Before joining Virtuous Women I was bound by legalism. i was living heavily under the law . Growing up in churches that taught the only way to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ was fullfilling certain man made rules such as:  

1. Thou shall do X amount of Bible studies  
2. Thou shall read the bible through in a year every year  
3. Thou shall pray 1 hour everyday  

In my Heart I knew this was not truthful and was searching for a way out from under this trap.  I searched many different churches seeking a way out from under this trap only to be dissappointed and pulled in further. I was just as lost as before. I came across Virtuous Women. I learned they encourage you to study the word for yourself. I had a sincere desire to learn the truth and be free from this bondage. I was so far into man made rules at first I was a hard rock and had a tough exterior really reluctant to tear down my walls. Maggie was patient. AS I began the class I wasn't feeling anything different at first but then over the course of time I noticed a great freedom and my eyes were open wide for the first time. I was reading the Bible with new eyes. That lead me to make a heart decision to accept Christ from my heart instead out of obligation or because it was expected of me. Then came more changes I began studying the word with not only new eyes but a new heart. Since doing so God has been speaking to me left and right everyday in the word -- I walk away with one of two things; either a new truth I can apply to set me free like learning the truth about legalism or an important lesson God wants to learn. Yesterday was Jesus knows the intentions of our heart. He can't be fooled. more often I find I walk away with both.

Virtuous Women has given me the freedom in Christ I've been craving for so long and  a new found, Hunger, Thrist and Zeal for Christ like I've never experniced before. I am still a burning candle for Christ.  

-- Katie from Huntsville, Arkansas