9 Comments
User's avatar
B Smith's avatar

Thank you for sharing these thoughts. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for your integrity. Thank you for your vulnerability.

I took your encouragement to write a letter to the faith that raised me seriously. I must admit, it opened up old wounds. I wrote it angry. I've edited it and it still sounds angry to me... until I realized it's not at all. It's just the truth, at least as I see it, but I've been taught that an ugly picture can't be truth, and yet it is.

Working through this, I've come to realize that I'm actually grateful for it all because it's led me here. And I'm unsure I'd be where I am now if I had traveled any other path. I'm freer than I've ever been and I wouldn't trade that for the world. You have played a huge role in this for me.

All of that to say, thank you, again. Freedom looks good on you. Keep going.

Expand full comment
Brooke Ledbetter's avatar

Wow, I love love love this. Thank you, and as an encouragement to your future nervous system, this post right here is why I'm confident that I can read your book and be both comforted and challenged by it. Can't wait to read it and praying for you as you release the book into the wild. It is a brave and vulnerable thing always.

Expand full comment
Lottie Greer's avatar

I'm so excited to read it!!

Expand full comment
Kennedy Hall's avatar

I looovvveeee the cover art. So clever. Can’t wait to read!!!

Expand full comment
Courtney Wilson's avatar

This is lovely. Encouraging to see you wrestling with your words. I told my pastor we were leaving the church we’d been at for eleven years this morning. It was extraordinarily difficult to express the myriad reasons that came together into that decision. When there isn’t one large reason, it feels like you have to scramble to justify yourself and it isn’t easy.

Expand full comment
Erika Tovi's avatar

I really respect how you’re approaching this topic with an unflinching honesty that’s also clearly been coated in grace. That has to be hard work!!

Also, your book cover is magnificent. Can’t wait to read your words!

Expand full comment
That Trauma Mama's avatar

Can’t wait to read! You and your stories have been an inspiration 🤍

Expand full comment
tessa louise's avatar

kristen, thank you for sharing. as a former teen worship leader who has ruffled feathers with the expression of my story, i'm eager to read yours. i only recently found your blog + am finding comfort in your writing. i hope you feel encouraged by Our Father + by your community here. deuteronomy 31:8. <3

Expand full comment
Anna Dufek's avatar

I so appreciated your thoughts on this in Even If He Doesn’t and I am grateful you are willing to live with your heart on your sleeve. Praying that these truths will be a balm to the hurting and that His love will be a shield, a safe place to run, when you feel attacked. Thanks for being endeavoring to speak with both and truth, like Jesus. Much love to you.

Expand full comment