Day Spring is rocking this way to help us give to these wonderful ministries! What a blessing to be able to join God in His amazing work!
Ruth says
I hope many women and children can be saved you are doing great work.
Jennifer Camp says
Hi Robin, I love hearing your voice. And I love this cause and all that Freeset is doing. I just donated to Freeset’s Business Incubator. Thank you and bless you.
Beth WIlliams says
Robin,
Super excited about your big news!! Congratulations!!! 🙂 I would love to live near you & be able to talk in person with you. I relate so well to your blog posts and words of wisdom. You are a wonderful, crazy, funny, Christian woman who I would love to meet one day.
Thanks to In(Courage) for the opportunity for in (giv)ing.
Blessings 🙂
Lina says
Dear Robin,
This is a WONDERFUL cause and some causes just touch my heart and my pocketbook more often. This is one of them. Thanks for the reminder of it as this is how I first learned about them.
I bought Christmas bags for my girls last year and was very impressed with the quality of the product as well as helping. My daughters were also touched by the movement and can pass it along.
Best,
Lina
Lina says
P.S. I didn’t donate but I did make a purchase on their site for a gift I already needed. THANKS!