September 8-10, 2023, Respite Retreat Summary

Author: Kelly Packard
October 03, 2023
What a weekend we shared together!  It’s always incredible to see what happens when you invite the Holy Spirit to show up and take control.  As a result, Hope overflowed from our Living Hope, Jesus Christ.

Just one small glimpse into the weekend...we discussed The Great Exchange. The Great Exchange is the daily exchange of despair for Hope by giving Jesus access to the pain and allowing His transformation power to author life-giving hope. This daily exchange of despair for Hope creates a margin for the emotional capacity needed for a healthy marriage relationship.

We were humbled that this precious couple was courageously vulnerable to open sacred spaces of deep pain and share the raw reality of their brokenness, and to do so with two people they hadn’t truly met before.
No doubt, the Holy Spirit made this happen. We’re reminded of this truth from Zechariah 4:6 “...Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”

We were honored to be able to come alongside this couple, if even for a weekend. As a result, they are preciously tucked inside our hearts.
How humbling that Christ has uniquely positioned us on their journey. He empowers us “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

Please join us in continued prayer for their grief journey and their marriage.
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