was a critical focus in this part of the conference. 2 Timothy 1:7 (“For God gave us a spirit, not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”) was one of many key scriptures that that were central to the theme of positive uplift.
The event, however, was not only comprised of wise words but also song and dance.
Renowned IMVU Entertainer Triexa graced the stage, looking every inch the glamorous songstress. She performed a stirring rendition of Yolanda Adams “Never Give Up” while guests applauded or took to the floor and grooved to what was truly a soulful performance. The second half of the conference unfolded and ChancesKavaciea delivered a key address that ignited the room. Our focus moved from self-motivation, self-reinforcement, self-care and healing to thinking about our wider relationship with other women. Picking up where her sister Coco left off, Chances continued to discuss self-worth and how it is intimately related to self-knowledge, courage and humility all of
which were identified as the key factors in possessing genuine personal strength and improving how we relate to those around us.
Chances took considerable care in re-defining and refining the notion of what strength is, providing a departure from the masculinist manner in which we often perceive ‘strength’. A lucid account of what strength actually is unfolded and it was decidedly refreshing. Rather than stemming from the things that we typically associate with strength – such as ‘talent’, ‘control’ or ‘ability’ – Chances suggested that strength truly originates from self-knowledge and self-acceptance. She spoke of a quietly confident and laidback character – one who did not seek attention or approbation from others. She spoke of a woman who had the strength to admit to vulnerability and openly ask for help in a time of need. And now, for a paraphrase…
was a critical focus in this part of the conference. 2 Timothy 1:7 (“For God gave us a spirit, not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”) was one of many key scriptures that that were central to the theme of positive uplift.
the idea of a strong and healthy relationship with the “self”. 'Self-esteem' is a term that is often bandied about but is seldom understood. In an act of solidarity with the other speakers, Coco invited us to pray that the words of all the speakers would be effective and reach those who heard them. After opening with Psalms 19:14 as a
benediction over her own words and the entire event, Song of Solomon 4:7 followed: “You are altogether beautiful, my love: there is no flaw in you.”
(best known as the founder of the Wedding Network) headlined the conference, opening with a prayer of her own then following it with an articulate and succinct delivery that examined a woman’s role in a committed Christian partnership. We carefully pored over Proverbs 31 Verses 10 through 31. This proved to be a pertinent speech for so many of us who seek partners on IMVU or off-line. Lyburtii presented the biblical ideal of an affectionate and companionate partnership based on mutual respect, trust and a complementary equality. Indeed, the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ was a force to be reckoned with.
re-defining and refining the notion of what strength is, providing a departure from the masculinist manner in which we often perceive ‘strength’. A lucid account of what strength actually is unfolded and it was decidedly refreshing. Rather than stemming from the things that we typically associate with strength – such as ‘talent’, ‘control’ or ‘ability’ – Chances suggested that strength truly originates from self-knowledge and self-acceptance. She spoke of a quietly confident and laidback character – one who did not seek attention or approbation from others. She spoke of a woman who had the strength to admit to vulnerability and openly ask for help in a time of need. And now, for a paraphrase…
The strong woman revels in sisterhood and solidarity. She seeks to support and promote her friends and sisters. She chooses to shed light on them, their interests and their accomplishments rather than seeking to overshadow them with her own. One of the things that resonated with me on personal level was the idea that self-knowledge, worth and confidence on an individual level could lead to co-operative communities in which members could collectively thrive and flourish. With poise and clarity, Chances outlined the kind of personal growth necessary in order to carve out a path that led to these possibilities. Courage was another quality that we looked at, noting that perhaps one of the most courageous acts that a person can undertake is to be at peace with who they are and truthfully present that self to others, unvarnished and unembellished. But perhaps, the most valuable insight I gained from this part of the conference was her words on forgiveness and how its absence will stymie personal growth and prevent the individual from journeying forward and become the person that they potentially wish to be.
the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ was a force to be reckoned with.