Originally published Friday, 06 February 2015.
As women, we long for the kindred - souls who understand us from the inside out and choose to love us anyway. We cry for community deep inside our mess. Way. Down. Deep.
From the perspective of sharing my feelings, I have to tell you that I don't really fit the mold of most women. Actually, I took a silly Facebook quiz that told me I think 100% like a man. I laughed out loud at the truth in that, because I've never been good at openness and allowing others to see my struggles. In fact, I've been envious of those who can share so easily.
And knowing that about my life, Isn't it just like God to place me on this path? Here with you...
Up until September 19, 2012, which is when I began this blog, I repressed my hurt and built walls. After that, everything changed. Now I write from my heart and expose all the areas I never intended anyone to see. I speak to groups of women, sometimes, through hot tears that sting.
I lived my entire first thirty-nine years of existence internalizing everything. And then I felt called to write - to tell everyone about my miscarriages, the daughter I had to bury, and the body I hated because it failed me every month. I've talked about my grandmother's death, my relationship with my husband, my children, my body image, and most recently, the death of my beloved stepfather. I've let you inside. And do you know what? It feels right.
Isn't it interesting how the hard parts of our world, the pieces we thought would suffocate us, can turn into the breath of life?
God takes it, uses it, and allows it to spring hope anew.
I've recently become a contributor for ibelieve.com. And, because my voice has expanded to more women, I wanted to take some time to let you know who I am and why I write.
So here it goes...
I'm a sinner ,saved by grace, who longs to share hope. I know what it's like to have grief serve as an unwanted best friend. I know how easy it is to allow our circumstances define us.
I'm here to tell you that hope can define you.
Jesus is hope.
When I write, I will often address you as Friend. I do that because we all need a friend, and I don't want anyone to ever feel absent of that. I'm here to encourage you, lift you up, and show the love of a sister in Christ.
I wrote a book about my fifteen year journey through miscarriage, stillbirth, and secondary infertility. If you want, you can find out about that here.
If you choose to subscribe to my blog, I will send you my eBook, Mercy Waits, for FREE. It's a thirty-one day devotional filled with thoughts on how to extend mercy as well as receive it.
More than anything, I want you to know that I've found hope, and I believe you can find it too. Just like many of you, I've been faced with sorrow and continue to face it daily. I'm here to remind you that you're not alone.
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
-Proverbs 16:24
My prayer is that each time you visit this space, you will feel welcome and leave encouraged and inspired.
Have a wonderful weekend, friend!
Love,
Jennifer
SHARE
