Rested(ish): Chasing Peace in a World of Hustle
Feb. 6-7, 2026
This year’s event is for all women who are tired. Does that sound like you? Me too! Mark your calendars and join us in February for a weekend of worship and connection as we learn how to rest in God in the middle of our wild lives. We’ll focus on the four types of rest Jess Connolly features in her book, Tired of Being Tired: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. We’ll also make time for practices that can help us sink deeper into the rest God sowed into the rhythm of all creation.
I can’t wait to see you!
— Bloom co-director, Hailey Pruitt
Jess Connolly is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster and coach. She’s also a wife, mom of four, local church leader and friend. She gets that you have a full and often overwhelming life, and she wants to help you feel more awake, alive and present as you show up to the places he's called you.
Missy Dabbs is a beloved child of God, church planter and spiritual director. She lives in Auburn, Alabama, and attends Backyard Church, a loving home church community. She loves to walk alongside others and notice where God is working in their lives. She and her husband, Matt, have two teenage sons, Jonah and Elijah.
Hailey Pruitt graduated from Harding in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in English and earned a Master of Education in English in 2016. She taught high school English at Harding Academy for 11 years before joining the University Communications and Marketing team. A lifelong member of Beebe Church of Christ, she has taught Bible classes for children and women and serves on the adult education, digital media and women’s ministry teams. She is also currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian ministry from Harding School of Theology. Hailey is a Co-director of Bloom Women's Conference and the Publications Writer in University Communications and Marketing at Harding University.
Britney Finley is an educator, wellness advocate and mentor dedicated to helping others honor God through caring for their bodies and minds. With more than 20 years of experience teaching health and physical education at the college level, she currently serves as director of HEAL, the wellness program at Harding, and as executive director of Rachel’s House, a residential program for young women.
Lauren Stewart grew up in Texas and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2011 and her master’s degree in 2018, both from Harding. She spent 11 years teaching elementary physical education before joining Harding’s kinesiology department in 2024. She and her husband of 14 years, Devin, have three sons.
Mary Darden graduated from Harding in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She earned a Master of Science in nursing in 2011 and a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate in 2013, both from California State University. She also completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University in 2022. She currently serves as director of Student Health Services and adjunct professor at the Carr College of Nursing at Harding. She and her husband of 22 years, Jason, have two daughters and one son-in-law.
Briana Cunningham graduated from Harding with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 1998. She earned a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy in 2000. She devoted 21 years to Harding as a full-time counselor in the University Counseling Center before transitioning to a part-time position. She currently has a private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Plumerville, Arkansas, providing services via telehealth. She and her husband, Reginald, have three children.
Abby Dulgar is a sophomore marketing major and women’s ministry minor from Columbus, Ohio. She serves as a student ambassador, spiritual life director and YoungLife leader, investing in students and cultivating meaningful communities. She loves finding rest through running, writing poetry and getting coffee with friends. After graduation, she hopes to find a career helping people encounter the love of Christ with clarity, purpose and joy.
Anna Cherry is a sophomore elementary education and theological studies major from Panama City, Florida. She hopes to inspire many young minds wherever God takes her. She looks forward to teaching and loving all the students who will be in her classroom! She is passionate about taking time to slow down, to find bits of rest and time with God amidst the hustle and bustle of student life.
Macey Stewart is a senior psychology student from Searcy, Arkansas. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and become a Licensed Professional Counselor. She gets excited about understanding how people think and interact and about exploring what it takes to build a joyful and meaningful life. She also enjoys living into her calling as a daughter, sister and friend, learning to rest, give and receive.
Emma Gaskill is a junior psychology and theological studies major from Jackson, Tennessee. Through the Honors College and behavioral sciences department, she has shared research at the Broadcast Education Association Conference in Las Vegas and Harding Undergraduate Research Conference. This year, she’s honored to serve as vice president of the Student Government Association. After graduation, she hopes to work in campus ministry and counseling. She’s passionate about the connection between psychology and Christian faith.
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