Several months ago, I came across a Pinterest post where someone had shared a link to my blog. There were a couple of comments underneath it, but the one that stuck with me said, "Why isn't she writing anymore?" IT HAS BEEN FIVE YEARS since my last post (gasp- five years). There is only one appropriate answer to the question posed on Pinterest. In short, the reason I wasn't writing anymore is "life." If you know me personally, or you have followed my humble ramblings, you know our journey has not been an easy one. The last few posts I shared were about kicking, scratching, and clawing my way to keeping faith, and to be honest, I felt like I ripped open my heart and bled for people that might have been questioning God's faithfulness just like I was. I always want others to know if they are struggling, they are not alone. I believe following Jesus can be messy and hard, and it seems like churches (or Christians) across the board aren't honest about the impact grief, pain, and suffering have on faith, especially if that suffering is continual, or the loss is tremendous. After those last few posts, life really didn't quit, and to be honest, I felt like it was a time to be quiet, so I was. Has life stopped shooting arrows at us now? No. We are currently going through some things as a family that nearly derailed me/us entirely. But even so, I feel like the words might be stirring again. That tells me that some measure of healing and growth has occurred within the years of space of being mostly "still." Faith, trust, and belief can be fragile at times, but I know I AM STILL HERE because God has held onto me, and maybe that is something to write about.
My blog has never (and will never) be a space for any kind of agenda or promotion. I have restricted my own social media and currently only have a pathetically small Instagram account, so when this very post I am writing here today goes "live," I expect about three people will see it, and one of those will be my husband. 😉 From my very first post in 2011 to now, my heart has always been towards this humble space that those who find it were meant to, whether it's two people or two-thousand people. Each person matters, and I am definitely not about the numbers. I plan to share when I feel led/stirred, and this is just a quick and humble re-introduction to let you know...
I AM STILL HERE!
More life and faith ramblings are coming soon. Thank you for being here. ❤️
Always grace,
Shanda
