When We Give Courage

Linking up with Crystal Stine today (and yes, she is in the photo below!) to share how God opened my eyes and my heart to a whole new way of encouraging others. Go visit and read other posts about the stories behind the photos.

It's hard to believe that a little over two months ago I was not blogging. My thoughts were my own and I had no idea how life was going to change. 

I had joined an (in)Courage group in February 2013 called Threadbare Mommas where the moms were all well, threadbare. As I got to know these ladies my heart opened more and more to the power of godly friendships and I began to understand what the bigger idea of (in)courage was all about. 

For several months I had been feeling the need to start a blog. I always loved to write and had a few blogs when I was a new mom but life happened and things changed. I asked the ladies in my group for advice and Heidi mentioned Crystal's interview on How They Blog. I checked it out and immediately knew I needed to email her. 

With a nervous stomach and the house finally quiet I sat down and typed out the longest. email. ever. I told Crystal my hopes and dreams, my failures, my brokenness, my bad choices and my good choices. I explained how I always wanted to write but just didn't know if I could share all of my struggles and pain. 

I felt silly opening up to a complete stranger. There were several times I thought about erasing the email entirely and sending some nice message like, "Hey, I love your blog! I want to start one too!" Yet those masked words just wouldn't come. 

There was a healing that had begun to take place months before and this was part of my journey. 

Crystal responded with supportive words and an encouraging heart. She told me to be brave, to write where God lead me, to share my story because others needed to hear it. With some basic blogging advice and sweet wisdom Crystal gently pushed me into the next step. 

That's how this blog first began. God had it planned in my story long ago but he brought the ladies from our threadbare group and Crystal into my life at the perfect time. He knew I needed the encouragement from others before I would take the next step. 

I share the pictures above because that's how Crystal and I know each other for now. I've seen her on various web casts and have excitedly thought of when I could tell her what she did for me by responding to that email. She not only spoke to my words but to my past and future.

 Crystal,

You took the time to answer my heart, responding with love and wisdom. God brought us together in the exact moment he wanted and your words made a forever imprint on the shaky ground where I stood. From one new (in)Courager to another, thank you. 

I am now Co-leader of Threadbare Mommas along with four other fabulous ladies. We are so excited about the Fall season and praying for those women who need a safe place to vent and get refreshed from their moments in the deep trenches of motherhood. You can learn more about (in)Courage HERE.