I have had so much fun getting to know you over the last week or so! I sound kind of pathetic reiterating this again and again, but you are all awesome. Such an amazing group of women... I truly would love to meet up with you all at some spa in the mountains and have long chats over glasses of fine wine and dark chocolate. Anyway, I've been pondering who you are (and who I am) for the last long while, and I've come up with some statements that I feel pretty confident encompass us all. Of course, I could be off, or maybe I'm idealizing or putting too much of myself in the picture, but I'd love to know if you think I'm even close to accurately describing us. I think we rock. And I think we are a unique brand of women--a diverse group of thinkers and feelers, women with big hearts and willing hands, and the ability to look beyond our differences to appreciate the unique qualities we all possess. Wow. You inspire me. So, who are we???
We're creative and artistic in a kaleidoscope of different ways.
We long for purpose and meaning.
We strive to make the world a better place.
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We're independent, but we choose to tether ourselves to family and friends, husbands and children.
We're idealistic, but we accept the reality of our own shortcomings.
We're educated and intelligent, but we prefer simplicity and grace over a militant, self-serving agenda.
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We are not who you think we are...
We're brilliant, beautiful, and broken.
PS - The winner of the giveaway is Sherry! I'm going to be sending you my entire collection of books. Please email me and let me know your address as well as any requests you might have for how the books are signed.
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This is so eloquently written, Nicole. I think it really captures the essence of your readers as a whole, and as individuals. I relate to all of this. I have especially found that when I ask God to help me embrace my brokenness, He shows me the beauty of the authentic experiences He creates for me above the surrogate ones I have often tried to create for myself. I love that His grace reminds me that I am inherently flawed, because it helps me accept that there is nothing I can do about it. I love being able to "free fall" into my mire and watch God plant a beautiful garden there. He's incredibly good at it! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled that I won the giveaway! Thank you so much! What a treat! It completely made my week..
Thanks, Sherry! I'm so glad you feel like I captured you/us. And speaking of eloquent... "He shows me the beauty of the authentic experiences he creates for me above the surrogate ones I have often tried to create to myself." Wow. I also love the concept of "free falling" into the mire to watch God plant a beautiful garden there. Want to help me design a community around women like us??? I have a pretty exciting vision that I'm hoping to unveil in the coming months. Anyway, blessings to you! I'm sending my husband to the post office with your books right now. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to help design such a community! Sounds quite exciting and intriguing! I am looking forward to your vision unfolding, and I'd love to be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, again, for sending the books! I look forawrd to receiving them.
Happy writing!
Sherry
I would love to wake up each day and aspire to hold my head higher and wear the mantle of this list. Thank you for your beautiful words and your ability to make diversity cohesive. If you're building a community, count me in.
ReplyDeleteRequest: I don't run into you often but we have to have a belly shot just once before Baby Baart makes an appearance....I know some great photographers that would do it. Seriously, pregnancy should be celebrated...God's finest art!
I agree with everything! It's been amazing getting to read your blog since I found After the Leaves Fall at my local Books A Million several years ago. I had a good feeling about you as a writer. :)
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