I don’t know if this resonates with anyone who grew up really shy, but learning how to make friends, stay true to what I believe and feel, and feeling comfortable in a group setting as myself is something I’ve struggled with and am still learning to grow into. What has been really wild to me this season is how refreshing, how uplifting, it’s been to be a part of this all women’s study of the book of John. A table in the front of the room, surrounded by 6-8 women I’ve only met two times before, and something just lets me breathe. Something that would have terrified me before, kept me locked in my shell for weeks, maybe the whole time, it’s freeing. To be able to listen, to share, to come alongside in hardship, and to encourage in joy. For days that seems to start as highs and spiral from there, this has been a wonderful refuge to let go and refocus on God in community with other women.
It’s also been interesting to hear what others share that resonates with me, and what I share that resonates with others. The Holy Spirit is truly at work in that place. And in order to stay true to my thoughts and ideas, this week it meant I got a little bit blurry…
When I was little, I would be shocked at the fact I listen to more books/stories than I read. I used to take pride in carrying out a stack of books from the library, return them all read. The weight in my backpack was something I was proud of. But it’s true. Audiobooks and podcasts have taken more of my time than physical books do. And this week, there were a handful of things that I was reminded of this week. While the stories of the women in our little community stay at that table, these stories shared on Blurry Creatures podcast I can absolutely share with each of you.
Episode 269: Wonder. How amazing it is that God created this world, that there is so much beyond what we can understand, and yet it calls us to him if we let it
Episode 100: Sheol and the Son of Man. I was thinking what happened to those who died before Christ, but also after. I think it’s a really neat biblically focused episode. And, I think it’s worth realizing how impossible it is to think about how God exists outside of time. That there’s a mercy in signs we may see, comforting us when we lose someone. And, I think maybe there’s a comfort in imagining that if God exists outside of time, maybe when we breathe our last, we close our eyes then open them to the second coming of Christ. Something we can’t really understand in our linear understanding and experience of time, but wow. Just a thought.
And apologies for linking to a paywalled episode but it’s only because it had such an impact on me. Episode 268. How great is our God, that no matter how hard the Devil works, God is seeking us more. And specifically, I’ve been pondering her praying The Blood of Christ. How it requires me to stop, really try and comprehend what it means that Christ came, died for my sins, and rose again. For my forgiveness, restoration of right relationship, and to cleanse me of my sins so I can stand before God as his child. It’s a prayer that requires the remberence and sovereignty of the One we get to have a relationship with.
So that’s what I’ve been pondering this week. What’s been striking a cord for you?
My newest book, Imprinted, is available now. Imprinted is a gritty, urban fantasy adventure and book 1 in the Imprinted series. My YA novella, Stars Above, is now permanently available for $0.99 as an ebook. You can also visit my website to learn more about me and my work. Thank you!
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