Carry On, Warrior

Have you read this book yet?

I saw it floating around various blogs I read and was ready to give it a try. As it turns out, it was just the kick in the butt I needed to start writing again.

I've been grieving, but okay this last week or so. I've remained absent because I just couldn't find a good starting-over place. After writing about the tragic death of one of your good friends, you can't exactly follow it up with a post about shoes.

But in stepped Glennon.

Ever read a book where you felt like the author was speaking directly to you? I have. I count Blue Like Jazz and Captivating as two such books that have fundamentally changed me. But this time, it was different. Not only did I feel like she was writing specifically to me (I'm pretty sure she should have named it, Carry On, Kaity), but I felt like she was writing to me in this strange and uncertain season of my life.

During a time when words have escaped me and I've strayed from the thing that makes my soul come alive, Glennon wrote to me,

"If, anywhere in your soul, you feel the desire to write, please write. Write as a gift to yourself and others. Everyone has a story to tell. Writing is not about creating tidy paragraphs that sound lovely or choosing the 'right' words. It's just about noticing who you are and noticing life and sharing what you notice. When you write your truth, it is a love offering to the world because it helps us feel braver and less alone..."

During a time when I don't know how to possibly comfort a friend who has lost her baby's father, her best friend and her soulmate, Glennon wrote to me, 

"I learned that in these disasters, all we can do is tell our In Case of Emergencies that their grief is real, and if it lasts forever, then we will grieve with them forever."

During a time when I've felt guilty for my grief because I know it couldn't possibly come close to mirroring the heartbreak of Frankie's wife and family, Glennon wrote to me,

"Grief and pain are like joy and peace; they are not things we should try to snatch from each other. They're sacred. They are a part of each person's journey."

During a time when I am constantly questioning my purpose and what I am to do with my gifts, Glennon wrote to me, 

"I think sometimes we get confused and believe that our gift must bring us money or success or fame. Sometimes those things do happen, but not usually. The only thing a gift needs to do is bring you joy."

And you know what, guys? This blog brings me serious joy. Some days I'm on the verge of carpal tunnel because I have so much to say, and other days, my thoughts are more muted. But let me lay some truth talk on you- I love showing up here on the sporadic occasions that I do and writing to my little heart's desire. 

I'm so thankful that Glennon helped remind me of that (I'm also so glad that she believes Jesus digs profanity and gangster rap, but that's a story for another time). 

Please read her book- you'll be so glad you did :)