Let me hold your purse

A thank you note I received taught me a valuable concept:

sometimes women need someone to hold their purse.

Allow me to explain.

The note above was from a leader in our community. We worked together in a volunteer capacity and several months prior, I had taken her a picnic lunch and told her about a dream I’d had. In the dream, I was following her around, pushing a shopping cart in a big warehouse-type store and holding her purse while she loaded her cart, did her job and talked to people.

The message was clear to me–I was to offer to “hold her purse” so she could do her job.

I told her at our picnic, “I’m here to serve, just tell me how to hold your purse.” We both got a kick out of the whole thing but I was absolutely serious, too.

Time went on. Eventually I bought her a top when she complimented the one I was wearing, and in the note thanking me for the gift, the best part was the last line: “I have big plans coming that I want to talk to you about soon–Costco trips are in our future together!” (smiley face)

I was thrilled that she got it.

Eventually I was able to help her with some pretty big projects behind the scenes. One of which was like a full time job for several months for me, and one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. We also did quite a bit of hospitality and training together, both things I love. It was an honor to help her use her best gifts.

Now I know the concept of “holding your purse” is a picture for the overall mission of what I’m called to do in life for women–hold their purse while they do their job, whatever that looks like for them.

I know for many of my ladies, you “hold the purse” of others. That’s why I so enjoy helping YOU. We all have a role to play!

You’ll hear me talk a lot about embracing your calling and allowing people to help you. Now my precious mama will offer to hold MY purse when I’m speaking, teaching or even just shopping. There are dozens of people who hold my purse in a myriad of other ways.

Sometimes we’re the one who needs to reach out to offer and sometimes we’re the one who needs to accept help.

Where are you today? Do you need someone to hold your purse…or do you need to reach out and offer to hold someone else’s?