For the Girl: A Guest Post

Earlier this month I started a company, Ezer + Co. She’s been growing inside of me, perhaps for my entire life, but she was just born. She is full of vision but she will come to life through the contributions from the strong warriors among us. This post is for all the girls … the girls like me, like those you work with, parent, come from, and are friends with. Perhaps you are this girl.

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For the Girl

by April Wahl

For the girl that longs for something more, that knows this isn’t the end of the story.

For the girl that dreams of the ocean, but wakes up on the plains.

For the girl that wants to make waves in the world, but fear of the ocean keeps her from splashing.

For the girl who wants, who dreams, who longs, who desires…I write for you.

For the little girl that I was, that’s for whom I write.

For the girl at the pier.

For the girl in the pew.

For girls everywhere…I write for you.

I want to tell your stories. I want to know your stories.

For the girl that sat around a table a few nights ago and felt the light shine in her cracked soul.

For the girl that smiled a true smile, that wasn't trying to hide any pain.

For the girl that was present, that wanted to savor every moment.

For the girl that woke up and could finally breathe.

For the girl that didn't know sadness as she pulled herself out of bed.

For the girl that read another's words that jumped off the page and into her very own soul, because she knew the thoughts and the feelings well.

For the girl that woke up and went along her way, knowing who she was.

For the girl that decided today she was going to start living as herself, and not a shell of herself.

For the girl that lives inside the pages of my journals…

For the girl that lives inside of me…

For the girl that's finally deciding today is the day, now is the time...

I'm writing for you.

For us. For the women who are paving the way, who are joining hands with sisters and brothers to let the Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. The little girls are waiting, watching, and wondering.

May we live into the calling that has been set before us. May we not shrink back. May we live into the full abundance that Jesus came to live and die for, so that others may know the freedom found only in Him.

For the girls that don’t have a voice.

For the girls trying to find a voice.

For the girls that have found their voice.

You are loved. You belong. You matter. You are worth it.

In the Company of Women

When was the last time you were in the company of other strong women?

Not strong because they cross-fit all day. Not strong because their personality fills a room. Not strong like they bulldoze someone over. I mean, warriors who were fully alive in their own skin, their own bodies, their God-given gifts and passions. While it may have felt a little intimidating (because sometimes when someone is fully alive, you see where you’re asleep), I bet it also ignited some energy within you.

It prompted you to engage differently with your life.

It raised questions about how you want to move forward.

It called out something in you that you know needs to be reclaimed and released.

It invited your voice toward more confident, clarity, and courage.

It softened your insecurities and shadow self.

Being in the company of other strong women who are awake, awakened something within you, too.

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For the last year I’ve been praying, dreaming, planning, and building a vision I can no longer ignore. And this vision is about ready to be birthed into the world.

You’re invited. You’re needed.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come… + it’s coming SOON!!!!!

Rhythms for Leading Under Pressure

If you’ve been leading for any measure of time, you’ve felt the pressure. It’s inevitable. Yet it can feel so intense you may burst.

What do you do with that pressure? What rhythms can help you deal with the pressure in healthy ways?

YLC 2019 - Rhythms for Leading Under Pressure - Plenary - April Diaz from Blackhawk Church on Vimeo.

Over 20 years of leadership in high pressure contexts has taught me two invaluable big ideas that have saved my soul and allowed me the opportunity to lead well no matter the season. The big ideas aren’t complicated but they are critical to find your own rhythm so you can be and do all you’ve been created for in this world.

If you want the presentation slides that support this message, you can download them below.

#1.

Take a Real Rest

Sabbath / Check Out / Energize

#2. Honor Your Body

Sleep / Eat / Move

Lead on, friend. We need you to be healthy and whole.