It’s funny how the brain can remember certain things, and then other things completely disappear — as if they were never a thought at all. That’s exactly what happened to me on the first night of our Joy Revolution Conference.
As I stood watching the ladies walk through the doors of the sanctuary, I felt this rush of excitement and gratitude to the Lord, and tears began welling up from somewhere deep within. It was the culmination of holding onto a dream — and now here it was, really happening.
Once I finished what I was doing, I rushed out the side door into the sanctuary, eager to hug these ladies. Some I knew — and surprisingly, many I did not. Which told me they had heard about the conference through our marketing or through word of mouth, and that had me leaping with joy all over again! Starting a conference from the ground up in an area that doesn’t know you or your ministry was something I certainly wrestled with in the months leading up to this — but God.
As I made my way through the room hugging and saying hello, I smiled at a group of ladies and they waved back — and then all of a sudden, it hit us both at the same time. At first just a “hi...” — but wait. That’s Jenny. My best friend from when I used to live in Bristol, TN. Just as I was recognizing her, she was recognizing me, and we both leaped into a huge hug.
To say what a blessing she has been in my life is an understatement. In one of the darkest seasons I’ve ever walked through, God brought her into my life to speak faith and hope back into my desolate spirit. Once we got over our excitement — it had been twelve years since we’d seen each other — she looked at me and said, “You’re finally doing it. Women’s conference!”
I couldn’t even recall having those conversations with her back in 2012 and 2013. But the reality is, when God plants something in your heart, you carry it — for years and years — until you simply know: It’s time. And for some reason, that statement branded me. It never left me.
And here we are, almost two weeks out from our very first Unveiled Living conference — and it’s done. As I look back and see all that God did, how deeply He showed up in the lives of these women, I am still in awe. Still processing. Still thanking Him. Still feeling the ripple effects of His glory and the transformation I know He did — not only in my life, but in the lives of every woman who came.
Which leads me to another moment from Friday night. God moved so tenderly throughout the altar call through the ministry of Amanda Crabb, as she prayed over almost every single woman in that room. It was deeper than deep. And a dear friend of mine leaned over and said, “Tracee, look what you have started.”
With the biggest smile on my face, I replied, “I didn’t start this. God did.”
I knew what she meant — but I couldn’t take a single bit of claim for what God did. It’s all Him. Every bit of it.
I never wanted to do just another conference. There are truly so many amazing ones out there. But I wanted a markingkind of conference — one that does something so deep within that you leave marked for the rest of your life. And I can honestly say, that is exactly what the Lord did. And that only makes me more excited for the next one — which will be here before we know it. I just need to breathe for a second. 😄
If you were there, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And if you weren’t — don’t miss the next one. What God is doing in and for His daughters is beyond beautiful. It is life-changing, and more timely than ever in the world we are living in.
God is not done with His daughters. It is time that we rise up — walk out with fierce conviction and through His strength — and do what He has called us to do. Just like Deborah, we rise in courage, because the Lord is on our side. And with Him, all things are possible.
No words — and no pictures — will ever be able to fully express how beautifully the Lord displayed His love for us during our first conference. For that, I will be forever grateful.
He is so good. He truly is.
