This piece was inspired by the book Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly, and an exploration in a writing workshop at the Iowa Writers' House where we were prompted to write about binaries we struggle with. I chose in control vs. free-spirited. So busy keeping it together we miss out on falling apart. We are hardened … Continue reading Life is not about having and doing, it’s about becoming.
Please do not mistake my kindness for weakness
I smile. I laugh. I open my arms. I look into your eyes. I give you a hand. A hug. An offer to help. I say yes more than no. I take an extra step. I let you in. You take. You talk. You tear down. I respectfully rear. I stand. I confront. I seek … Continue reading Please do not mistake my kindness for weakness
Back Where I Come From
My heart is here, but it's also there. After my grandparents and mom left, our house feels empty. There is a lump in my throat and an ache in my heart that won't go away. We are so blessed in our life here, but all I can think about is how far we are from … Continue reading Back Where I Come From
A Girl: One and the Same
Who am I? Not who I was. Not yet who I will be. A girl formed by circumstance and influence, By trauma and joy. A woman made by blessings and decisions, By grief and love. How would I be different? In another world. In another time. A girl victimized by cruelty and injustice, By desperation … Continue reading A Girl: One and the Same
Weight and Light
Sad news and joyful experiences. Overwhelm and an unexpected break. Helplessness and empowerment. I wish to be naive, But I can't suffocate this desire to know. Dark clouds and bright sun rays. Death swoops in and life is delivered. Some are tortured and others find peace. I feel angry, But joy and peace pull me … Continue reading Weight and Light
Big dreams, bold prayers, and hard work
What impossibly big dream is God calling you to draw a prayer circle around? That's the question that drew me into the book, "The Circle Maker" (thank you CJ Kleene for giving it to me)! It is a book of miraculous stories all accomplished by dreaming big, praying through, and working hard. This book has changed … Continue reading Big dreams, bold prayers, and hard work
The Plan
There you are So beautiful and free Everything ahead No matter what you see This world needs Your spirit Your grace Your creative ways Don't let it take you Don't let it shake you The world is yours Because you believe In the good In what is right In all that He is In His … Continue reading The Plan
Our Work
Look closer, Look away. Do something, Keep going. I'm only one person, I can do one thing. A minute to rest, A minute to fight. An obligation, A calling. To find comfort, To find purpose. So much to do, So little time. My mission is one, Thy will be done. At the end of the … Continue reading Our Work
Absolute Trust
I have known since I was small. I can't take it back to a moment. It's as if I've always known. Even in my darkest days, I have known God is real and that no matter what, He loves me. There were signs...things most would call coincidences. I've always had a feeling deep inside me … Continue reading Absolute Trust
Exploration
Deep dark crevices Filled with uncertainty There could be pain, There could be hope. Wide open spaces Filled with uncertainty There could be pain, There could be hope. In spite of the pain, There will be hope. Wherever we go, Whatever we explore, There is always hope. Hiding behind pain, Camouflaged beneath fear, Invisible under … Continue reading Exploration
Grit, Gratitude, and Grace 