Who I am and What I do

I've been thinking a lot about that lately - who I am and what I do.

It all started when someone recently told me, "You're a writer. You write! It's what writers do." And that got me thinking....

Uhm, yeah, I guess I do.

I had the same reaction last year when someone called me a "Prayer Warrior". In her eyes, I guess I am, but it's not a title I bestow upon myself.

Over the years, I've looked long and hard at what I do, and worked hard to define myself apart from that. Back then, I was "a nurse". And that was about as far as I could go with it. These days, yes, I am still a nurse - but it is what I do. It's my job - well, one of them! It's not "who I am".

When I want to know about a person - I look and I listen. I observe what they do and what they say.... and how those two line up. That tells me a lot. It may say nothing about what they do - professionally - but it definitely shows me who they are.

I try to remember that when I'm out in the world. Who I am is portrayed by what I do. People notice. And sometimes... they notice things that I don't...

And those that love me,... they show me.

Serious.Life Magazine...

I am totally amazed at the way things work out sometimes. I never intended to write a blog. As of several months ago, I had never READ a blog... but, then, in August, everything changed. I started writing...and reading. It has totally blessed my life....from both perspectives.

I never expected to develop friendships through my blog. Some of these are the very honest, "pull your covers", friendships that are truly precious in my life. They are the ones that challenge me to grow, to live honestly and continue to seek. These people are not afraid to ask the difficult questions, to confront my thinking when it is skewed, to call it like they see it - to hold up mirrors in my direction.

I also never expected to have people that would read it consistently. People tell me they start their day reading the thoughts I share regarding my relationship with God. That's hard for me to fathom on many levels: First that they'd do it, and second that I'D do it. "I'm not that bold in my faith", I though... I don't talk about my relationship with God.... or I didn't...

From the blog reading perspective, I have been blessed with the stories and snippets of people's journeys that they have been willing to share. I have seen demonstrations of living by faith, of praising God in the midst of a storm. I have read of joys, sorrows, and absolute honesty. I have seen growth in the short time I have been following along. I have received strength and hope and insight through their words and pictures.

In reading about Abby, I learned that her parents own and publish a publication called Serious.Life Magazine. They just published the February issue today, and I am in their Featured Blog Directory. I really enjoyed reading through their last issue. I look forward to this one as well.

The magazine includes a lot of great content from bloggers you’ll appreciate, as well as great features, photos and other content. The Riggs family have seven kids, three adopted and one, Abby, who has Leukemia (www.riggsfamilyblog.com). The magazine gives away a bunch of ads to charities and ministries. Besides great articles on interesting people, there is a lot about family, adoption, personal finance, spiritual life, humor… all sorts of “life” topics. (and I LOVED the "bulletin bloopers" in the January issue! Oh, I laughed so hard....)

The subscription is free, so take a minute to check it out and sign up to get future issues.

Reading and writing.... I never know where I am going to end up...

Lead on... I'll follow.

Moments of Gratitude: Honest Conversation

I am continually amazed at how God works in my life. How people show up just when I need them to, or bring up something that they need to talk through...and happen to invite me to the task of listening and responding.

With those people the rules for conversing include:

"I will speak the truth, even though you may not want to hear it"
"I will speak lovingly"
"I will hold up mirrors and help you see what you are projecting to the world"
"I will ask questions and challenge you to work through it"
"I will not betray your trust"
"I will laugh with you, but not at you"
"I will hold the space and honor your pain and your sorrow".

With these people, I can discuss freely, and know that I will hear honestly what they see in a situation where I may be blinded. Following such a conversation, I realize again and again, what a true gift of friendship and of love honest conversation is.

Often, in the midst of such a conversation - one where I am holding mirrors, providing feedback and helping to 'process' - I am reminded of something that I need to hear. Ironically enough, out of my own mouth.

In helping and loving another, I am helped and loved in return.

Thank you God for honest conversation.