Since the early days of incourage, we dreamed of what it might look like to bring our reading community together, the kind of gathering where we carried offline those friendships begun in the virtual realm.

Sometimes a girlfriend just needs a hug–skin to skin, cheek to cheek, the kind where you really mean it.  If you’re a seasoned reader, you already know our solution was unconventional:   in(RL), a conference designed not to carry us halfway across the country (at great expense and away from our families), but to engage with the women in our own back yard.

It took a little while for us to fully explain the concept, for all of us to understand how it could work, but now in our third year, it just keeps getting better!  This year I’m hosting an event in my new hometown (register if you’re nearby!) and I’m thankful for this little push to do what I know I ought–fertilize my baby roots in a new place, to love fully and love well people within hugging distance.

If I’ve learned anything the past few years, it’s that I need – and I mean n e e d - other women in my life.

With little pockets of community dotting the globe, the joy of bringing together thousands of women means new opportunities are bound to surface.  And this year, I’m heartened by a new element we’re incorporating into (in)RL:  Giv(in)g

Rather than charge a small fee for the costs associated with producing an event like (in)RL, we’re encouraging women to support one of six organizations that are changing the lives of those who receive from – and give to – these phenomenal causes.  Amber and Kristen have introduced two of them; and I’m honored to share the next opportunity, one I’ve gushed about before.  So thrilled, I’m compelled to tell you about it rather than just write about it.  Please watch the video below and I’ll wrap up details at the bottom:

(Subscribers, please click to view.)

You and I will have a part in impacting 1,000 lives when we give to the Freeset Business Incubator. This is no small thing to gloss over.

Let it sink in: your gift, regardless of size, is helping to write a different story – a better story – for your sisters on the other side of the world.

Women who need someone to step in, say yes, and love them by:

~ praying for them, Freeset’s important work and for this giv(in)g opportunity to be fully funded;

~ influencing others (as simple as sharing this post with your family and friends in whatever way is natural and convenient);

~ contributing a financial gift.

When I think about Freeset and its tagline, “In business for Freedom,” Paul’s words in Galatians always come to mind:

For freedom Christ has set us free…. (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Freedom…it’s not just what we’re saved from, is it?

If you’d like to learn more about Freeset, their site is a wealth of information.  (Of course, cheerful giving might also mean cheerful shopping ~ smile ~ ).

 ~ Would you like to receive one of the beautiful braided recycled sari bangles seen in the video?  When you comment, let me know you’ve contributed a gift of any amount to Freeset’s Business Incubator and I’ll send one to three readers!! ~

Thank you, lovies, for all the ways you love well.  Your words and actions on behalf of others, are gifts, and I’m touched when you choose to open your story to others you’ll likely never meet this side of heaven….

~ Robin

(p.s.  I received some BIG NEWS the other day and if you’re near Atlanta the evening of April 26th [yep, same day as (in)RL], consider this my personal invitation to you!!)