Alright folks, let’s roll. So here’s the deal: every year planning Women’s Day felt kinda stale. Same old flowers, same speeches. Blah. Needed fresh stuff, especially for 2024. Wanted themes with meaning, actual substance. And good scripture to back it up, right? Not just fluffy quotes. Started digging.
First thing I did was grab my notebook – real paper one, feels better for brainstorming. Started scribbling down words: Strength. Courage. Wisdom. Light. Resilience. Went basic first. Then hit my Bible app on the phone. Cross-referenced those words. Searched “women AND strength,” etc. Took forever, scrolling verses. Wrote down everything that jumped out – Proverbs 31 stuff, yeah, but looked harder for less-quoted ones. Found that bit in Psalm 68:11, “The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host.” Boom. Different angle. Wrote it down.
Theme Building Time:
- Theme 1: “We Carry the Light.” Poked around Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” Felt uplifting. Idea: Focus on women as sources of wisdom, hope, guidance. Planned activities around sharing personal ‘light’ moments or making small lantern crafts symbolizing it. Simple paper ones, battery tealights – safe and pretty.
- Theme 2: “Her Voice, His Word.” Hit that Psalm verse again. How women proclaim. Got me thinking about Deborah (Judges 4, anyone?). Activities? Could be reading scripture aloud together focused on women’s roles. Maybe even a mini “story slam” – sharing times they spoke up, made a difference, using their voice based on faith. Needed to keep it encouraging, not intimidating.
- Theme 3: “Rooted & Rising.” Went back to Psalms. Like 1:3, the tree planted by streams. Or Ephesians 3:17 about being rooted in love. Liked the image. Roots=faith, foundation. Rising=growth, impact. Activity idea: Planting small herbs or flowers together. Chat about staying spiritually rooted while facing everyday challenges. Practical and symbolic.
Didn’t just wanna lecture. Had to do things. So, next phase: Testing the Activity Waters. Seriously, I did a mini-run at my book club last month. Small group, super low-key.
Tried the “Rooted & Rising” planting. Bought cheap little terracotta pots, basil seeds, soil. Cheap is key, people! Asked everyone to bring their own small jar for water (recycle!).
While planting seeds, I read that Ephesians verse, then Psalm 1. Just let it hang there for a sec. Asked “What helps you stay rooted?” Nervous silence first. Then Gladys pipes up, “Knowing my family prays for me.” Boom. Then others started. Simple. Felt real. One lady nearly knocked her pot over laughing – kept it messy and human. Success.
Held a 10-minute “Light Moment” share. Folks jotted down one small way they felt like they shone light recently – helping a neighbor, calming a kid, praying for someone. Folded them up. Mixed them in a basket. Pulled them out randomly and read them aloud. Anonymous, so less pressure. People genuinely smiled hearing the little things. Way better than forced “inspirational” stories.
Okay, total flop prep area: Food. Originally thought a huge brunch. Stress City. Decided against it. My mantra for group stuff now: Keep. It. Simple. Focusing on shared experience, not Martha Stewart impersonations. Will do big pots of coffee, good tea, maybe simple bagels or muffins someone else brings. Less washing up = happier host.
Final thing was schedule. Not rigid! Blocked out time slots loosely:
- Welcome & Quick Intro (like 10 minutes, max)
- First Activity/Theme Dive (30-45 min)
- Short Break – Food & Chat (20 min)
- Second Activity/Reflection (30 min)
- Close with Simple Prayer or Song (Whatever feels right for the group)
Remembered my disaster year trying to cram five crafts into an hour. Learned my lesson. Less is more. Need breathing room. People wanna talk! Built that buffer in.
Still feels a bit vulnerable, honestly. Putting your ideas out there. Will it resonate? Who knows. But it beats rehashing the same tired celebration. Hoping the scripture gives depth, the themes feel relevant, and the activities spark real connection. Even if someone spills the potting soil everywhere again. Let’s do this.
