Testimonials

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the retreat. It was life changing for me!!! Words of gratitude can’t do it justice. Please know that those few days were the most encouraging, comforting days I’ve had in my lifetime. It was easy to be vulnerable and share. The piece of brokenness is hard to bare… yet that’s my story and it’s important. And thankfully I now know that I can “just be held.” ~ Kim

This retreat had a tremendous impact on my life. I was believing a lot of lies from the enemy coming into the retreat. Things like: I am a failure as a mom, everybody I see has 'happy" families, you are too much trouble, etc.  At the retreat, I found relief from all the shame. God touched my heart. I heard that I am blessed, not cursed. I have freedom that I have never experienced before. Thank you seems not enough! ~ Jen

I was blessed to attend the winter Just Be Held Retreat. I met so many women who are hurting and in need of nurturing, like myself. So many of us feel alone and ashamed by whatever burdens we carry—whether through a prodigal child or difficult marriage. It was so refreshing to find a space to feel loved and cared for and not judged. The speakers were amazing and helpful. The accommodations and setting were beautiful and good for my soul. It was also a perfect blend of content and fun/rest.   ~Tracy

DO NOT MISS THIS BLESSING! This was healing even prior to my arrival. I called to say I’d be late—Nancy told me to breathe, that I was ok. A plate of food awaited me in more ways than one. I was fed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The worship music was passionate, the teaching reverent and relevant, the fellowship precious. I can not say enough—please do not miss this gift to your soul!  ~Elizabeth

The Just Be Held Retreat was amazing and just what I needed as I deal with the never-ending issues surrounding my prodigal daughter. It was wonderful to get away and relax for the weekend among women who understand me and what I am going through. It was so freeing to be able to open up to women who wouldn't judge me or think I was a terrible mom because of my daughter's struggles. If you are struggling with a prodigal child, you will be so blessed attending this retreat with such caring, encouraging, and genuine women. ~Alisa

I arrived at the Just Be Held retreat broken and feeling very alone. I left feeling heard and seen and definitely not alone in my pain. Thank you for giving me a replenishing respite from the struggles of life. ~Dana 

As our family has been in the middle of much change over the past year, and as the mother of a child who struggles with mental health and substance use, the Just Be Held retreat was an opportunity for me to take time to allow myself to be poured into, and to refill my own cup so that I can better pour into my family and others on our journey. From the minute I arrived at the beautiful Woodlands Camp Lodge, I sensed myself taking a deeper breath and just embracing the moment. The thoughtful presentations, inspiring small group breakout sessions, and amazing worship music—along with personal time to sit around the fire pit and hike in the surrounding woods with new friends—was exactly what I needed to pause and refill my soul. I look forward to attending many future retreats! ~Beth 

2021 was an incredibly challenging year for my family and for me personally, and I found myself unequipped to process and navigate the difficulties. Though I am blessed with wonderful friends and family, a great counselor, and an amazing church, nothing hurts a mama's heart and evokes fear like watching a child struggle. It’s a lonely road. I read in a newsletter about the upcoming “Just Be Held” retreat and signed up immediately—not knowing exactly what to expect, but knowing I needed some time to catch my breath and process with the Lord. On the way to the retreat, I thought how great it would be to have a fire pit and string lights, and wouldn’t you know, that’s the first thing I saw when I walked up! Nancy and her team served us all weekend with compassion, listening hearts, biblical truth, and encouragement. Though we all had different stories, and there was no pressure to share unless we were comfortable doing so, I believe the Lord touched and encouraged us each in the way that we personally needed. The worship, teaching, and small group times exceeded my expectations, and there was a perfect balance of free time, group time, and alone time. I left having released the future of my family and my child, trusting the Lord, and having a new peace—even when circumstances remained challenging. Thank you, Nancy, for obeying the Lord and creating Just Be Held!  ~Kenda

The retreat was so helpful to me. It really helped me shift my thinking! I can stay anchored even in the midst of the chaos. ~Jennifer