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.
Posted on June 8, 2005
In: Leadership
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at 
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, 
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his 
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the 
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for 
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of 
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of 
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of 
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing 
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for 
