- Writing Is My Offering
There’s several reasons this space has been silent this summer. For starters, I wanted the summer to be about making memories with Jackson. I wanted to fill each day with activities, giggles and good times. But aside from being intentional with my son, I knew there was another reason I needed to pull back.
I realized more and more that my worth was getting too wrapped up in the words I write.
I had to step back and remember that God doesn’t love me for the number of blogs I write, the number of books I sale or the number of followers I have. Building a platform is not as important as being a present. Deep down I know these things, yet I still allow social media and the world to get in my head and make me question my worth.
If I’m not careful, my words are no longer an offering, but an idol.
So I stepped away from this space; and it was freeing.
But as I sat on the beach a few weeks ago, so many emotions churching within, I knew it was time to jump back in.
It’s time for me to pour out my offering, regardless if anyone reads the words.
God made me a writer.
Writing is therapy.
Writing is surrender.
Writing is my offering at His feet.
2. Sand. Salt. Sea. The Best Place To Be.
Sitting in the sand, my skin sticky from salt and sweat, I am at peace. Destin is where we go to breathe. This year storm clouds chased away the sun. It rained and rained and rained, but we relaxed. We laughed. We napped. We escaped the mundane. We watched the Summer Olympics. We saw dolphins. We made memories. We didn’t want to come home. We’re already counting down the days until our toes touch the sand again.
3. A lot Can Change In One Summer
Jackson’s language has exploded over the summer. I can honestly say He’s Found His Voice! It has been the most amazing miracle to witness. So many moments led up to the miracle. In May we were so uncertain about Jackson starting PreK. We had just finished a challenging year (to say the least) and couldn’t imagine facing another one like it. We enrolled Jackson in a summer PreK program through the speech and language department at our local university. It was the best decision we’ve every made. The program was structured very similar to what Jackson would do in PreK. From day one Jackson flourished. He exceeded our expectations and proved he was ready for the PreK classroom.
Two weeks in to his PreK year and he continues to amaze us! Challenges he faced last year don’t seem to be an issue this year. He’s excited to go to “PreK” each day and see “Ms. B” and he’s happy. He’s so very happy!
The progress to get to this point was painfully slow, but His promise never changed: If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on the way. It will come at the right time. (Habakkuk 2:3)
The words were slow to come; but they are here to stay.
4. God Will Fight My Battles; I Need to be Still
Not long ago someone left a very hurtful review of my children’s book on Amazon. It was hurtful because the person had taken the book completely out of context. Every ounce of me wanted to fight back. I wanted to delete the review. I wanted to respond and set the lady straight. But deep in my spirit I heard God whisper, I will fight the battle; you just need to be still. (Exodus 14:14)
Sometimes being still means being silent.
Every time I thought about the harsh comment I said a prayer. I didn’t defend myself or delete her words. I trusted God would take care it and her words wouldn’t keep others from buying my book.
Imagine my surprise when earlier this month I discovered someone had responded to the negative feedback. Another Apraxia Mom had bought my book, been encouraged by it and was shocked at the ladies review. She responded (nicely) and told the woman that she had taken the book out of context.
As I read her words, I couldn’t stop the tears.
God fought the battle.
I was obedient and He was faithful.