Lynde Griggs: Co-Founder of Belle & Sparrows, a Non-Profit for women, by women. - In Episode #82, Lynde Griggs shares with us how her life in ministry and missions led her to co-found Belle & Sparrows. At the age of 42, while serving on the church staff, Lynde felt the pull on her heart to propose an all women’s mission trip for her women’s ministry group. Within two to three months, she, with the support of her pastor and church, was able to assemble the first ever all female team of 24 women that spent one week serving impoverished women in Guatemala. - Lynde found herself as an empty nester having what she refers to as a crisis of faith. She knew that she was called to serve God’s people outside of the church, but questioned why he would use someone like her to share the message. Although she felt fearful and uncertain, she knew that God’s call for her life was greater than her self doubt. • She shares her personal steps for overcoming doubt and having Faith Over Fear 1. Start with Prayer & Discernment 2. Share your calling with trusted people in your circle and ask for prayers 3. Take a Step of Faith By stepping out in faith, Lynde along with her co-founder Tiffany Savage were able to create Belle & Sparrows to be able to serve women both locally and globally. By partnering with local organizations, volunteers are able to serve women transitioning from homelessness as well as sexually exploited and trafficked survivors. Internationally, Belle & Sparrows provides the opportunity to teach women in Guatemala the necessary skills for gainful employment, and In Haiti, serve foster moms that are caring for disabled and orphaned children. Nationally, volunteers can serve Navajo women in New Mexico, women in transitional living in Oregon, and expecting mothers at the pregnancy center in Waco, TX. The Stella project is the newest endeavor for Belle & Sparrows. This will be a transitional living home, and social enterprise where women will be able to make and sell honey based products from their very own beehive. 1 Wednesday, April 22, 2020 While this episode was recorded before we found ourselves in this current situation, I have found Lynde’s words to be so relevant to this preset time. “Our lives are in seasons. Just because one season is coming to a close, doesn’t mean that your life is coming to a close.” She told our listeners to “Put legs on what you are learning in your bible study and step out in faith.” She shared that we can’t make disciples if we’re not willing to go. So, we should all take baby steps, and step by step follow the journey God has planned for us. Visit www.bellandsparrows.org to learn more about how you can support the organization or be involved with a mission trip. Lynde can even organize a trip for your women’s group. You can follow Belle and Sparrows on IG, LinkdIn, Facebook, and Twitter: @belleandsparrows