Gathering Around the Firmsteps Table
Stories of Courage, Faith, and Purpose for Women Worldwide
by Kayla Shai
Firmsteps Stories: Illuminating the power of faith and testimony online and offline
This table has created a magnetic connection in both a virtual and physical way. We can see this in the growing online community and the in person outreach projects that happen beyond the screen. Online we are sharing #firmstepstories across our platforms – where women around the world are sharing their testimonies, faith steps, and ways God has helped women conquer their fears.
I am honored to share about a table in my life that has invited many women across the world of various countries, ages, and backgrounds. I should start off by saying that it wasn’t a table I personally sought out, but through several faith steps anchored firmly to Christ instead of fear, God set the table beautifully for me and through me. This table is called Firmsteps. Firmsteps is a Christ-centered ministry that exists to encourage women to overcome fear, have courage, and put their faith to action by building community and providing access to resources as they step into their God-given purpose.
Firmsteps is rooted on Psalm 37:23-24. Here is my girlie translation, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the daughter who delights in Him; though she may stumble, she will not fall. For the Lord upholds her with His hand.” This table has created a magnetic connection in both a virtual and physical way. We can see this in the growing online community and the in person outreach projects that happen beyond the screen. Online we are sharing #firmstepstories across our platforms – where women around the world are sharing their testimonies, faith steps, and ways God has helped women conquer their fears. I know that social media can sometimes pull you down a dark path, but as believers, we can choose to use it for good and to shine the light of Christ in dark spaces.
That’s exactly what we see happen every time a new lady is bold enough to join our virtual table and share a piece of her story with everyone in our community. In person we can physically see how God has equipped our table to travel to different cities across America, connecting with men and women in person. We remind them that they are seen and loved. We also remind them that their story matters even when it includes homelessness, human trafficking, or just being in need.
Setting the table can seem easy, sometimes it is enjoyable and fun but the majority of the times it is hard and even mundane. Even so,I faithfully step out in trust knowing that the Lord walks with me every step of the way. You know that moment when you’re inviting people over for a gathering at your house, but when everything doesn’t line up right or go according to your plan you feel like canceling? Well, It happens to me too, setting this Firmsteps table, while being present for every other demand in life can be difficult. I often find myself praying for more hours in the day, only to feel like time flies by even more the next day.
Then there is the everyday struggle with my own set of insecurities, set-backs, and fears that make me feel like an inadequate host/leader. I have so many weaknesses! I’m sometimes a potty mouth with a stubborn southern girl attitude, I fight bouts of laziness and passivity, and I fear failure and rejection.Then there are the doubts, why would God choose me to host this Firmsteps table?! All this can make me feel like I should cancel out, give up, and flip the table so to speak. But then,I am reminded of the people in the Bible who were used by God in the midst of their weaknesses. God chose them even though they were weak so that He could make himself strong in them. When I choose instead to delight in the Lord I don’t bow to fear or give in to the pressure to uphold a perfect image. Instead I grow in faith and I get to watch the Lord take care of the rest. When I spend time with the Lord, his presence emboldens me. I more willingly surrender to his will and trust him to guide where the Firmsteps table goes next.
I invite you to join us as we continue to build this Firmsteps table so that more women might gather and be encouraged. But, I also invite you to move on setting the table God has called you to set. Whether that’s at your job, in your community, with your family, or wherever it might be. I pray you’ll delight in the Lord, surrender, put your confidence in Him alone, and remember His faithfulness.I encourage you to not let your fears and insecurities keep you from experiencing the joy found in following Jesus and hosting gatherings for Him. You are special, cherished, not forgotten, and so loved by God – and your story matters. You can trust Him with your every dream and desire as He continues to write your beautiful story.
The Lord makes firm the steps of the daughter who delights in Him; though she may stumble, she will not fall. For the Lord upholds her with His hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24
Gracefully your lioness sista,
Kayla Shai
About the Author:
Kayla Shai is the Founder and Lead Lioness of Firmsteps. As a published writer and lover of the arts, there’s nothing she loves more than a good story. Since Kayla Shai was raised in Georgia, she's no stranger to southern charm, Coca-Cola, or keeping her cowgirl boots nearby for those special occasions. Kayla Shai got saved at the young age of 5, while sipping on some Kool-Aid with her mom on the front porch swing. But, it wasn’t until she powerfully encountered the presence of Jesus in the 7th grade that she decided, “Since Jesus showed up for me, I want to show up for Him every day of my life.” Ever since that moment, Kayla Shai's life has been marked by many different dreams and desires requiring a lot of faith, risks, and courage. Outside of building Firmsteps, you can find her writing her next book, building memories with family and friends, serving and encouraging various faith-based communities, walking her sweet Chihuahua-mix dog, spending quality time with her handsome hubby, vlogging for fun on Insta, or chasing down a good sunset.
Connect with Kayla Shai here:
https://www.instagram.com/firmstepsministry - @firmstepsministry
https://www.instagram.com/kaylashai/ - @kaylashai
https://www.facebook.com/FirmstepsMinistry - Firmsteps on Facebook
WEBSITE:
Gracefully,
