In my young adult years, I had a hard time being seen for who I was.
I was always identified by where I grew up, whose sister I was or who I hung out with. Although I loved those aspects of myself, I was more.
As years went on, I had to make choices for my happiness. Choices often opposite of what I thought was expected of me. That meant becoming vulnerable to change and criticism.
That shift came with a yearning to experience more of what life had to offer. I began to look outside the walls put in place by others and myself to live a life God wanted me to live.
I began to capture these experiences in my writing. This became a way for me to purge, process and heal.
This blog is that journey and it continues. A journey full of love, tears, pride and lots of laughs.
Thanks for joining me.
Love Shared
In November I celebrated 53 trips around the sun. I can’t believe it! I can still remember my 22nd birthday and the United Colors of Benneton skirt I wore to the club. (HOT!)
This year, I celebrated throughout the month with good food, drinks, and laughs. Along with celebrating my birthday this year, I also celebrated starting a new chapter in South Carolina.
This year, I learned the gift of presence is a wonderful gift. What do I mean by that? With all the cards, presents and gift cards I received, the time spent celebrating with family and friends topped it all.
Beloved Community or not?
A few years ago, I wanted to be involved in a church that was close to my home.
The church supported causes that I was passionate about. I was excited for the chance to serve with this team of people. I joined a bible study to get to know a few people. I shared with the group my desire to serve and I was later connected to one of the ministry leaders. In a brief conversation, I learned two of the three ministries did not need any more people.
Zumba!
Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t know someone saw something and once you saw what they saw, you were like, “OH MY GOD!”
OR
Was there ever a time there was something you hated about yourself and you always tried to cover it up? Yet the more you tried to cover it, the more eyes were drawn to it?
Moving From Home
Moving away from home has its challenges. Before entering our third year of marriage, my husband was assigned to an appointment in Columbus, Ohio from Cincinnati, Ohio. As an itinerant pastor in the United Methodist Church, he was accustomed to this. I was not. This would be my first move outside of Cincinnati, where I was born and raised.