“The more I think about the human suffering in our world and my desire to offer a healing response, the more I realize how crucial it is not to allow myself to become paralyzed by feelings of impotence and guilt.
More important than ever is to be very faithful to my vocation to do well the few things I am called to do and hold on to the joy and peace they bring me. I must resist the temptation to let the forces of darkness pull me into despair and make me one more of their many victims.”
Henri Nouwen, Here and Now
During another week of heartbreaking news, as I listen to rain from the edges of Hurricane Matthew fall on my sunroom roof and try to avoid Twitter and the whiplash of US Politics, it can be easy to sink low into despair.
Those words of Henri Nouwen feel kind and redemptive to me today and I hope they are the same for you. Because he says in the face of human suffering and heartbreak it is more important than ever to be faithful to our vocation, to be who we uniquely are, bearing the image of God in the world.
What breaks are hearts is a reminder of what is most deeply important to us. This is where our most beautiful, honest, generous art comes from. As we move into the world in Christ as ourselves, our offerings have the capacity to be a gift for others. And in this we see hints of resurrection life. May it be so.
Enjoy your weekend, friends. Here are a few good reads for along the way:
Free Video Series for Working Moms – by Jessica Turner
Why I Promote My Friends’ Art by Russ Ramsey for The Rabbit Room
In Your Dreams: When Creative Work Feels Impossible by Amber Salhus
Jesus Speaks For the Marginalized by Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros for The Mudroom
GIFs and Giving Up by Mary Carver – her GIF game is on point.
Season 2, Episode 3: You Might Be a Hope*Writer If . . . for The Hope*Writers Podcast – Brian says this episode is his favorite we’ve ever done. If you’re a writer – from beginner to pro – subscribe to the hope*writers podcast and take us with you on your next walk. (Listen on Stitcher, iTunes, SoundCloud)
Nest Fest Fall 2016 – I’m looking so forward to the first ever Nest Fest at my sister’s white barn! I’ll be there with my family and will sign books along with authors Logan Wolfram, Edie Wadsworth, and Shelly Miller.
Plus over 50 unique, curated vendors will be set up, a talented collection of makers and musicians you’ll love. Grab your ticket and a friend or 10 and I let me know if I’ll see you there in Midland (outside of Charlotte) on October 22.
Create + Complete Online Course – Creating this course to help you start and finish projects that matter has been life-giving and affirming for me. More importantly, I believe in this finishing framework and want to teach it to you!
Only a few more days to join us before we close the doors until next year. We have over 100 enrolled already and the private Facebook group is teeming with support and encouragement from current students. You can work along with us or go at your own pace.
Here’s everything you need to know – we’d love to have you. Deadline to enroll is Monday October 10 at 9 pm EST.
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