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Young Women's Christian Association of Ireland

Which mountain?

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17 v. 20).

We all have favourite mountains to gaze on, to climb, to wonder at. In Ireland, of course, what we call 'mountains' are generally described as 'hills' by others, and when we look at the grandeur and gradients of the Alps, Rockies or Himalayas, we understand why! Here at home, my favourite rocky outcrop is the volcanic plug in Co. Antrim more commonly known as Slemish. It's tiny in comparison with Slieve Donard, Lugnaquilla or Carrauntoohil, but it affords beautiful views over the green fields of my home county right down the glens of Antrim to the sea.

This year in YWCA Ireland, we are starting out on a journey to discover which mountains, large and small, we might tackle as an association. We hope that the various strategic planning activities in 2012 will guide us towards areas where we can use our resources well and wisely. The question is, of course, which mountains to tackle? This is where you come in! We want to know which types of activities you believe are vital for the YWCA, and which types of activities might be best left to other, more qualified, organisations. We will be asking individuals and local associations for their ideas, through a questionnaire and through regional meetings.

Like all journeys at altitude, we are both excited and a little bit daunted by the scale of the challenges in today's society, and the different directions in which we can be pulled. But, we have faith in an all-powerful God, and we look forward to the view along the way. In the words of Paul (who must have been more than familiar with the rugged Taurus mountains just north of his home city):

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever" (Ephesians 3 v. 20-21)

Wishing each of you a year filled with God's power, grace and peace.
Lorna Carson
National President YWCA Ireland