Dear Friend ~
When it comes to storytelling, Brene Brown says it best ... 'When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending ... Owning our stories is standing in our truth. It's transformative in our personal and professional lives AND it's also critical in our community lives.'
It's been some incredible week around here. Your generous kindness, your supportive response to my story has been deeply uplifting. Our follow-up dialogue confirmed my belief that publicly sharing this dark-night-of-the-soul was Spirit led. It meant so much that you'd feel safe enough to courageously share your own very personal seasons of emotional pain, of grace, of redemption.
Click here to savor the whole conversation from beginning to end.
Without a doubt, it was the most significant post that's emerged in my eight years of writing ... for lots of reasons, some of which are yet to be uncovered.
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A year ago, I put my desire, my purpose for this blog right on the table. To offer you, dear reader, a soft place to land. A gentle pause in the busyness of your online travels. A calm haven where you might catch your breath and be re-filled. An opportunity for you to join in community with other like-minded souls to savor whatever is on the table at the moment.
And the warm invitation to safely join in on the conversation at hand. Or silently soak it all in on the sidelines.
You've said, 'yes, please.' And I am so very grateful for the community that God is growing and nurturing in this place.
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When it comes to storytelling, Brene Brown says it best ... 'When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending ... Owning our stories is standing in our truth. It's transformative in our personal and professional lives AND it's also critical in our community lives.'
It's been some incredible week around here. Your generous kindness, your supportive response to my story has been deeply uplifting. Our follow-up dialogue confirmed my belief that publicly sharing this dark-night-of-the-soul was Spirit led. It meant so much that you'd feel safe enough to courageously share your own very personal seasons of emotional pain, of grace, of redemption.
Click here to savor the whole conversation from beginning to end.
Without a doubt, it was the most significant post that's emerged in my eight years of writing ... for lots of reasons, some of which are yet to be uncovered.
*
A year ago, I put my desire, my purpose for this blog right on the table. To offer you, dear reader, a soft place to land. A gentle pause in the busyness of your online travels. A calm haven where you might catch your breath and be re-filled. An opportunity for you to join in community with other like-minded souls to savor whatever is on the table at the moment.
And the warm invitation to safely join in on the conversation at hand. Or silently soak it all in on the sidelines.
You've said, 'yes, please.' And I am so very grateful for the community that God is growing and nurturing in this place.
*
I've got a great big announcement coming right after the holiday weekend. Please keep an eye out for my next post ... blogging aficionados and novices alike will find a unique invitation awaiting there.
To say I'm excited would be an understatement at best!
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'Til then, enjoy these mellow days of waning summer, God's spectacular creation in flux, the evenings' cool breezes, those well-worn flip flops that still adorn your feet, and the love of those who gather to converse and dine 'round your laden table.
Go outside and play. You know deep down that you're craving it.
And perhaps consider hitting the off button on those ever-present screens for an afternoon ... or maybe even {gasp} a whole 24 hours.
And perhaps consider hitting the off button on those ever-present screens for an afternoon ... or maybe even {gasp} a whole 24 hours.
May you feel God's redeeming grace surround you in new and miraculous ways, may you rejoice as you spy His love and tender mercies in every hour that passes.
See ya' in a few ...
See ya' in a few ...
P.S.
If you're finding this community to be your cup of tea, would you be kind enough to spread the word on your favorite social media hangouts? The links are below.
And if you haven't subscribed, what better time? Click here.
I'm appreciative. For sure.
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thank you for blessing all of us with your kindness and caring! enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteWell, my dear, you are kindness itself! Have fun with your girls this weekend ...
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I love that quote from Brene Brown. I'm glad you were courageous to share your story and that you have been encouraged by the response. I'm glad we've connected here and I look forward to your big announcement. Enjoy your holiday weekend- unfortunately it's not one here!
ReplyDeleteKind of neat that the first two comments have come from far off shores ... South Africa and now the UK!
DeleteDon't you just love how our world has shrunk because of online community?
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Thanks for making my corner somewhat brighter Linda. My plan for the weekend? Riding bikes with a man from the church Friday morning then spending the rest of the day with my honey. Saturday taking a rest from the bike (it will be 4 days in a row that I rode) and study and take it easy. Sunday the usual with some time with friends. Monday, weather permitting, an early morning ride, followed by a day of fun with family and friends. Doing what I don't know but I know that is what I want to do. :) have a fantastic weekend.
ReplyDeleteHope you covered many miles with the greatest of ease ...
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Oh I am such a fan of Brené Brown and I love that quote!! Yes, we need your story!!
ReplyDeleteStories that inspire, that encourage, that build one another up, that give hope? Yes, please!
DeleteI'm so glad I decided to follow your blog, Linda. It's been a blessing to me, that's for sure! And I'm looking forward to your big announcement.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Well, I'm delighted to do community with you, Martha. This is blogging at it's finest when we encourage one another daily ...
DeleteSo good to hear that your heart has been encouraged! Hope your weekend is indeed fantabulous, my friend! Looking forward to hearing about the next chapter of you!! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for mentoring me with your written words, friend ... you are a sweet force of growth in my life ...
DeleteI love Brene's quote, especially that "brave new ending." In Christ Jesus our ending can be transformed and oh, so beautiful. :) Thank you again for sharing your story, Linda. You have me mighty curious about that big announcement! I hope to be back at my blog on Tuesday. Blessings and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you writing up a storm again, Trudy! I hope this summer's been a breath of fresh air for ya'!
DeleteOoh! Can't wait for the announcement!
ReplyDeleteIt's up and running! Yay!
Deletehttp://www.lindastoll.net/2016/09/are-you-ready-to-take-your-blog-to-next.html
Linda, it's been such a joy to see the response to your story. Nothing is wasted in God's economy, is it? About that "off" button ... I took a break from the Internet over the weekend ... nothing online for two whole days. It was lovely and I am thinking about making it a regular thing for myself. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Wasn't that online break sheer delight?
DeleteI'm finding myself opening the laptop much less on the weekends these days ... now to work on checking that phone!
You make me smile!