A Celebration of Women's Voices (Because You Matter!) Feb 4-6th 2022
/“Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.”
Publishing a book is no small task. I am excited for my friend as she recently published “Isha: She Will Be Called” along with many contributors sharing story, poetry and art. I was honoured to write the forward for this gem. 🙋♀️FYI: Eve's second name, אִשָּׁה (isha) (Gen. 2:23), means "woman" in Hebrew.) Her first page sneak peak:
“Hush now, we are about to embark on a journey in time… right back to the Creation Story and the making of Isha (woman). Do not interrupt me with questions just yet. Gifted with a story from the First Grandmother, we must open our hearts, humble and quiet, to receive the lessons she would like is to learn. Let’s follow this ancient path to a better future.”
So far, this precious table talk version of the book is available through Amazon.ca, Amazon.com , @mcnallyrobinsonsk and will be at an event I’m hosting in Saskatoon which is true joy for me to parter with Becky for a women’s retreat “Because You Matter: A Celebration of Women’s Voices” February 4-6 in Saskatoon, SK. When visiting my parents in Fargo, ND earlier this month, I arranged for a zoom interview with Becky while I hid myself in my mom’s office to have a chat with Becky about her book and the upcoming retreat. Click on the video below to listen in on our 30 minute conversation!
PLUS Click here to listen to our Instagram Live Conversation from January 17th, 2021
Here is what I wrote as a forward to her book:
“As a woman in ministry, I have been intrigued by God’s plan or eschatalogical purpose for creating me- Jodi Kozan as female, a woman, an “Isha” as this book’s namesake pronounces. As a little girl, I was fascinated by both strong and feminine female characters in pop culture of the 70’s and 80’s like Laura from Little House on the Prairie to Wonder Woman, Charlies Angels and the Bionic Woman no doubt! Fast forward to 2021 as a woman in my 50’s, I’ve raised four daughters and have been involved with women’s ministry half my life in some way shape or form.I recently graduated with my Masters in Seminary which is becoming more normalized in today’s culture, but would have been taboo for my mom's generation for various reasons. We may have “come a long way baby” in some regards as the slogan went, but women are far from living in God’s original design. I have experienced and witnessed great vision, empowerment, breakthroughs and personal revival as a woman. I have likewise witnessed and experienced great devastation, disappointment, trauma and pain as a woman. In this fallen world, we hold this tension of rejoicing and mourning, heh? In the midst of it all, it has been a profound privilege to step out in faith to launch two nonprofits based out of Saskatoon over the last twenty years. Prior to that, I began to share my personal story, my own journey of faith. I am passionate about sharing stories of faith, hope and love, i.e. a testimony of who Jesus is and what He is doing in our lives. I seem to be at my most joyous when I walk the line of both truth and grace and able to share freely of the wonder working power at work within. What gives me even greater joy is empowering others to work through their own faith journey. It’s a beautiful thing witnessing others finding greater healing, restoration and clarity for the sake of others.
In those twenty five years of personal ministry and organizational formation, I had had the honour of meeting incredible leaders who shared a passion for unity, revival, prayer and the importance of personal testimony. Becky Thomas is one of those gems along The Way. I consider her to be a deep upon deep sister in Christ. I have enjoyed getting to know her gentle strength, prophetic insight, and creative expressions while bonding heart to heart over a cup of coffee or walk in our city of Bridges. We share similar passions and stories of origin given our journey of moving to Canada and being dual citizens of both Canada and the USA. Where would we be without those friends in faith who we laugh with, cry with and chisel one another towards steps of faith? In more recent years, when Becky shared with me about her vision for the Hummingbird Circles, my heart jumped a beat with both seeing the joy in her eyes of what the Hummingbird symbolizes, but also because I know the joy it will bring to others. I know firsthand the power of our words to impact others through writing, speaking, teaching and the creative expression of music and the arts.
One of the attributes that I love about Becky, is that she is a genuine storyteller through and through. Publishing a book, launching a ministry is no small task. One that she doesn’t take lightly or for granted. As much as she loves to teach and share stories, she is even more excited to build community and empower others to share the hummingbird vision Jesus personally gave her. God has given us prophetic gifts to His people to grow personally but also to strengthen and empower others regardless of gender or racial distinctives. As a Native American woman with Irish roots as well, it has been a joy to hear the stories of her embracing her identity in Christ and exploring the rich culture within. I have also heard the heartache with lost stories of her own generations let alone the ache she feels in her heart for others. God doesn’t waste tears as I believe He has heard these cries and has given Becky fortitude to join with others in casting this vision for Isha and the Hummingbird Circle to help preserve the faith and stories for generations to come. Becky is gifted with a pastoral heart who draws from a depth of experiences, a rich heritage, coupled with her passion for worship, music and writing to serve others with joy. My hope and prayer as you turn the pages of each chapter of Isha, you will be inspired towards a greater vision and understanding of the profound value of God’s design for women. I encourage you to apply the principles Becky and other contributors to this project have shared in the pages within. As the stories, teachings or poetry touch your heart, may the Holy Spirit guide you in ways to likewise share your story, poem or other creative gift to this world in dire need of faith, hope and love.
From this Isha to you Isha, Shalom from my heart to yours!- Jodi”
Join Us February 4-6th!
I'm excited to partner with Becky to help create a weekend for women in line with the theme of this book and the messages within. Check out the event page for updates as there has been a VENUE CHANGE and the Registration format changed as well. Click here for more information and registration details. With everything going on in our world today, it is good for the soul to pull away and spend some much needed time with the Lord and be inspired through His word as sisters in Christ and to
"... encourage every woman to discover the intrinsic value of her voice and story, and the golden threads that make it so. Our mission is to help weave these threads into an artistic expression to be passed from generation to generation ." (Hummingbird Vision)
I'm thrilled to see this vision take flight in a greater capacity in 2022. Outside of this retreat, there will be more opportunities to engage with the Hummingbird Circle through various ways in the coming year which will be shared during the retreat if women would like to connect further.
Celebration for the soul takes discipline, and we’d love to have you join us at our upcoming retreat. You’ll be glad you came! If you are unable to make it to this retreat in Saskatoon but are interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out!
