02/06/2026
We enjoyed an inspiring and instructive Esther Women program on Wednesday. Charlotte Lankard, Dr. Laurie Orme, and Karla McAlister provided encouragement to practice self care. . . Physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mindfully as we navigate different chapters of our lives.
OCU Sophomore, Lailah Johnson, sang a spiritual that touched our hearts: His Name, So Sweet.
OCU Student Government President, Sonny Tabor, provided the blessing. It was so beautiful, I’m including it here:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with grateful hearts, humbled by Your presence and thankful for the
gift of gathering together the most important people in this world…women…called into this
space for such a time as this.
Lord, You see every woman in this room. You see the ones who arrived full of joy and
expectation, and You see the ones who had to convince themselves to make it here carrying
questions, uncertainty, or quiet weariness.
Nothing is hidden from You, and yet You welcome us fully, lovingly, just as we are.
Today, God, we pause long enough to breathe You in. To release the weight of the week, the
noise of the world, and the pressure to perform. We ask You to still minds, soften hearts, and
open spirits to what You want to do in us and through us.
Father, You are the God who strengthens the weary and renews the discouraged.
You remind us, like Esther, that we were not created by accident or placed here without
purpose.
You have given each of us a calling…some still unfolding, some waiting to be reclaimed, some
we’ve been afraid to step into.
Lord, I ask that for the women who feel stuck, speak hope.
For the women who feel unseen, remind them that You see them.
For the women who feel they’ve fallen short, cover them with Your grace.
And for the women who are ready for change but unsure of the next step, be their guide.
As we hear words today about growth, healing, and self-help,
help us remember that true transformation begins with You.
Teach us to care for our minds, our bodies, and our spirits, not out of perfectionism, but out of
reverence for the lives You’ve entrusted to us.
Give us courage to tell others when we’re not okay, and to believe that asking for help is not
weakness but noble.
And remind us that You are faithful to lead us beside calm waters, restoring our strength and
renewing our hope.
We ask You to bless the speakers today.
Anoint their words so they land exactly where they are needed.
May what is spoken encourage, equip, and remind us that we are capable—because You walk
with us.
God, continue to knit this community together. Lord you know this city, state, and world need the
community of women in this room.
Allow these women to uplift one another, learn from one another, and walk forward together in
faith.
And as they leave today, may they carry Your peace with them. May they walk a little lighter,
stand a little taller, and trust a little deeper.
We know that you’re still writing their stories.
We place this time, this space, and our hearts into Your hands. And we trust that You will do
more than we could ask or imagine.
We pray all of this in Your holy and powerful name.
Amen
