Grace Remained

I am not sure what I was looking for when I went to the conference.  Probably more than anything I was seeking some courage to venture it alone.  I don’t think I found courage.  Rather, I left it by the door of the ballroom on the first night.

A late arrival to the hotel and an even later arrival to dinner made me feel like the new kid at school walking into the cafeteria for the very first time hoping to see a friendly face and an open seat.  Gratefully, I found both.   While courage may have left me to wander alone, Grace did not. 

I found it in the conversations at the dinner table.  I savored it within the smiles and laughter.  I pondered it in the devotions and prayer room.  I gathered it in the keynotes and breakouts. 

Find your voice.  Your voice is the thing that makes you special. – Sarah Markley

Your story matters.  You are the best translation of the gospel. – Lisa Jo

What are you beholding? – Laura Booz

Within your writing keep God’s mercy in view. – Shaun Groves

God appoints those who disappoint to point to the God who DOESN’T disappoint. – Ann Voskamp

We can’t give love to others unless you know how loved you are. – Ann Voskamp

It is never about applause, it is always about the altar.  – Ann Voskamp

I left Pennsylvania not much braver than I arrived.  However, the abundance of grace and mercy found is still waiting to be fully unpacked. 

There will be much reflection in the days ahead, of that I am sure.

© A Sacred Longing 2009-2011

The Relevant Conference 2011

It is hard in these moments.

When doubt rales at me like hurricane force winds.
When I wonder what makes me think I can pen words to pages.
When I think life should be lived and dreams don't exist.

Pessimist or realist maybe...

Box dweller is probably most true.

Content in the margins
Cozy in the confines
Careful with the outside

I remember once seeing a little toy.  A plastic replica of a box that when turned on bounced around and spurted "get me out of here" from within.  That toy is me.

I am tired of keeping myself. 

I am bored with my borders.

Oh but friends, it is scary to step out into the unknown.

I have scribbled thoughts here and there.  I have mentioned to a few trusted ones that I "love" to write.  I have on occasion dreamt that I would once find myself weaving words and themes into something that others would seek to ingest.  But that is where it ends...locked up tight in "want to but afraid to". 

Have you felt this way?

At the end of this month, I have been blessed with the gift of an opportunity.  I have a "golden" ticket.  While this one won't give me a lifetime of chocolate or cute oompa-loompas as companions, it does carry with it some "awe"-ness. 

I will sit in a room

and hear her
and her
and her
and him

and so many more, who have found their voice - who have penned their words and who have lived their dreams.

Who knew...that those I have lurked in the margins and ogled behind the screen will now be in front of me...moving and breathing.

Will I bumble like an idiot - could be a possibility.

Will I get lost in a room - most likely.

Will I want to run and hide - you betcha.

Will I break out in hives and tremble in fear - hope not.

Will I be encouraged, strengthened and meet new friends - let it be so!

 

© A Sacred Longing 2009-2011