By: Carissa Lovvorn
We’re here—the start of a brand-new year. Is it just me, or did 2025 seem like a slow crawl yet fly by at the same time? Now is the time to start planning our New Year’s resolutions. You know, things like, “I’ll go to the gym at least twice a week,” “I’m going to eat less sugar,” and “I’m really going to get these Christmas lights taken down before the end of January” …maybe.
While those outward physical aspirations are good to have, this year I plan to work on inward characteristics as well. The Bible contains several examples that address desired character. In the final chapter of Proverbs, we find attributes of a virtuous woman: strength, wisdom, compassion, generosity, faith, industriousness, and dignity. These were relevant traits both years ago and are today.
In his letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul wrote, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23, NIV).
Later, in Ephesians, he spoke about the need to be filled with grace for others, just as our Heavenly Father has extended grace to us. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). After quiet reflection, honesty, and prayer, I realized I need to work on several of these characteristics— peace, patience, and gentleness to name a few.
These same themes of grace, growth, and encouragement are at the heart of an upcoming event I would love to share with you. I invite all female readers to the Growth and Grace Worship Night presented by the Round Island Baptist Intertwined Ladies Ministry. In addition to worship led by the Round Island Praise Band, the ladies ministry has asked me to share a portion of my testimony. Keynote speaker Ivy Cleveland, founder of She Is Ministries, will also be joining us to deliver a powerful message. Her prayer is that “God will use her ministry in the lives of women everywhere.”
When speaking about the event, Cleveland said attendees can “expect to laugh, have fun, but most importantly, expect a time to come together, worship, and study God’s Word as we talk about what it means to grow in grace.”
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for ladies to shop over thirty local vendors offering a variety of items, including permanent jewelry, sublimation products, and T-shirts. Several ministries, including Through the Seasons, Confidently Crowned, and Just Breathe Ministries, will be providing information and resources. Food and drinks from Pork Belly BBQ, Traveling Tom’s Coffee, Dirty Sodas, and Eastside Nutrition will also be available for purchase. Worship and speakers begin at 6:30 p.m.
The entire event, along with the women who will be in attendance, have been prayed over for months. I hope that you and your friends will make plans to join us. Happy New Year to everyone. Now to get those lights down!
Many blessings,
Carissa Lovvorn
Event Address: Round Island Baptist Church 14790 Brownsferry Road Athens, AL
