Many years ago I read First Lady Serita Jakes’ book, Beside Every Great Man. It was a wonderful look inside her life and journey as the wife of Bishop T.D. Jakes. Perhaps it is just semantics, but I love that title because it replaces well the old saying "behind every great man there is a great woman."

I have just wrapped up two days with 12 of the most amazing women you would ever want to know. We have many things in common. But the one that caused us to gather for these two days was the fact that each of us stands beside a lead pastor of a growing church.

It was a wonderful time of sharing and encouragement. We talked about topics like the responsiblity we feel to be all things to all people. We shared the pressures we face like guarding our hearts against hurt, balancing the responsibilities of being a wife and a mother in ministry, dealing with criticism and ministering to the needs of our husbands.

The mantle these girls have taken on is overwhelming to say the least. I can’t begin to capture it with words, but many of you know what I’m talking about.

I was so inspired by these women and their strength. I suppose I was the "old lady" of the bunch, but it didn’t matter because these girls were so wise beyond their years. And I saw firsthand how deep their love for God and husband runs. It made me proud to sit among them and honored to call them friends.

Since I don’t have my own blog (yet), I am piggy-backing on Ed’s to give a shout out to these terrific ladies. I want to say a giant "THANK YOU" for sharing some great stories, giving fresh ideas, challenging us to all think deeply about what we do, and for applauding our differences and celebrating those precious things we share.

There is so much more to say, but I think I’ll save it for a future gathering … call it an excuse to reunite. But most of all, I want to say "thank you" to each of you for standing beside God’s great man!