May 18, 2026

Dear church family,

This past weekend we enjoyed a special and Spirit-filled day at our Faith Over Fear Women’s Conference. We had two incredible speakers who taught us about the reality of fear in our lives, but how God gives us faith to overcome those seasons. Rev. Vicki Cater taught from the story of Exodus when God parted the sea. God told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today… The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” What a powerful reminder that sometimes faith is simply being still and letting God handle it. Yet, other times God strengthens us to move forward in faith. Even when we are afraid, we can trust in God so much that we can keep going! Just a verse later, God says to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to move forward.” While they could not yet see the Red Sea split down the middle, they had faith to move forward, knowing that God would part it. 

Our second speaker, Stephanie Rodda, told us her personal testimony of how she struggled with infertility but was blessed with 15 years as a foster parent and 7 adoptions. She used the example of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings who also experienced grief from infertility. Then, when she miraculously conceived, her child died in her arms. Yet, we read a powerful story of the woman trusting God with full confidence that her child would live. A woman who once was afraid to get her hopes up because of constant disappointment literally ran to the prophet Elisha with hope that God would raise her child to life. Scripture says when the prophet asked her if everything was okay, she confidently replied, “It is well.” Can you imagine having so much faith in God that you are able to say “it is well” even when facing the biggest hardship imaginable?

Lastly, we had a brave panel of women from our church family who shared their faith over fear testimonies. We heard stories of becoming a widow, experiencing grief as a military parent, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and losing a child. Each woman had incredible wisdom to share that I believe only comes from experiencing such hardship. They inspired us with their strength and courage and reminded us that even in the hardest times, God is right there beside us. Standing there listening to their testimonies, I was so overcome with gratitude and awe. It reminded me just how much I will truly miss the amazing women in our congregation.

While I am moving on to Heflin First UMC in July, I am soaking in every moment I have left here at Oxford. From experiencing our youth being baptized and confirmed, to lifting up each other at the Women’s Conference, to preaching my last sermons and singing in worship, to serving at Soup for the Soul and Food Distribution… I am truly grateful. Today, I am singing the words from a worship song called “Thank You” – “I can’t breathe in your breath and not sing of your love / You’ve done too much for me / I can’t hold back my heart or my hallelujah / You’ve done too much for me.”

With Love, Pastor Delaney