What I Wish I’d Known

Featuring

Kay Arthur and Pam Gillaspie, Kim de Blecourt, Cindy Bultema, Pam Farrel, Margaret Feinberg, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Sue Heimer, Liz Curtis Higgs, June Hunt, Courtney Joseph, Carol Kent, Susie Larson, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Elisa Morgan, Janelle Nehrez, Jody Noland, Glenna Salsbury, Darlene Schacht, Gwen Smith, Heidi St. John, Jessica Thompson, Hilary Tompkins, Kasey Van Norman, Amanda Williams, and Rachel Wojo

What I Wish I’d Known

Copyright 2014 Kay Arthur and Pam Gillaspie, Kim de Blecourt, Cindy Bultema, Pam Farrel, Margaret Feinberg, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Sue Heimer, Liz Curtis Higgs, June Hunt, Courtney Joseph, Carol Kent, Susie Larson, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Elisa Morgan, Janelle Nehrez, Jody Noland, Glenna Salsbury, Darlene Schacht, Gwen Smith, Heidi St. John, Jessica Thompson, Hilary Tompkins, Kasey Van Norman, Amanda Williams, Rachel Wojo

Published by Kirkdale Press

Faithlife Corporation, 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Faithlife.com

All rights reserved. You may use brief quotations from this resource in presentations, articles, and books. For all other uses, please write Faithlife for permission. Email us at permissions@faithife.com.

Foreword

When God calls, we may not feel prepared to answer. We might believe we don’t have enough Bible knowledge, or we’re terrified of public speaking. Maybe we’re weary and broken, and we think we’re not worthy to serve. Maybe all of that’s true—but none of it matters. If God calls us, he sees the faith and maturity required for leadership. And he will equip us for the work he has in mind.

As we seek his guidance and his will, we should remember to seek godly counsel as well. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this anthology—advice and reflections from 26 Christian women leaders on the theme What I Wish I’d Known in the early years of ministry work.

The writings in this collection vary from checklists to testimonies to mission statements, and more. Some read as if you have been invited for afternoon tea. Others are more like a personal pep rally. Still others are as brief and uplifting as a postcard from a good friend.

We trust each woman’s words will encourage you as you pursue God’s plan. And if you feel encouraged to share what you wish you had known when you heard God’s call, we would love to hear from you. Submit your own story to submit@faithlifewomen.com.

—Rebecca Brant, senior editor

Table of Contents

Kay Arthur and Pam Gillaspie | Above All Else

Kim de Blecourt | Called to Care

Cindy Bultema | Never Alone

Pam Farrel | Create a Compass

Margaret Feinberg | We Need You

Elyse Fitzpatrick | Grammar Matters (at least sometimes)

Sue Heimer | 12 Things I’ve Learned in Ministry

Liz Curtis Higgs | Taking Criticism in Stride

June Hunt | Ending Anger

Courtney Joseph | Pursuing Greatness

Carol Kent | What I Wish I’d Known

Susie Larson | Dealing with Disappointment

Michelle McKinney Hammond | Where True Power Lies

Elisa Morgan | Taste Buds in Training

Janelle Nahrez ...