One of the things I love most about Richmond is its porches. Front porches, side porches, back porches, all porches are welcoming spaces that seem to say, “Come, sit, let’s chat and get to know one another.” My happy place is sitting on my porch, watching children play in the yard and catching up with friends.

Ever since Porch Lights’ Katherine Wolf event in April, it seems most conversations on my porch eventually make their way back to that evening. Nearly two months later, I still hear comments like, “Wow, what an incredible event!” and “Katherine’s wisdom and testimony deeply impacted me and my situation.” If you missed the evening—or have been waiting for the slides—we’re excited to share that the full video, complete with slides, is now available on our YouTube channel here.

Katherine’s powerful testimony demonstrated what it looks like to live a good-hard story without an ounce of victimhood. During the middle of my own “dark days” (as I describe them in my book Recalibrated), sitting in self-pity wrapped in a cloak of “woe is me” felt strangely comfortable, until I realized it was hurting me far more than helping me. Katherine’s deeply difficult journey and her intentional choice to steward pain well, rather than wallow in the muck and mire of her circumstances, reminded me that we all have a choice when we encounter tragedy, loss, wounds, and disappointments. Her unwavering commitment to listening for the voice of the Lord was a breath of fresh air and challenged me to consider which voice I am listening to in my own life. Did it do the same for you? I love hearing how our speakers impact you, so send me a message and tell me about it!

Discerning God’s voice isn’t always easy. Though Christ promises that His sheep know His voice, if our ears aren’t trained to hear it, we can miss Him amid the noise of everyday life. One of my mentors, Jamie Winship, shares a wonderful illustration on Abby Robertson’s Heaven Meets Earth podcast, comparing hearing the Holy Spirit to tuning a radio to the right station despite all the surrounding static. I highly recommend giving it a listen (pun intended!).

If you find yourself needing encouragement as you learn to recognize and respond to God’s voice, Porch Lights is here for you. This summer, we are excited to launch Porch Prayer, a new ministry offering personal prayer appointments. During these sessions, one of our trained prayer ministers will gently guide you in prayer, helping create space to encounter the Lord and hear His voice above the noise and clutter of the world. Whether you are carrying a burden, seeking clarity, processing a difficult season, or simply longing to draw closer to God, Porch Prayer is a safe and welcoming place to begin. If you’ve never experienced prayer ministry before, our wonderful director, Emily Tripp, would love to answer any questions you may have. To learn more or schedule a conversation, please email prayer@porchlights.net.

We also have many ways to stay connected this summer. Be sure to check out our Porch Party lineup below and watch for registration links. Porch Parties are free gatherings where we come together to hear encouraging stories and testimonies from women right here in our community.

You are always welcome on our porch. Come sit awhile—we’d love to have you.

Anne Smith 

2026 Porch Party Schedule

  • July 16: Kathryn Rhoden (The Power of Yes and the Guidance of God) – Register here
  • August 20: Julie Wilson (Living a Purposed Generous Life)
  • September 19: Porch Praise & Prayer
  • November 12: Cesy Bingenheimer (Friendship Tree Metaphor)