By Khanyisa Khene
Rhema Rock Family Church brought together women of all ages and multiple churches at a well-attended annual women’s conference at Shaw Hall last Saturday, 10 August.
The experience was enhanced by a lively atmosphere created by the church’s worshipers and the Elroi Prophetic Dance Group.
Conference organiser, Diana Branden, said they did not want just another celebratory Women’s Month event. “We wanted something on a different level to uplift women and encourage them to build their spirits,” she said.
A keynote address was delivered by Virginia Solomons, who emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. Burned at a tender age, she spent much of her childhood hiding her scars and battling harsh judgment by those around her. She now wears them openly.
Solomons stood proudly and used her story to inspire others. “All through my childhood I was called names, and I was told all ugly things but what I did was I took on those labels because we live the lives that people assign to us and not what God assigns to us. We need to stop labels that people give us and simply let go of what has been holding us back,” she said.
The conference was organized to foster personal fulfillment and a positive impact within the women’s community. The attendees were not only equipped and inspired with divine inspiration but also by spotlighting and encouraging others on how to deal with life’s challenges.
A second keynote speaker, Pastor Helen Keble, encouraged the attendees to pray more and to never give up because God has his people’s back. “Lean on God, honour God for who he is, and be persistent with God,” she said.
An attendee who asked to be anonymous said she was happy she attended the conference as it inspired her to take and hold the power she has as Imbokodo and to love herself.
