.
Simone Olagoke Ministries
I Am That Woman
IATW, a woman of courage, a woman standing in faith, believing God for His promises over her life
What is 'I Am That Woman' ?
For far too long women have felt silenced, not having the confidence or ability to share their challenges with other like-minded women. I Am That Woman (IATW) is about bringing women from all social classes on an experience that will impact their lives, helping them to take courage, restore dignity, build relationships and network with organisations. This is regardless of age, culture, or background.
IATW engages with all women, not just those of faith. It is universal in its understanding that as women, we all face barriers that need to be removed. IATW trains women to be leaders, celebrating women that are striving for excellence. This is wrapped in an all-encompassing event focused on the ‘woman’ in a safe space that creates a sense of community where we can laugh, share, and experience a bond.
No two IATW events are the same. Each event has a topical theme focused on addressing challenging situations women face. The differing events bring about ‘The Experience’ as each woman journeys through their own personal encounter on the night. IATW aims to discuss and bring awareness to the issues faced on a day-to-day basis that cultural differences try to drown out.
Bible teaching
The IATW night culminates in Bible teaching which is both relevant and timely. It is the vehicle in which the Holy Spirit pulls everything together and shows us how The Father is and has always been in our journeys, whether painful or joyous.
In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah prayed for a son. In our Bible teaching we take a closer look at a passage of scripture in order to understand the way people view us, our perspective to a situation and how God uses even broken situations to demonstrate His love for us.
Personal development
The IATW vision is not only to inform, but also to inspire women to make changes and to be an advocate. Not only for themselves, but for those on the margins. As women, we all develop differently and through different modules. This can be through our interactive sessions, games, or panel discussions. We are here to help you grow.
It is not about how fast you grow but that you are on the journey of personal long-lasting growth.
We are all women, but we are still unique and special.
A safe space
IATW believes in creating a safe space for woman to share and build trust.
It is a space where women can talk about issues and the effect they have on families and our communities.
It is a space where women can network and support each other and build meaningful relationships that will last for a lifetime.
Women can reflect on the past whilst looking to the future.
Sisterhood
The IATW experience creates a strong sense of sisterhood where women can grow together. Women can start this process from any point in the journey they are on, and open-up about issues that might be difficult.
Sisterhood allows women to accept each other knowing that no matter what, there is support. No sister will be left behind. Sisterhood is also about laughter and finding safety in not having to carry the weight of life by themselves.
Her story...
I Am That Woman was birthed out of a diagnosis of lung cancer. I was busy in life, running around doing so many things and wearing so many hats and then suddenly the word cancer was associated with my name. I remember saying to the doctor, "but I only have a cough!" and his response back to me was, "I'm sorry, it is advanced lung cancer".
During those first few days, I had a choice to make. I could retreat into the quietness of myself, or I could stand up to cancer. I knew that I could not take on this battle alone, so I went public on social media leting everyone know that I had lung cancer and that I needed prayer.
I would search YouTube late at night trying to find a woman of faith in ministry that had a diagnosis like I had. I wanted to know how she had overcome her diagnosis and how she had lived out her faith, but I couldn't find anyone who I could identify with and I was desperate to know what the process was like.
The faith community is a beautiful community and sometimes we can give the wrong impression that God is only a God of those who are whole, who don't have any type of sickness, disease or brokenness in the body. Our language can be excluding and hurtful at times and so I felt that there needed to be a voice who would speak the truth. It soon became clear to me that I would be that person who would say;
'Hello, my name is Pastor Simone and I have lung cancer, how can I pray for you?'
Out of a diagnosis that was meant to kill me, IATW was birthed.
The truth is that while there may be a challenge in your health, you are still valuable to God, valuable to your community and valuable to those around you.
Maybe you can't move as you use to, or you're needing to rest more and maybe you even need someone to help you go shopping. Well, IATW is for every woman regardless of your body's ability.
Declarations
Declarations that helped Simone Olagoke to 'flick the switch' in her health!
01
I will overcome obstacles and defy cultural norms, just as Rahab did, by stepping out in faith and obedience.
02
Like Rahab, I will flick the switch in my mind first, believing in the power of God to transform my circumstances.
03
I will trust in God's guidance, even when the odds seem against me, just like Rahab did when she hid the spies.
04
I choose to take risks for God, knowing that He will empower me to succeed beyond my expectations.
05
I will persevere in my journey to health and wellness, knowing that with God, all things are possible.
06
This April, I embrace new beginnings and resurrection in my life, confident in God's ability to bring forth transformation and renewal.