channeling the divine
I keep thinking about Adam.
In the Garden.
And how God asked him to name the animals.
God didn’t ask Adam to do this because He was all out of ideas.
It’s not that His creative juices had run dry or His mojo had gone missing.
He wasn’t too tired from all that creating.
He didn’t have “creator’s block”.
God asked Adam to name the animals because He wanted to invite him into the creative process with Him.
Adam was created to create. God wanted him to be part of the incredible work of creation along with Him.
So while God formed each creature out of the dust of the ground, as only He could, He invited Adam to play a creative role as well, by determining what each animal would be called. Forever.
Even in the simple task of naming what God had fashioned by His own hand, Adam was channeling the Divine. Because creativity is God at work through us.
But God is ever a gentleman.
He will never force Himself on us.
Ever.
So when you and I sit down to create—whatever that looks like for me or for you—we are met with a challenge. A calling. A question.
Will I attempt to create on my own?
Or will I invite God into the creative process with me?
Will I fashion something solely with the strength, wisdom, and creativity in my own heart, mind, and hands?
Or will I purposefully choose to channel the Divine?
: : :
Tell us about your creative process…
i’m that insecure
I can’t help but wonder if I’m the only one who struggles with this—or maybe it’s just that I hope I’m not—so I figured I’d blog it out. Fingers crossed that many of you someone can relate.
I love networking. Although, honestly, I hate that word. Sounds so business-y. And professional. So let me rephrase.
I love connecting people with other like-hearted people.
I’m energized seeing new friendships and ministry partnerships flourish. It’s incredible to watch those I love, value, and enjoy get to know others I love, value, and enjoy. There’s something wildly exciting about it.
But, at times, there’s also something very scary about it.
If I’m being most honest, I often feel threatened when I introduce friends to each other.
I think immature, stupid things like,
“I hate feeling left out…”
“She’s probably gonna end up liking her more than she likes me.”
“What if they get really close and cut me out entirely?”
Yes. I’m that insecure.
Without even being conscious of it, it causes a flare-up of fear somewhere deep inside me: I’m easily replaceable. I’m more leavable than lovable. I’m not enough.
I don’t really know how to combat that except to continue to connect people anyway. What do I always say? I do it afraid? Yeah, I guess that applies here. I do it afraid.
But I don’t want to be afraid anymore.
I don’t want to live shackled to that insecurity. I want to walk confidently and securely, rooted in who I am. Or rather, rooted in who He is.
So I’m working on renewing my mind and replacing the lies with His truth. And with the power of public confession, I’m exposing the darkness in my heart, letting His light illuminate and transform it in the way only He can.
And now the hard part of real change begins.
Because saying “I’m working on it” isn’t enough. I’ve got to actually do something about it.
Gulp.
i still can’t believe you even show up
I love that so many of you joined yesterday’s All Skate!
(It’s not too late to lace up your rollerskates and join in if you haven’t yet…)
I’ve had a blast reading all your comments. It’s been fun seeing all the creative ways you’ve responded, and I’ve learned tons of new things about you.
I’m astounded by all the lurkers who’ve come out of hiding.
I’m so glad you did. Seriously.
I appreciate knowing who I’m talking to everyday.
And now that you’ve officially de-lurked, hopefully you’ll start commenting more often. Because, I promise you, the best part of the Grit isn’t my posts.
The best part is the comments.
I cherish the community that takes place there. I value the conversations that unfold in that space. I am grateful for the safety and freedom you feel to be authentic and transparent.
In the comments, hearts are shared and connected.
It’s where I get to know you, and you are my favorite part of blogging.
Thank you for listening to my heart and for sharing yours. Thank you for walking with me through this valley, and for strengthening me with your prayers and encouragement.
Thank you for simply showing up.
I’m still amazed that you do.
all skate
Remember at the roller rink when they’d call an all skate?
Well, I’m calling an all skate at the Grit.
Everyone’s gotta comment on this one.
Even the silent-lurker types.
It’s time to de-lurk.
So here’s the all skate question:
In ten words or less, tell me who you are.
gypsy for a day
Did you know I can speak Afrikaans?
(It’s one of South Africa’s 11 official languages, in case you have no idea what I’m talking about.)
I can. Well, just enough to get me into trouble hold my own in a conversation.
I’m pretty rusty since I’ve been Stateside for over a year now. But apparently I can still speak it well enough to impress a South African.
I don’t remember how I first wandered over to The Gypsy Mama’s website, but I’m so glad I did.
She basically lives the inverse of my life—a South African living in America. And she’s a beautiful writer. Simply beautiful.
We moved from met-on-the-net to hugging-in-real-life when Lisa-Jo came out to my Starbucks meet-up in DC last November. And I couldn’t resist busting out some Afrikaans for the occasion. So fun to have someone to speak it with!
Well, Lisa-Jo gracefully rolled out the welcome mat for me over at her blog today. I’m honored to be her first guest poster (poster?) ever!
So come on over to hear about some differences between South Africa and America.
(Don’t worry. I wrote in English.)
And while you’re there, spread some Gritty love to The Gypsy Mama.
she was my first
Mandy was the first met-on-the-net friend that I got to hug.
Leading up to that first worlds-colliding visit a year and a half ago, I told her I was “nervousexcited” to meet her. I was nervous mainly because I wasn’t sure she’d like “in-person” me. But I was so excited to finally spend time with my friend. And from our very first hug, the nervousness quickly faded away. I can’t help but smile just thinking back to that ridiculous weekend in Boston. Good times.
Mandy was also the first “other” to consistently comment on my blog.
She literally threw the blogosphere door wide open for me. I remember being so blown away that someone I didn’t know wanted to read what I was writing. It completely changed my purpose of blogging. What started out as a way to keep a small group of friends and family updated on my life in Africa, evolved into a divine provision of community and connectedness. I am so grateful.
I’m down in Southeast Georgia spending time with Mandy again. In between the laughter, long talks, and southern food, I keep thanking the Lord for my friend.
To be honest, I often forget how we met until someone asks how we know each other.
Because the truth is, we aren’t blog friends.
We’re simply friends.
west coasters
If you live along the west coast, I could use your help on something. More details to follow, but for now I’m just trying to gauge who I know on that side of the country.
So…
Holla if you live in Washington, Oregon, or California!
happy blogiversary to us!
Yesterday was my four-year blogiversary.
I started blogging as a “let’s see how this goes” way to keep a handful of friends and family updated on my life in Africa. But the opportunity to write personally in addition to all the writing I do for ministry made it quickly become a passion.
Then about two years ago, the Grit took on a life of its own.
It became the welcome mat that invited people into my life. I began developing real friendships. Conversations progressed from comments to emails. Then there were phone calls, and webcam chats, and even hugs.
Nobody was more surprised than I was.
And it surprises me still.
I have more friendships now than I ever have—real, raw, authentic friendships—and that blows me away. The sense of community that’s been fostered here is one of the most unexpected blessings of my entire life.
My eyes fill with tears just thinking about how God’s used you to carry me through this difficult year. I’m humbled and honored to call you friends.
I no longer blog simply to keep people updated on my life. And I certainly don’t write just to throw words at you. Or to hear myself speak.
I come to the Grit for strength, support, encouragement, and community.
And I’ve never been disappointed.
Here’s to you! Happy four years, friends!
meet me at starbucks
I’m gonna be in DC next week. I know a bunch of you live in that area, and I’d love to meet up with as many of you as I can. But I’m only there a few days, and there’s just no way I could possibly get to everybody. So how about everybody comes to me?!
On Sunday afternoon (11/15), I’ll be chilling at a Starbucks in Alexandria, VA for a few hours, and I’m hoping you’ll come say hi. Because I’d love to hug you! And it would completely suck if nobody showed up!
Let me know if you’re planning to come, and we can swap phone numbers for just in case.
blogroll in crisis
Does anyone even read blogrolls?
I want to pass along the amazing blogs I read, but who can be bothered reading a long list of links?! I’m guessing not too many of you.
So I’m working on categorizing them to make the list at least easier to peruse. And hopefully more blogs will grab your interest that way.
But it’s so hard. (I’m whining, I know.)
I honestly can’t figure out what categories would be best to use. I certainly don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. And many people fit into more than one group anyway. What do to, what to do…
So I want your input.
Gimme your top four category ideas.
Got any other tips or suggestions for me?
