The Estrogen Zone

My wife, Gail, and I spent the last 24 hours at our Women of Faith offices in Dallas, Texas. Last night we had dinner at Luci Swindoll’s home. Her brother, Chuck, and his wife, Cynthia, joined us for dinner, along with Barry and Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, and Nicole Johnson, all speakers for Women of Faith. Mary Graham, President of Women of Faith, and her roommate, Ney Bailey, were also present.

We had more fun than adults should be allowed to have without supervision. We discussed the books we were reading or wanting to read, the movies we had just seen or were on our list, and the fun and difficult things that are happening in our families. We laughed until our jaws were sore and celebrated the joy of being alive. It was one of those cherished moments that makes my heart swell with gratitude to God.

Today, Women of Faith hosted their “Annual Kickoff” meeting for their staff. (We have about 80 employees in Texas.) We had a wonderful luncheon. Several of our executives flew in from Nashville. I gave a talk on, “Remembering the Unchangeable in the Midst of Constant Change.” Like our Nashville office, the last year has been full of change for our team in Dallas. Though they had a record-breaking year in virtually every category, they have had to step up to a new level of performance. This is not always easy or painless. Change is always hard. Nevertheless, our core purpose and values remain constant.

As a husband of twenty-seven years, a father of five daughters, and a grandfather of two granddaughters, I am never more comfortable than when I am in a room full of women—especially these women. As I told the Women of Faith staff—and with apologies to John Eldredge—I thrive in an estrogen-rich zone. The day was a delight, and I was sorry that it ended.

Nevertheless, I sent Gail back to Nashville with our Nashville-based executives. I then headed to Milwaukee where I will spend tomorrow talking with some of our current and prospective institutional investors.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Posted on 08 June 2005

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3 Comments so far

  1. Paula says:

    I hope your comment about apologies to JE was said tongue-in-cheek. I think his book is over-rated. I grew up a tomboy and feel just as comfortable around the guys as I do around the ladies. No apologies. It’s the way I am. I would guess the ladies love your company too. Pg

  2. It’s nice to see Christians have fun. And even nicer to see you back online! You’re missed when you’re gone.

  3. Luci Swindoll says:

    Good morning Mike…

    Thank you for your kind comment about being at my house for dinner. (I would have thanked you sooner, but…as you know, I’m busy writing a book! My publisher gave me a deadline!!) You and your family are welcome at my home anytime. Coffee pot’s always on!

    Chuck mentioned the dinner party in his message yesterday at church. He talked about the fun and blessing of being together with all those fun, crazy, interesting people. He even made reference to Women of Faith! He began a new series on GRACE and it was a great sermon. I wish you and Gail could have been with us.

    I hope you have a fabulous day. I’m praying for you. With much love and respect. Luci


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