The results are in!

You are Lydia: community builder + girlboss

Oh girl, if only we had more women like you...the world would be such a warm and inviting place full of bold change-makers!

Like Lydia, you are the kind of person who lives openly. We talk all the time about how we're the most connected and yet loneliest society in history. You not only know that, but you take action and grow community.

Before we chat more about all the ways you and Lydia are incredible ladies, let's do a quick little recap of who she is in case you've forgotten her story. Acts 16:14-15,40 may be a quick little blip in the New Testament but her impact is weighty (In fact, we spend a few days talking about her in my upcoming Bible study on Philippians):

We first hear about Lydia as Paul comes to Philippi on his 2nd Missionary Journey and searches for a place to worship. There weren't enough Jews in town to warrant a synagogue so, as was tradition, a group was gathered by a river to worship God instead. Likely a Gentile who had heard of the incredible name of Jesus (John 12:20 shows that news of Jesus’ miraculous healings had begun spreading to the people of Greece). She’s the only woman named in this passage, so it’s likely that though she didn’t know much, she was leading the meeting.

Isn’t it interesting that we don’t hear of any men at this prayer meeting, and yet Luke (the author of Acts) says, “We sat down and spoke to the women who had come together” (Acts 16:13, esv)? In these days, Jewish men and women didn’t worship together. They even had different sections in the synagogue. Once again, however, we see that tide changing within the community of Jesus followers as men and women come together in their love of Jesus.

As she begins learning from Paul, the Lord opens her heart to take in the message with enthusiasm (paraphrased v.14b).

I love so many things about Lydia and Paul’s interaction. She wasted no time telling her entire household everything she learned from Paul as the Lord opened her heart to His wisdom. And then she opened her home to Paul and his companions!

This, dear friend, is how you're like Lydia. You want to spread the love of Jesus through enthusiasm and hospitality. Sure she was a successful businesswoman who likely had a large and beautiful home, but that makes her invitation no less meaningful. She knew the importance of creating a space for all to gather. No matter if you live in an apartment crowded with roommates, a house messy with toys and children, or something rented and totally not your style, your home is enough to act as a welcome and safe place for others. As you open your door, remind others that their homes are enough, too. And if you don't know who to invite in...just think of those you come in contact with each and every day. Your barista, the mom at school drop-off, the woman on the treadmill next to you at the gym, the grocery worker at your neighborhood market.

**In fact, a woman at my grocery store's deli has now been to my home countless times both with and without her family. Tigist is now a dear friend...so I promise you I'm encouraging you to do this uncomfortable thing because I do it, too! Head to letspartylikegirls.com for more on this!**