Choosing to come to this conference was such an enlightening experience. I went through my article on the list of My Favorite Christian Women’s Retreats Across the USA researching one to go to this month. My goal is to attend at least one per month while I’m on the road. I prayed over the list, visited the websites, and I just felt drawn to the Guarded Identity Women’s Conference—and I am SO glad He led me to go to this one!

When I arrived at The Avenue Church in Morristown, Tennessee, I immediately felt the intentionality. The flowers, mirrors, candles, the vendor tables filled with faith-based resources—it felt welcoming and beautifully prepared...and just where I'm meant to be - with Jesus people! Even the swag bag felt thoughtful. Mine said Intent and included a notebook, pen, Scripture reminders of who I am in Christ—and on my bag was a thoughtfully prepared tag stating the meaning of my name.

“Sharla = fierce/strong. Fossen = power, movement. Walks in freedom with strength flowing powerfully in God’s purpose and direction.”

I don’t think that was an accident. It felt like the Lord whispering, "Remember who you are!"

Melissa Graham’s session on Ephesians 1:4 struck something deep in me: You cannot live in the fullness of who God created you to be while believing lies about who you are.

That truth settled into my heart.

Identity is given, not earned. It was established before my failures, before my successes, before my wounds. Before I was ever hurt, He wanted me. Not only did He want me, but He created and designed me to be the way I am.

The teaching on the “mirrors of deception” felt uncomfortably accurate at times. Feelings masquerading as facts. Comparison creeping in quietly. Rejection shaping internal narratives. Labels spoken over me that I sometimes still rehearse in my own mind.

The story of Leah especially stayed with me. Her circumstances didn’t change. The people around her didn’t suddenly validate her. What changed was her perspective. When she named her final son Judah, she said, “This time I will praise the Lord” (Genesis 29:35). That shift—from striving for approval to anchoring in praise—was powerful.

I realized how often I’ve looked for reassurance in outcomes or affirmation instead of resting in who God already says I am.

because it became part of my breakthrough.

There was a giveaway for the woman who drove the furthest—five hours away. I had driven sixteen hours from Minnesota. When someone near me mentioned it to the team, I was kindly given a gift bag afterward. When I opened it, it was makeup—not that I don't use makeup, but makeup I don’t use because I’ve chosen to move away from toxic products in my healing journey.

For a brief moment, I felt unseen. Not in a dramatic way—just a small sting. But the Lord used that moment. I had to ask myself: Why am I here? For gifts & recognition? Or for transformation?

I quietly without making a fuss, set the bag back on the stage for them to regift later. And in that surrender, something shifted. I realized I didn’t need validation to confirm that I belonged there. God had already invited me.

That small, seemingly insignificant moment became part of the deeper work He was doing in my heart about identity.

Amy Eversole’s testimony about overcoming cancer stirred something deeply personal in me. Hearing her speak about stepping away from traditional treatments and pursuing alternative healing methods resonated with my own experiences and the healing journey I’ve witnessed firsthand.

It wasn’t about rebellion—it was about conviction. It reminded me that God’s design for the body is intentional. That healing isn’t random. That we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

It reignited something in me—a boldness to keep sharing about natural healing, about stewarding the body well, about educating others on the truth that our bodies can heal when given the right conditions. I even began to imagine what it might look like to one day host a workshop or breakout session at a church - or many churches —teaching simple, faith-rooted wellness practices women could take home with them.

That felt like a seed planted in my soul and a burning desire in my heart with a conviction that I need to share this healing truth with people!

Denise Williams’ session may have been the most personally impactful for me.

When she had us partner up and share where we feel unseen, I shared about selling everything I own, stepping into travel after becoming an empty nester, and still waiting. Waiting for the right camper. Waiting on direction. Waiting to hear back from a WWOOF farm that I can contribute to.

Wondering if I heard Him correctly two years ago when I felt called to travel. I'm out traveling with my doggy and my tent cautiously praying the right camper will come along secretly a little fearful for my safety with my camping gear waiting for the weather to warm up somewhere in the country...still wondering if this is His will for me...or I misheard Him screaming this to me over the past two years.

Genesis 16:13—“You are the God who sees me.”

Like Hagar in the wilderness (Genesis 16). Like the woman at the well who avoided the crowd because of shame (John 4).

It struck me that God doesn’t just see us from a distance. He sees with intention. With love. With purpose.

I realized that my waiting season doesn’t mean I’m unseen. It means He’s still writing the story.

That truth steadied me.

Kim Petree’s message from Hebrews 10 challenged me deeply: Don’t throw away your confidence—there is a great reward.

One line especially pierced my heart: Stop praying for clarity and start praying for bravery.

I’ve spent a lot of time asking God for clarity about this calling to travel, to speak, to educate, to share about healing. But maybe faith isn’t about clarity. Maybe it’s about courage.

The imagery of being wrapped tightly in negativity—how our words and complaints can suffocate purpose—was convicting. I don’t want to shrink back. I don’t want to wrap myself in doubt.

Hebrews 11 reminds us that the heroes of faith weren’t commended for having perfect outcomes. They were commended for faith.

That reassured me more than anything.

Lisa Bevere’s closing message felt like a commissioning.

Don’t identify yourself with what can be taken away.

Critics refine but do not define.

Your quiet time with God is loud against the enemy.

That line has stayed with me.

I realized that my fight isn’t for recognition. It’s not for a camper. It’s not for timing to align perfectly.

It’s to guard my identity.

To remember that I am loved uniquely and without rival (1 John 3:1). To speak boldly (Matthew 10:26-28). To love fiercely. To believe outrageously. He designed me for a purpose. I need to be still, trust Him and take the next step, each step one after another, boldly in faith.

Since I’m traveling more frequently now to Christian women’s conferences and retreats, there were a few practical things that truly helped me stay present and comfortable—like a portable phone charger for long days. If you're like me who loves to take tons of pictures and videos, a portable charger is a must.

Also, having a prefilled toxin free water bottle is also essential. There wasn't any water at the event (besides water fountains) on the first night, which left me regretting that I forgot my water bottle in the car. They had tons of waterbottles throughout the day on Saturday!

These were just two small things, but they are definitely things I will bring next time. And as always, I highly recommend bringing your Bible EVERYwhere you go 🙂

Reflecting on the conference confirmed that I’m in the right place. God called me to travel, to share natural healing, to speak up about the deception in big pharma and our food system, and to educate others on how our bodies are designed to heal when given the right conditions. Even the disciples and our heroes went through long seasons of difficulty and waiting.

He is working—even when I don’t see it—to provide the camper, to open doors, to align timing. He is refining me in the waiting. To always remind myself of Romans 8:28 & 2 Timothy 1:7!

Guarded Identity didn’t just give me notes—it gave me confirmation and breakthrough. It reminded me that my identity is secure, my waiting is purposeful, and my calling is still intact.

If you’d like to read more about my journey, you can also read my

Faith-Based Healing Testimony: A 60-Day Natural Healing Reset Rooted in God’s Design

or

Why I Chose the Road: Faith, Healing, Travel, and Living the Life God Is Calling Me To

To the pastoral team—THANK YOU! Thank You! Thank you! The conference was beautiful, intentional, and Spirit-led! God used it in my life more than you know and I'm so grateful. The worship was Fire! The speakers were ALL Fire! I wish I could have attended all the breakout sessions...and maybe we can chat about me having a breakout session next year?! The fellowship was Fire! Everything was well put together and I'm so grateful!

✨ Grace, adventure, and faith along the journey

Sharla – Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures

Don’t forget — go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and glorify Him in the journey.

My Challenge to YOU: Go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and give Him all the glory in all you do.

About Sharla

Hi, I'm Sharla—a veteran, traveler, empty nester, dog mom to Buster, and follower of Jesus. Through Sharla's Wanderlust Adventures, I share faith-filled travel experiences, Christian retreats, natural wellness, Bible studies, and the lessons God teaches me along the journey.

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