Sep 3, 2013

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.

15 comments:

  1. Oh now you've gone and made me cry - love your words, girl. Don't stop writing them. Cheering for you loudly as God does wonderful, amazing things through you & in you. Let's plan to swap that photo out one day with a real life one with hugs, yes?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Of course!! I wanted to share this for weeks now and I'm finally able. Thank you sweet friend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Crystal is amazing!!! Love hearing the story of how you got started. I never knew Crystal was the one who gave you that initial encouragement. So glad she did :) So love this community!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love how women love women, into the place that God has created for them to bloom! You and Crystal are wonderful examples of what God does so well through us...love others.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is beautiful...Crystal is such a gift to this community. And so are you, friend. Thank you for sharing! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you Mel. This has been such an eye opening experience for me, I am in awe of the love and support given by these women who encourage. Thank you for reading!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks so much Diane! I'm grateful to be part of a group where women lift one another instead of comparing and judging. It's a beautiful place to be.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks! It was a long list of events that brought me here but God used Crystal and the (in)courage group to show me a whole new level of community. Thanks for you reading Vanessa!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's amazing how much you've done in such a short amount of time! I'm a teensy bit jealous, but then I have to remind myself that all of us are on different timetables in our chasing of these God-sized dreams. Love that you're encouraging moms at (in)courage and so grateful I get to do the same for so many women in my MOPS group.

    ReplyDelete
  10. My friend, we are all in the place God wants us to be. You are doing a mighty work for those women so don't ever forget it. I've been prepped for a long time and God just opened the doors. I love your heart and your support. Thank you for reading!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are my very own Jane Austen. All my love to you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am so grateful Crystal encouraged you to tell your story. My life and heart are much fuller knowing you, friend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you Mom, that means so much coming from the English Teacher! I love you and am so very grateful God chose you to be my mom.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks so much Andi. You are super special to me, very thankful for our friendship!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you Jessica, so glad you stopped by to read!

    ReplyDelete