Advent has always been one of my favorite times. I think it's the stark contrast of a room dimly lit by treelight with the rush of the racing world. It stirs my heart to long for home even more than usual. My home is a haven from a world that wears me out, and I love it in any season, but this one is my favorite. Never does stillness seemed so countercultural. Never does it seemed so right.
As you'll see below, Erin is gifted at communicating the truths about the experiences we all share but can't explain as clearly or as meaningfully as she does. She points to life, but what we see is Jesus because she has a way of finding Him in the midst of her everyday. She is intentional in her relationship with Him and with others, and those of us around her are grateful. Thank you, Erin, for both living your life and sharing your words in a way that points us to Christ!
Lindsee and I recently spent 11 straight days together... A little thing called Hurricane Harvey came roaring through Houston making our home an island and trapping our third roommate in Nashville. I'm happy to report that we survived the weather-induced isolation and are friends on this side of Harvey. Lindsee embodies the verse "rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). Her eyes will fill when yours do, but she's also the first to laugh again with you (sometimes she's also the first to laugh at you, but it's all in good fun)! I'm excited for y'all to get a glimpse of her heart in her words below.
Laura is a friend and roommate from my college days at Elon University in North Carolina. I have been privileged to watch as her seasons shift as she has gotten married and started her own family. She has been through a lot and has pressed in close to the Lord, and even from afar, it has been a joy to watch. Her own faith quietly but firmly encourages all around her to trust the God she knows so well. Thank you, Laura, for living a life that points to Jesus and for sharing a few of your wise your words here!
Allison plays many roles in my life, she’s my sister (in-law) and friend, a kind and supportive wife to my brother, and a compassionate, loving new momma to my nephew, Weston. I am crazy thankful to be able to experience life with her in each of these capacities. In a busy season of motherhood, where none of what she speaks of below applies to my own season, Allison was still able to speak straight to my heart by reminding me that whatever life season we may find ourselves in, as long as we have Christ, we’ve got it all.
This season of Meredyth's life displays her boldness and courage. She has stepped out of her comfort zone and into the unknown, seeking to better know and serve her Lord. I love that she describes it as a season of letting go of control...because regardless of our unique circumstance, who of us can't relate to that? I hope you will enjoy her reflection below and that it will encourage each of us to release the control we try to cling to.
I (Darcee) randomly and unexpectedly ran into Patricia a few weeks ago at a resort during a weekend getaway and during a quick chat, we talked about this blog series and she mentioned how she thought she was in a season of rebuilding…and I have been waiting in anticipation ever since to be able to read her thoughts. I’ve been excited because I think at some time or another we all find ourselves in this type of season, wondering what to do, and maybe even how we got there. I also knew that Patricia was someone who was going to fervently seek the Lord and wise counsel during a time like this. Her words were worth the wait…
Bethany is a beautiful blend of spontaneous and fun with wise and calm. She ushers in the peace of God because she truly rests in Him, and by her actions and her kindness, she gently reminds those around her do the same. I'm so glad that you all have the privilege of hearing from her today.
Corlischa is a woman who, in every season of life, presses in close and seeks to know the Lord with passion and fervor. She's also honest about where she is struggling and invites the same kind of honesty in return. I've been pushed closer to Jesus by her willingness to challenge and encourage and seek the Lord alongside of me. I hope that her honesty below invites your own transparency with the Lord and with others in whatever season you find yourself.
The best word I can think of to describe Arie is "intentional." She's intentional in her prayers, in her devotion to God, in her faithfulness to her friends, in her work and in her church. She is honest and open and willing to confess what she does not understand, and I think you'll see in her writing the way that her own honest opens the way for us all to be honest and vulnerable before the Lord and each other.
It’s been a really long time since I’ve felt like I’ve had any words to share. But last week I found an old blog post—one about these times of quiet, these times when we are tempted to feel lonely but are actually invited into the presence of Jesus Christ alone.
I (Cody) had the privilege of working with Elizabeth when I worked at Gracewood. She very easily and openly brings an awareness of what the Lord is doing into every area of her life. I'm grateful that she was willing to share some of her experience of learning to embrace and acknowledge the Lord in the present season of her life!
