Called Conference Recap
The Called 2026 Women’s Conference was a bit of a last-minute decision for me. As a recent Bethel University graduate who just moved to Duluth, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it work—but I had heard such wonderful things. My good friend Grace, along with a few other Christian women, are part of a small faith-based company called Boldly Seeking, and I felt drawn to go support them, grow in my relationship with God, and simply receive whatever He had for me that weekend.
Even though I arrived a day late, I knew within my heart that God wanted me there. Just showing up and being present felt like an act of obedience. The theme of Called 2026 centered on the value of joy, which met me exactly where I was. I walked into the conference feeling weighed down by outside pressures, by uncertainty, and by the unknowns of the future. Yet throughout my time there, God brought a deep sense of peace and reassurance. I was reminded that none of what overwhelms me is too big for Him to hold.
The first keynote on Saturday morning was from Susie Larson, who spoke on being “Made for More.” She shared about spiritual hunger—how we work so hard to feed our physical and emotional appetites while our souls quietly starve for God. She reminded us that spiritual hunger is actually a sign of health, a sign that we long for the Lord in a way He desires. One question she posed has stayed with me: “Are there certain topics in your life that you haven’t brought to God?” It’s a humbling question, because so often the areas we hide are the very ones that need Him most.
During the breakout session, Rebecca Martin from Boldly Seeking spoke about joy and God’s calling for our lives. She wove together stories of people from Scripture of individuals who faced trials, waited on God, and relied entirely on His direction. Her passion and message met me right where I was. She spoke about surrendering and abiding in Christ, denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily. She reminded us that our responsibility as Christians is obedience, and God’s responsibility is the outcome.
Throughout the entire weekend, I could feel the nearness of the Lord. He spoke through every keynote and breakout speaker, and I could sense His presence moving in my heart and in the hearts of so many women around me. I left with a renewed understanding that when we draw near to God, He truly draws near to us. My role is simply to abide, to submit, and to walk in reverence before Him. I’m so grateful I was able to attend Called 2026. I know God has good and intentional plans for every woman who was there, and I believe He is already at work preparing something beautiful for Called 2027.
