Conference Empowers Women 
To Reach Maximum Potential 

BY LOUIS C. WARD
     LEESBURG - Professional Christian Women emotionally inspired and strategically informed women how to reach their goals in life and empowered them to take their rightful place at a Women’s Conference held at Lake Square Presbyterian Church Saturday in Leesburg on August 21, 2010 from 8:30 to 1:30 pm.
     “No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper” was the theme of the conference, which was sponsored by Reverend Dr. Isaac Deas of Deas’ Ministries, LLC, and Lake Square Presbyterian Church, which is located on Morningside Dr. in Leesburg.    
     It was evident from their gestures and verbal responses that the speakers and presenters were connecting with the audience. Obviously, the women were in agreement with Pam Dukes, Mistress of Ceremony, who said, “I am feeling the Lord here today; take what these ladies are giving you.”
     Mrs. Bertha Deas lifted the women’s spirits when she spoke a “Word of Encouragement”, using the Bible and concluding with a quote from a poem by Helen Steiner Rice.
     Mrs. Phyllis Baum, CEO at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, who feels “God is very busy with me,” discussed “Reaching Your Full Potential”. She revealed major points that could help women become successful in their natural and spiritual lives. “Obedience and faithfulness require us to step out without knowing the full picture,” said Mrs. Baum.  “Is God closing the door or is it that we didn’t have the faithfulness to step out,” Mrs. Baum asked the women.
     Although Dr. Genester Wilson-King’s informative power point presentation on “Optimum Health, Optimum Wellness demonstrated how we can have a healthier lifestyle and possibly live longer, it was her personal testimony about her deceased daughter and her relationship with God that emotionally charged the women audience of all ages. Dr. King said, “It’s easy to be thankful when things work out! But true thankfulness,” she emphasized, “is remaining faithful and thankful when you are going through.”
     Associate Pastor Karen Burris of Morrison United Methodist Church concluded the speakers program with her presentation “Where Are We Without the Lord?”.   Associate Pastor Burris said it’s important that women appreciate who they are and it doesn’t matter how others see you.  What matters is that women see themselves how God sees them.
     In her “Financial Freedom” breakout session, Minister Yolanda Pressley informed the women of the importance of paying off debt; saving; building up your credit; and not spending foolishly.  She also gave pointers on how to invest and where to invest.
Physically and verbally abused women were given practical steps to improve their self esteem in Minster Heflin’s” Self Esteem” breakout session.  Minister Heflin said women can learn to feel good about themselves by loving, nurturing and forgiving themselves.
     Commenting on the annual conference, Dr. Deas said, “What impressed me most were the different cultures, different age groups, and different denominations, all getting along and enjoying the messages from our speakers.”
Entertainment was provided by Voices of Impact; Shiloh Youth Choir and Linda    Hmieleski.  Mrs. Hulsey, First Lady of Lake Square Presbyterian Church did the welcome.