I can't thank you enough for always being so honest about the reality of life and trauma and mental health. I feel like I'm the only one struggling in my church community, but reading your words always reminds me that I'm not alone.
I preordered and *think* I should be on the list, but imma gonna comment here anyway cause I don’t want to miss the book club! And also… sooo much of the same things going on. Different situations, but so same. I feel like we’re in sorting out phase, too.
"... I've found it easier and easier to make eye contact with my own reality..."
Absolutely beautiful and encouraging. Walking through some things I've been putting off, and processing them has been both painful and hope-filled. Our pastor said something so poignant on Sunday about the nature of growth in relation to the passage in Luke where, as a child, Jesus is left behind in the Temple during the Passover celebration. He noted that the Greek word there (forgive me, I can't for the life of me remember what it is) means growth - not as in "blossom" but growth as in "take a machete to this and cut a way through." I think there are seasons of gentle, slow growth. And then there are war-waging-in-the-heart seasons that take action and determination and intention.
And that starts with seeing your reality for what it actually is. Hence, reality.
Thank you, as always, for your authenticity and vulnerability.
After a year of medical trauma in 2023, we are also in the "sorting out" phase. It's a funny phase and I actually don't know if I'm ready yet, but God is with me and will see me through. I just need to be fully dependent on Him! Also, my eldest daughter turned 16 on May 9th so shares a birthday with your Chloe (I think, or Lydia, lol) 😀
Definitely understand what you are going through, even though I'm sure our recent medical trauma is different. Sometimes it is all we can cling to, to not drown. God is with us. We don't have to rush any of it.
So looking forward to the book club! Also realizing that means I have to start reading the book and processing all the feelings that it stirs up...less excited for that part, but hopeful in the process.
So grateful for this check in. Happy birthday to the girls!
All things considered, your update sounds pretty good. I'm so glad you've taken hold of the reins to do what needs doing for you. You are a wonderful example for many of us.
As for the thorn in the flesh, #ugh. If you find the sign up sheet for thorn-free living, let a sister know?
I don’t think I am on the preorder list, but I did buy (and started reading) the book (just a tiny bit late). I’d love to be in the book club. Is that permissible?
I haven't gotten through most of your book yet and I haven't been following you for too long, so I've only gathered a partial story. I didn't realize when preordering that we have a lot more overlapping trauma experiences than I realized, with mental health, babies and birth (and for me at least, the years all around it). It is easy to consume theory and learning from narratives that are totally unlike mine. But it's different when you've lived something similar recently. So, although I'm loving the pages I've read, I keep having to set it down, for it is too triggering.
I think you'll think that is okay, though. (Not that you know me, so of course it is! But even if we actually were best friends, I think you would be, so that works for me). In the meantime I pick it up (and a slew of other similar books) on a regular basis to pet and read a word or two from.
That was a long way of saying I feel curious about the book club and also a little timid. And also to comment on the three year anniversary of your girls' birth. I just had my "trauma baby's" 2nd birthday. It was much more handleable than last year, when I was sure I was going insane. But I can't imagine it being pretty okay. I am so glad it was good for you this week. Or at least you found a way to cope enough to enjoy their birthdays.
Oh, and also, the bills? Totally get it. It is totally interesting to see what falls to the wayside to survive in a post-industrial society. We might not be dropping everything to run from tigers, but we still drop a lot.
I wish I could share some of my Sna Diego sun with you! Hang in there! 🌞
(Weird, I realized I just pretty much wrote a whole letter. Forgive me. I need to go to bed.)
Busy reading your book for the 2nd time. I gobbled it up the first time and I wanted to go back and process it properly. Bawl my eyes out in batches not just in one sitting 😂 Life-changing! Thank you ♥️ Would love to know more about the bookclub, please xx
I can't thank you enough for always being so honest about the reality of life and trauma and mental health. I feel like I'm the only one struggling in my church community, but reading your words always reminds me that I'm not alone.
You are most assuredly not alone.
I preordered and *think* I should be on the list, but imma gonna comment here anyway cause I don’t want to miss the book club! And also… sooo much of the same things going on. Different situations, but so same. I feel like we’re in sorting out phase, too.
"... I've found it easier and easier to make eye contact with my own reality..."
Absolutely beautiful and encouraging. Walking through some things I've been putting off, and processing them has been both painful and hope-filled. Our pastor said something so poignant on Sunday about the nature of growth in relation to the passage in Luke where, as a child, Jesus is left behind in the Temple during the Passover celebration. He noted that the Greek word there (forgive me, I can't for the life of me remember what it is) means growth - not as in "blossom" but growth as in "take a machete to this and cut a way through." I think there are seasons of gentle, slow growth. And then there are war-waging-in-the-heart seasons that take action and determination and intention.
And that starts with seeing your reality for what it actually is. Hence, reality.
Thank you, as always, for your authenticity and vulnerability.
After a year of medical trauma in 2023, we are also in the "sorting out" phase. It's a funny phase and I actually don't know if I'm ready yet, but God is with me and will see me through. I just need to be fully dependent on Him! Also, my eldest daughter turned 16 on May 9th so shares a birthday with your Chloe (I think, or Lydia, lol) 😀
Definitely understand what you are going through, even though I'm sure our recent medical trauma is different. Sometimes it is all we can cling to, to not drown. God is with us. We don't have to rush any of it.
So looking forward to the book club! Also realizing that means I have to start reading the book and processing all the feelings that it stirs up...less excited for that part, but hopeful in the process.
With you on that!
So grateful for this check in. Happy birthday to the girls!
All things considered, your update sounds pretty good. I'm so glad you've taken hold of the reins to do what needs doing for you. You are a wonderful example for many of us.
As for the thorn in the flesh, #ugh. If you find the sign up sheet for thorn-free living, let a sister know?
Agreed! I would sign that in an instant!!!
Book club sounds so fun!
I’m a twin mom, too. My loves are turning 6 in August. It keeps getting good ❤️❤️
I don’t think I am on the preorder list, but I did buy (and started reading) the book (just a tiny bit late). I’d love to be in the book club. Is that permissible?
Happy anniversary of being her/their mom 🥳
Thank you for your words. I read every one of them. I miss you and love you big 💜
Three years and you're telling me it gets easier?
I haven't gotten through most of your book yet and I haven't been following you for too long, so I've only gathered a partial story. I didn't realize when preordering that we have a lot more overlapping trauma experiences than I realized, with mental health, babies and birth (and for me at least, the years all around it). It is easy to consume theory and learning from narratives that are totally unlike mine. But it's different when you've lived something similar recently. So, although I'm loving the pages I've read, I keep having to set it down, for it is too triggering.
I think you'll think that is okay, though. (Not that you know me, so of course it is! But even if we actually were best friends, I think you would be, so that works for me). In the meantime I pick it up (and a slew of other similar books) on a regular basis to pet and read a word or two from.
That was a long way of saying I feel curious about the book club and also a little timid. And also to comment on the three year anniversary of your girls' birth. I just had my "trauma baby's" 2nd birthday. It was much more handleable than last year, when I was sure I was going insane. But I can't imagine it being pretty okay. I am so glad it was good for you this week. Or at least you found a way to cope enough to enjoy their birthdays.
Oh, and also, the bills? Totally get it. It is totally interesting to see what falls to the wayside to survive in a post-industrial society. We might not be dropping everything to run from tigers, but we still drop a lot.
I wish I could share some of my Sna Diego sun with you! Hang in there! 🌞
(Weird, I realized I just pretty much wrote a whole letter. Forgive me. I need to go to bed.)
Busy reading your book for the 2nd time. I gobbled it up the first time and I wanted to go back and process it properly. Bawl my eyes out in batches not just in one sitting 😂 Life-changing! Thank you ♥️ Would love to know more about the bookclub, please xx