So I need to be intentional to dust for God’s fingerprints…

I’m blogging over at Deeper Story today about the beginning of the end and dusting for His prints.

Will you join me?

Share/Save

I named it after my friend Blaine Hogan‘s book, Untitled.

I love that he titled it that. So brilliant! It speaks of a work in progress. Of not being done yet. Of the middle having as much significance as the end.

A lot like our lives.

Blaine is an artist, actor, writer, and producer. After 12 years as a professional actor, he’s now the Creative Director at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago.

You might know him from the 2010 Global Leadership Summit.

I met him at the STORY conference, where he delivered the most powerful opening monologue about sharing our whole story.

Blaine is one of my favorite creatives. (All you have to do is watch his dance videos to know why!) I love his perspective — the unique way he sees the world and shows it to others.

Blaine pulls no punches.

And his book is no exception.

Untitled is a collection of his thoughts and reflections on the creative process, from 15 years of experience in the field. He candidly shares his own discoveries about failure, fear, rejection, and creating from the inside out.

In Untitled, Blaine is poignantly honest about the unsexy work that goes into filling blank pages. As creatives, as artists, we can’t just wait around for inspiration to show up. We need to do the hard work every day to seek out and capture ideas.

For me, as an aspiring author, and one who often finds herself at a loss for words and clear ideas, I so appreciated Blaine’s practical tips. Untitled taught me to scratch when I don’t itch and to force myself to write on a blank surface — of any variety — every single day. (You’ll have to read the book to fully understand both those references. But I assure you, that alone makes it a worthwhile read.)

I asked Blaine a couple questions, so he could share a little more of his heart with the Grit community…

In Untitled you point out that we don’t learn from our experiences… we learn by reflecting on our experiences. What new things have you learned by reflecting on your experience of writing this book?

Tell us about some of the grit and some of the glory in your life right now.

As I mentioned, we have a new baby. Ruby is now 8 months old. She is beautiful, fiery, fun, exhausting, and full of life. As I experience the glory of this gorgeous baby, I’m struck with stories of my own that have been buried away for sometime. There’s something about being entrusted with another human being that has forced me to look at some of the sadder moments of my childhood. The thing is, I thought I was done with that work — I’ve been through a lot of therapy. And yet there has been great healing in the pain as well.

Can we expect another dance party video anytime soon?

Great question. I haven’t decided. I started doing them in a time where I felt like I wasn’t doing anything scary and I wasn’t doing anything that was simply fun. Having a baby right now is certainly filling the scary and fun void at the moment… so we’ll see!

Buy Untitled for only $4.99. Connect with Blaine on Twitter and his blog.

Would you share with Blaine & the whole Grit family
about some of the grit and glory in your own life right now?

Share/Save

I was reading about the guy who found the treasure in the field.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

I’ve read that passage quite a few times in my life, but this time I saw something I’d never seen before. The man found the treasure and then hid it again. For the first time, I asked myself why he didn’t just take it.

Selling his stuff and buying the field proved the value the treasure held for him.

It was worth more than petty larceny. It was worth all he had, and his actions demonstrated that.

Yes, he could have just pocketed the treasure, walked off with it and no one would have known. But he decided it was worth more than that.

Worth so much, in fact, that he hid it again, went and sold all his belongings, and then came back and bought the field.

He didn’t buy the field for the field’s sake. He bought it for the sake of the treasure.

The field had value only because of the treasure it held.

And I have value because of the treasure I hold—Christ in me, the hope of glory.

The treasure of Christ is freely mine for the taking, but if I truly value that gift, I will sacrifice to lay hold of it. To lay hold of Him.

Too many days I just pocket the Treasure. Or worse, I leave it buried.

I want my life to show the value I place on the Treasure that is Christ.

Share/Save

Seriously. Everyone seems to be oozing with talent and giftedness.

The most obvious are the musicians, of which there are many. And they have more musical talent in their pinky fingers than I have in my whole body. I absolutely love and appreciate good music, so it’s incredible to live somewhere where there’s always good music to be found.

But the creative genius in this city spreads much wider than the music industry.

Writers. Speakers. Artists. Photographers.

I’ve witnessed creative parenting. Cooking. Blogging. Couponing (mm-hmm, you read that right).

All creative story-tellers and story-makers in their own unique ways.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to interact with people who are very different from me. I thrive on conversations that stretch my thinking and my natural bent.

I’ve had access to a friend’s car for the past few weeks, so I’ve purposefully filled my days with people. Friends, old and new. Creatives in diversely unique areas. Conversations that leave me thinking for days afterward.

I’ve sought out awkward and uncomfortable situations (for this introvert) because they challenge me in good ways. In the words of my friend Blaine Hogan, “Awkwardness creates space for us to transform into better versions of ourselves if we let it.” So I’ve been intentional about spending time in new places, uncommon situations, and with people who differ greatly from me.

And it leaves me feeling overwhelmingly grateful. For creative differences. For opportunities. For people who see and embrace me for me.

I’m thankful for different.

Because different keeps me from staying stuck in same.

What’s something uncomfortable that
you can intentionally pursue this week?

Share/Save

I am the queen of unfinished ideas and unpublished posts. Sigh…

Anyway.

Back in January I attended Dream Year Weekend here in Nashville. I was wrestling through my own feelings of dreamlessness, and didn’t know how to reconcile that with all the amazing stuff I was hearing at Dream Year. I had some candid conversations with a few key friends to help me sort through my own heart thoughts.

Segments of one of those conversations (a text convo at that!) have been sitting in my dusty draft blog post folder all this time.

It is amazing to see the truth and strength of the words spoken to me almost a year ago, and how they have taken shape in my life over the course of this year.

The cliff-notes version of my friend’s wisdom:

• You don’t need to find a new vision.
• Your vision, purpose, and passion are the core of who you are. You are all about influencing people to change for the better and to pursue Christ. That is your heart, and that hasn’t changed.
• Your ministry in Africa was the vehicle and tool you used to express that and live that out for 13 years.
• Now you need to discover a different vehicle and tool to express it. But your heartbeat hasn’t changed.
• That’s why you’ve continued to be an influence through your blog, your relationships, & your Twitter interactions. That is simply who you are, no matter what.
• As you look forward into the future, the vehicle for living that out and expressing it will need to change. But the essence of who you are and what your passions are won’t.
• Let’s work on discovering a new vehicle…

That was a whole lotta wisdom and a whole lotta truth. In a text conversation. That my friend probably doesn’t even remember having.

You know what I titled the draft post I had those bullet-points saved in?

“Me 2.0″

And a year later, I find myself finally realizing and embracing that.

Me 2.0.

I’ve begun recognizing ways that my passions and heart can continue to be lived out, even though my ministry in Africa closed. Even though it looks totally different than anything I’d ever anticipated.

So as I sit here thinking through all this, and finally turning this dusty draft into a real, live post… all I keep thinking is this:

You really never know how impactful your words can be in someone’s life. Even a simple text message can make a world of difference.

So, today…

Speak into your loved ones’ situation. In person, on the phone, in an email, via text… whatever. Just speak life into their heart.

They need it even more than you’ll ever know.

Share/Save

“I would love if you’d be willing to share the biggest piece of wisdom in life that you have.”

The responses that flooded in were absolutely incredible. They were filled with encouragement… truth… wisdom… love. I am as amazed now as I was then at the incredible friends God has blessed my life with. I may lack in many areas, but this much I know is true: I am rich in friendship.

Anyway… I was reading back through all those amazing comments again tonight, and I got a lump in my throat when I came to Gitz’s.

“don’t let fear have the power. be faithful to the struggle and live to fulfill, not understand.”

There is still so much for me in her words. Maybe even more today than back in February.

And while I wrestle to understand the full meaning of those statements and how to live them out in my own life, I have to smile with tear-filled eyes because Sara showed me how.

She is my greatest example of not letting fear have the power, being faithful to the struggle, and living to fulfill rather than understand.

Just… wow.

With how impactful (why isn’t that a real word?) all the comments on that post were to me, I’m going to cheat and just ask you Tam’s question again. Because you guys have some seriously good stuff to share, and I can use every ounce of it I can get my hands on!

So — without first looking back to see what you shared on Tam’s post back in February —-

“I would love if you’d be willing to share the biggest piece of wisdom in life that you have. Maybe it’s an old saying handed down from your Grandparents. Or, a favorite verse. Or something you’ve learned in your own life-journey. Perhaps share words of encouragement… Whatever it is, share it here.”

I know we will all be better for it.

Share/Save

No, it’s not a holiday. Or my birthday. Or really a day of any special significance at all.

It’s just another Monday.

Which is more than enough reason.

It’s a red letter day.

His new mercies kissed me awake this morning.

He commanded the sun to shine and the earth to spin and gravity to do its job.

He breathed out so I could breathe in.

So who am I to grumble and complain about just another Monday?

It’s a red letter day.

And I need to live like I believe it.

Less griping. More gratitude.

Less frustration. More praise.

For He is worthy.

And I am blessed.

On this red letter Monday.

Share/Save

And I honestly can’t even imagine.

I mean, I read through the Gospels and when I look at the stories from the perspective of the disciples… just… wow.

The teachings they heard. The miracles they saw unfold before their very eyes. The healings they witnessed. Their inner-circle conversations with Jesus.

Amazing.

It’s clear they believed. They left their nets… their jobs… their families. They dropped everything to follow Him. They walked with Him, served Him, and told others about Him. They loved Him. They put their faith in Him.

But despite all they’d seen, heard, and experienced, it took a storm to compel them to worship Him.

Jesus stayed on shore for some solitude and prayer time, and sent His disciples across the lake in the boat. A storm kicked up and the sea grew rough. They were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. Out of nowhere, Jesus appeared, walking on the water toward them.

“Take courage,” He told them. “I’m here.”

Peter responded in reckless faith (which I love), and climbed over the edge of the boat, walking on the water toward Jesus. When he focused on the wind and waves, Peter became terrified and began to sink. Jesus reached out and grabbed him. Together they climbed into the boat and instantly the wind stopped.

Then, the Scriptures tell us – “Then the disciples worshipped Him. ‘You really are the Son of God!’ they exclaimed.”

Now, I have no idea whether or not this was the first time the disciples actually worshipped Jesus. But from what I can tell, this is the first recorded time. And there has to be something to that.

After all they had witnessed, it took a storm to compel them to worship.

The very presence of Christ in the midst of their fear and pain and struggle, led them to worship in a way they never had before.

Sometimes — oftentimes — there is more insight to be gained and lessons to be learned in adversity than in success.

Sometimes — oftentimes — we see Christ in new and compelling ways more in trials than in triumphs.

And sometimes — oftentimes — we can glorify God more because of our sufferings than our miracles.

Now, believe me, I don’t like that any more than you do.

But my own experience tells me this is as true for me as it was for the disciples.

In the darkest of darkness, when the storms are raging the hardest, those are the times my heart is most drawn to true and genuine worship.

Because He is worthy even in the storm.

And He is worthy even if He doesn’t save me from the storm.

Share/Save

For lots of reasons.

Not the least of which is that I have more questions than answers, both in terms of actual diagnosis as well as my heart’s processing of it all.

So this post feels like a tremendous risk for me.

It felt frighteningly risky when I began writing it a month ago. And it feels even more so today as it goes live online.

So I’m holding my breath. And doing it afraid.

Because maybe my questions will help someone else. Even if it’s only to let them know they’re not the only one asking…

Will you come join me over at Deeper Story to talk about trusting the Healer through the hurt?

Share/Save

Yesterday, I asked a question on Twitter to get the input of my online community. And wow, did I ever get input!

My question?

Who would you say is an influential, inspirational, creative FEMALE voice? Why?

And the flood of responses was overwhelming.

I was surprised by all the guys who tweeted back! Thank you, men, for stepping up and shining light on the women you admire and respect.

And women, thank you for highlighting the many strong women who add so much to your own lives.

I ended up spending hours going through all the names. Many familiar to me… some dear friends… a plethora I’d never heard of before. Until now.

The women on this list span the globe.

They are authors, speakers, artists, musicians, photographers, CEOs, moms…

And all of them? Strong voices of creativity, inspiration, and influence.

Quite a few people asked to see all the names that came in, so I compiled them into a list, along with the “why”s people shared. I’ve included website and Twitter links, so you can easily start following these incredible women.

Each of us, no matter where we are or what we do, has a voice.

We have influence. We have listeners. We have followers.

(And I’m not just talking the Twitter-kind of followers… Think about your 3-year-old following you around the house, trying to do what you do. Think about your friends who ask for your advice. Think about your spouse, committed to doing life with you. Believe it or not, you have followers.)

People are listening. They are watching. They are being impacted by us, even when we are unaware.

Think about your voice today.

And what you want people to hear…

: : :

Take some time to meet and connect with these amazing women around the world.
And let us know who you would add to the list, and why.

Allison Buzard | allisonbuzard.com | @AllisonBuzard
Her perspective on how faith influences social work systems is unique in a culture clamoring for ‘social justice’

Ally Spotts | allyspotts.com | @allyspotts
Courageous faith-walker and bold truth-teller

Amena Brown Owen | amenabrown.com | @amenabee
Poet like you’ve never seen, heard, or experienced; she breathes life through her spoken words

Amy Becker | amyjuliabecker.com | @amyjuliabecker
Honest, smart, beautiful writer

Angie Magnino | smangiemag.blogspot.com | @graceinseason
Powerhouse of creativity and leadership

Anne Jackson | annejacksonwrites.com | @AnneJackson
Truth written in beauty

Ashley Campbell | ashleyannphotography.com/blog
Beautiful writer and photographer; Inspirationally teaches her kids to care for the world

Ashley Smith | @ashleyasmith
A passionate voice for grace

Beth Moore | blog.lproof.org | @BethMooreLPM
Gifted communicator of God’s Word

Bianca Olthoff | blog.inthenameoflove.org | @BiancaOlthoff
Says it like it is; Biblically sound and unafraid to speak the truth

Bobbie Houston | coloursisterhood.com | @bobbiehouston
Strong leader, pioneer, unique thinker

Candace Cameron Bure |  candacecameronbure.net |  @candacecbure
An incredible, Godly role model in Hollywood

Caryn Rivadeneira | carynrivadeneira.com | @carynrivadeneir
Candid and authentic about the intersection of life and faith

Chimamanda Adichie | Her TED talk
Beautifully weaves African history, stories, and heritage into poignant relevant truths

Christine Caine | equipandempower.com | @ChristineCaine
Powerful, passionate teacher of truth; Rescuing women who’ve been victims of sex trafficking

Danah Boyd | zephoria.org/thoughts | @zephoria
She’s a genius

Darlene Zschech | darlenezschech.com | @darlenezschech
Surrendered heart of worship

Emily Thomas | cancercardxchange.org | @eticklethomas
Followed her passion and drive to start a nonprofit with potential to change lives, and the best mom I’ve ever known

Idelette McVicker | idelette.com | @idelette
Passionate about raising our collective voices to bring down the walls of injustice

Jamie Wright | theveryworstmissionary.com | @JamieTheVWM
Raw honesty with a little bit of crazy goodness

Jen Lemen | hopefulworld.org | @jenlemen
Smart and inspiring

Jennifer White | jenniferowhite.com | @jenniferowhite
Full of grace and wisdom

Jenny Jones | jennybjones.com | @JenBJones
Shows how a woman can be funny without being crass, brilliant without dumbing herself down for men, and vulnerable without being mushy

Jill Sweetman | jillsweetman.com | @jillsweetman
Amazing pastor with a heart for marriage, parenting, and relational issues

Jonalyn Fincher | soulation.org/jonalynblog
Intelligent, articulate, and redefines Biblical womanhood

Juli Slattery | facebook.com/JuliSlattery | @DrJuliSlattery
Wise, grounded reflections

Karen Hammons | karenhammons.mobi | @karenhammons
Encouraging advocate for grace

Karen Walrond | karenwalrond.com | @Chookooloonks
Refreshing perspective

Kim Miller | redesigningworship.com | @kimmmiller
Giftedly creative woman

Laura Story | laurastorymusic.com | @LauraStoryMusic
Honest, thoughtful, and worshipful

Mandy Steward | messycanvas.com | @messycanvas
Original and amazingly creative

Margaret Feinberg | margaretfeinberg.com | @mafeinberg
One of the most passionate speakers I’ve ever heard; amazingly creative teacher

Mary DeMuth | marydemuth.com | @MaryDeMuth
Transparent thinker who inspires others; Generous with her ideas, resources, and encouragement

Mary Ellen Mark | maryellenmark.com
Tells a compelling story in her photography

Nancy Duarte | duarte.com | @nancyduarte
Revolutionizing communication

Nicola Hulks | nicolahulks.blogspot.com | @nicolahwriter
Never afraid to be herself, takes huge steps of faith, gifted writer who uses her influence for good

Nicole Cottrell | modernreject.com | @modernreject
Hip, funny, cool, and can jab people with Scripture and truth; Powerful writer, pulls no punches, challenging/inspiring faith; Someone I’d want to lead my church

Priscilla Shirer | goingbeyond.com | @PriscillaShirer
Powerfully influential speaker

Rachel Snyder | thelazychristian.com | @LazyChristian
Outspoken, candid, truth-speaker

Renee Ronika Klug | quietanthem.blogspot.com | @reneeronika
Passionate to see women restored to freedom

Sarah Brown | gordonandsarahbrown.com | @SarahBrownUK
So wise and strong, yet so down to earth

Sarah Cunningham | sarahcunningham.org | @sarahcunning
In her element with creativity and influence; Has vision for tomorrow and brings others into it; Speaks directly to this generation with authenticity

Shauna Niequist | shaunaniequist.com | @sniequist
Honest about life and faith

Stephanie Smith | stephaniessmith.com | @stephindialogue
Encourages me through her writing about beauty and creativity

Sunny Cain | sunnycain.blogspot.com | @sunnycain
Challenges me to live up to God’s best; Honest, gentle, wise beyond her years

Tamara Lunardo | tamaraoutloud.com | @tamaraoutloud
Epitomizes creativity, balance, grace, and beauty — in words, in life, in faith, in action

Teresa Robinson | rightbrainplanner.com | @stargardener
Things that felt impossible for me feel possible in her presence

Tina Francis | shelovesmagazine.com | @teenbug
Embraces risk, hopes against hope

Tracee Persiko | traceepersiko.com | @traceepersiko
Knows her stuff and her passion is contagious; Loves deeply, makes people feel seen and valued, communicates God’s truth from the overflow of her heart

Vicky Beeching | vickybeeching.com | @vickybeeching
Creative, inspiring, pioneer

: : :

Who else would you add to the list?
Why?
(Please include links so it’s easy for everyone to find & follow them.)

Share/Save