Blessed by Renovaré: a younger woman’s perspective

by Tara Brannon

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25.

I have been attending Calvary Evangelical Free church for a little over 11 years. During that time, I have grown in my faith. One of the many things that has helped with that is being part of Renovaré. Throughout the years, I have had many individuals and groups of individuals who have come along side of me as we did life together, living out the verse above.

The first people who came to my mind are Katie King and Amanda Wright. We would encourage each other throughout the week through texts messages. The text messages weren’t very long, but we just checked in to see how each other’s weeks were going and how we could pray for each other.  In addition, we enjoyed coffee and celebrating birthdays together. We have kids around the same age, and we were able to fellowship with each other’s families. I remember praying with these ladies and knowing that if I needed anything, they were going to be there.

The second person that came to my mind is my mentor, Denise Werner.  During winter sessions of Renovaré, we learned the importance of having a person in our lives who could mentor us and help us grow in our faith. In addition to this, I was listening to Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth talk about the Titus 2 ladies.  Denise and I met on a weekly to biweekly basis where we went through “Adorned” by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. The premise of the book is how the older ladies are to come along side the younger generation to build each other up on how to live a life pleasing to God. Denise encouraged me throughout the time that we met. She also invested time and energy into my kids. Emma, my oldest, would call her Grandma Denise.

In conclusion, I am so grateful for the different Godly women that God has placed in my life and that God placed us at Calvary.  It is so important to get together with a group of ladies who you can live life together with, where you can pray for each other.  I hope and pray that you all will find your niche where you can be encouraged on a daily basis and also be an encouragement to others.

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Tara Brannon is married to Andrew Brannon and mom to three young children 10, 8, and 6. She is a stay-at-home mom. She also serves in Awana, and the nursery on Sunday mornings.