Thank you for sending us your questions! Lisah directly addresses all of the following concerns/comments personally so please feel free to keep in contact. Email us at info@ourgirls.org.                                             

What is the concept of Our Girls?

I would like to think of it as a Girls Night Out for likeminded women. It's mature; not as in status, age or attire but in conversation. These are women who want to achieve a higher sensation for living, who can enjoy the fellowship of camaraderie and experience open communication. I think of these women as having outgrown, omitted and outwitted the club scene and they are definitely not in the mood for a Blockbuster Night!

Is this the same "Girls' Night Out" concept that you discussed in Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine?

Yes and no. I was featured in Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine on two occasions. When I was initially featured as "Someone You Should Know" I should have known God! Like I said earlier, I was "Miss Do Good" and I had great intentions but that was not something that I was doing for God. Those nights were filled with liquor, gossip and controversy and although it was great to spend time with my girlfriends my objectives were impure. As a new Christian I still yearned for that association but those friendships adjusted and so did those conversations and topics. I also did not want to be apart of anything similar to the old affiliation. I changed the name but continued with the concept and made God my priority.

It sounds like you've matured, what's different about you?

Becoming a Christian will change your whole mind frame. God has taught me patience, and is still perfecting me. Also, I was blessed to marry a man who loves me like he loves God and being submissive to him has allowed me to relax in my role as his wife. Before, my life was not in order; I had become a mother at a young age and took on both roles as a parent. I was struggling to get through college, working a full time job and wearing all of those hats was stressful. I was often aggravated, easily provoked and pursuing a habit that lead to no where but down. If I have matured it is as a Christian and that is the only way the rest of my life can become better, through Christ.

How effective can Our Girls be since most women don't get along?

These events are the face of our organization, its important for women to meet. Unfortunately the intimidating attitude that many women have in response to associating with each other derives from a sexual nature. These women see others as competition and do not have a clear sense of their own identity. They have been in conflict with other females for attention from the opposite sex or favor certain situations that may not have led to the same results when they've applied the same technique. Their personal feelings are negative, bitter and resentful while they prefer to maintain friendships with men rather than experience the overwhelming feeling of defeat. To these women, it would seem strange to befriend another woman who could attract your possible love interest, dress better than you or finance your dream car.

As petty as this may sound, these women truly feel this way, but it all comes down to pride and an unforgiving heart. Friendships should bring joy, understanding and an awareness of who we are. Not misery. The friends that we attract, maintain and enjoy should be an expansion of who we are or see ourselves to be. Aristotle says friends are "one soul in two bodies" and that's the impression that we should take. We should praise each other, help each other, and be there to constantly love each other. Proverbs 17:17 says a "friend loves at all times" and we know that God is love. There is nothing better than a good, meaningful chat with a friend. Friends are the ones who watch your children, buy your lunch, wash your clothes and give you their loyalty.

Friends stand shoulder to shoulder therefore eliminating any competition that could split an equal, loving relationship. Not everyone should be in your circle, nor is every association a "friendship" but having an open mind about spending time with other women should never be a threat. If the thought of being with your peers brings a negative memory to mind then you are still holding on to the past and allowing pain to make decisions for you. You will continue to be anything but friendly and transmit an unwelcoming sign onto your character towards others. Research shows those who have friends tend to be happier, healthier and live longer than those who do not.

There are so many different organizations what is different about this one?

Our Girls is located in Houston, Texas where the biggest thing going on is the nightlife. Currently there is no organization similar to this one where women can dress nicely for a night out in a positive environment, exchange ideas and learn something new. I remember many nights going out just to be pretty and to laugh with friends. Not everyone has friends, nor should anyone feel obligated to make friends, but you certainly have that option in this type of atmosphere. Unlike other women organizations there are no dues, lines to memorize or colors to wear. There is no age limit, all adults are welcomed. There are no educational requirements to meet or social upper echelons implied.

Do I have to be a Christian to attend these events?

No! I welcome all denominations and faiths. And if you haven't made a commitment to God you're still not a stranger to his word or his mighty works. We're not gathering to lecture about whose right or wrong but to fellowship in love. Were not evaluating you, critiquing your mistakes or pointing out your flaws. Were providing a forum where the mirror image of yourself is reflected and you're forced to make a decision to do better, get help or remove yourself from negative situations. This is a refuge for support, training and compassion. However, I will reiterate that these social gatherings are for like minded individuals.

What is discussed in your meetings?

Our guest speakers frequently warm up the room and discuss Hot Topics or share concerns in their personal life. We become acquainted with our audience in the first few minutes so that they will have a warm reception toward us. We want the lines of communication to be open so that your thoughts are addressed and your questions are answered. We also pull from a vast number of subjects; they are typically topics that our audience has requested to speak on for gathering more information. It is then our job to present them to you in a form that is useful and in a light that is Godly. Normal meetings are held once a month and will last two to three hours, depending on the event and subject matter. Our branches of teaching range from concerns like managing your time wisely, single mother issues, becoming an "Excellent Wife," and book discussions. All of our event dialogue is presented in a general information format for one night conversations. Based on your interest in the subject a more detailed and smaller lesson is provided. Most conversations are taught from a selected instruction booklet with a weekly lesson plan and take home study guide. (It is very likely that some subjects continue on a weekly basis with follow up direction from the speaker in a smaller group.)

Why should I become a member?

Becoming a member allows us to communicate effectively by knowing what your concerns, thoughts, needs and prayers might be. We are able to keep you updated on our focal points, guest speakers, event locations and hot topics. It also provides us the number of participants anticipated so that we have allocated for a comfortable meeting. Members receive products from our sponsors and special emails in advance about our "celebrity" guest speakers. This provides you with an incentive to RSVP and bring a friend. You also become apart of our prayer list that is reviewed daily. Members also receive a special "Our Girls VIP" membership card which allows a price reduction on events held throughout the year.  They are escorted to selected seating arrangements and are provided prompt service by omitting long lines during special events. OGVIP members are allowed to stay "after the show" to discuss more personal topics and are invited to intimate gatherings that are not adverstised to the public. OGVIP members are encouraged to bring a friend for absolutely no charge to the invited guest or existing member.

How is the Guest Speaker panel selected?

Again, that depends on the subject matter but I am self-assured the ladies introduced to you are well educated for these issues. They are confident in speaking and sharing and are Born-Again Christians from a diversity of denominations and beliefs. Each represents their own perspective through age, social status and position with Christ. They bring their own personal wit, charm and candor which adds for delightful fun and warm discussions. They are solution oriented and escape the negativity of quarrels. These women speak on a limitless number of subjects from a different but promising point of view. If you are interested in becoming a guest speaker for a selected topic please CONTACT us.

Where are your meetings held?

The proper facility is scheduled in advance depending on the function. Our meetings are held in small and large groups. Our locations range from conference rooms, office buildings, hotel suites and elementary schools. Guest speakers may continue smaller, private meetings in their home or local church. For our annual charity dinner the hotel ballroom information is provided in advance as well as the location for our yearly summer retreat.If you would like to organize or donate a facility for one of our events please CONTACT us.

How are donations handled?

Your donations are directed into a fund which aids a particular group of women in joining us at meetings. (Via childcare, transportation or assistance with gas cost or the cost of admission to meetings.) These funds assist women from "single mom" income families and wives of incarcerated inmates to a night of encouragement, education and enlightenment. They are able to escape the adversity of being single and alone and are introduced to a community of accountability and compassion through fellow members and guest speakers. These meetings allow fellowship without children and other minor distractions. The spirit of a mother is very important. A single mom can feel overwhelmed, lost and troubled at times. It is important for her to be involved in activities and other pastime hobbies that allow her an occasional moment away from her child. It is sometimes hard to break away from the normal routine when you are the sole provider, but it is more effective parenting when you attain a serene calm.

For some reason I read about Our Girls events after they have happened.  Is there another email list I should be added to?

No. Our Girls events that are open to the public are advertised in the News section of our web site and are also mentioned in our newsletter emailed bimonthly.  Certain subjects are at undisclosed locations. Without active participation in our organization we have no idea who you are or what you are about, specifically. 

We have new members apply with Our Girls on a daily basis. In order to see who takes this organization seriously we send emails from time to time, mail out questionnaires and hold public functions. When you "Become A Member" you provide us with information for contacting you on areas that you want to be apart of or need assitance with. Your cooperation via communication is greatly appreicated.

If one cannot attend public functions or participate in online discussions, we have to be selective about who is allowed to a members private home or be careful about the address that we make public for the safety of the member. We have to be aware of the discussions that we open up, prevent controversy, assure members are like minded women and that conversations remain private. We are an online organization and we choose to screen members in advance based on their sincere dedication to Christ. I hope this addresses your concerns.

How can I become a volunteer?

The minimum qualifications are as follow: High school graduate, or equivalent, AND at least 21 years of age, a desire to work with children and women, integrity, good character, and the ability to remain positive in all situations and most important a flexible working schedule.

The Requirements:

• Agreement with Our View

       Résumé and Time Commitment Schedule