We’re Better Together
My journey of writing began a long time ago. As a teenager, I had a hard time expressing how I felt so that others would understand. So, I resorted to poetry. Most of it was dark (I didn’t know the Lord then), and sad. I regret that I did not save anything I wrote back in those early years. I would have loved to redeem words laden with hopelessness.
Writing was a way for me to work through my feelings, even though I rarely shared what I wrote with anyone. I kept it to myself, just me and the words, filled with heartache yet laced with hopes and dreams for a better future. Back then, I was free to write what I wanted, whenever the urge hit. I was alone with my words, and I liked it that way. I actually had a fear that someone would find my writing journal and hate what I wrote.
Fast forward to today. The writing has been hard, nearly non-existent at times, yet I know that I am called to write. Instead of hiding my words from the eyes and hearts of others, I release them, fully to God first, and to others next in the hopes that they would breathe life and hope, and encourage others along in their journey.
My words are no longer meant for me alone. They are meant to be shared. They are meant to offer hope, that perhaps I’ve walked where you’ve walked, or struggled through the same long, hard season. When I conquer a mountain, it offers hope that you too can rise above it.
As I’ve offered my words freely in every season of life, the Lord has given back to me thousands of words that have brought hope and healing to my own heart, filled me with life when I felt low, and restored my joy. I want to thank you for being brave, for writing when you lacked passion or desire, for saying yes to allowing God to use your journey to help me to realize that I am not alone.
I come here to offer words of encouragement. And in return I find your words, in abundance, offering strength for my own journey. I may not have walked in your shoes. You may not have fought the same battles as me. But our stories are meant to intertwine on paths crossed as we allow God to breathe hope and life, one to another.
We’re better together.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Linking up with Kaitlyn as we share stories of encouragement, as well as my dear friend Beth for Three Word Wednesday.
Barbie, this is beautiful. So glad you share your words, your heart, and the spirit of Christ within. {{Hugs}} sweet sister. AJ
You write with such honestly and from the deep place that God guards for you! We are a community and you know how I feel about you and coming to this place to share and encourage. Sharing stories together and using our words to honor God is such a privilege and I love that we are in this together. Love you!
Barbie, thank you so much for this fresh breath of encouragement. I needed this today as I struggle a bit through the ups and downs of my own writing journey. Good to remember why I write: to remind others (and myself) they are not alone and to point the way to Jesus. Thank you for your writing. xoxo
This right here sums it up so well, Barbie >>> “But our stories are meant to intertwine on paths crossed as we allow God to breathe hope and life, one to another.” From the moment our paths cross God has used you and the words you share to breathe hope and life into me. You, friend, are a blessing from God and I just love you so much.
xoxo
And, I am always delighted when you are able to join in for Three Word Wednesday. 🙂
You are a gift and such a blessing to me Beth! Hugs!
Very well said…well written. Thanks for sharing and writing.
I can relate to this in a very personal way. As a teenager, I also wrote dark poetry to help me cope with life. Now, as a believer, I feel God prompting me to share the words He gives me in order to encourage others in their walk. Thank you for sharing this with us today. I know I am blessed when I read your words, and I am sure that others are as well.
Thank you Heather. I am blessed in return by your words.
Yes, we are better together and stronger in the Lord! Blessings~
Blessings to you Cynthia!
Yes we are better together. What a joy it is to share this writing journey with fellow encouragers. You’re words bless me so much, my friend.
Thankful to walk alongside of you in this journey Ginger!
“I would have loved to redeem words laden with hopelessness.” Barbie, I believe He has already redeemed them. What a beautiful post and I am grateful you are sharing your words and your story. I’m visiting from Kaitlyn’s site.
Thank you for stopping by Susan!
Barbie, I am so grateful you share your words for me to read. You have blessed me so often whether the words be many or few 🙂 Seriously. May we all come to realize how much we truly do need one another. May we all continue to encourage & spur one another on in this hard journey of life. I can only imagine the rejoicing we will all do as we high five coming across our finish lines. Keep going, Barbie, keep going!
Joanne, thank you for your friendship and encouragement. I am blessed to have you in my life.
hey Twitter friend! Thanks for posting a link to the #FMFparty. I forgot to check back to the blog…and how encouraging this morning to read Kaitlyn’s post and yours! I used to keep my BlogSpot journal (first one started back in 2009) private. Just for me and my family. Then I realized that if I was reading others’ blogs and getting encouraged…perhaps I could encourage others too. Bravely we go public! So glad to be a part of this sweet Christian community of women who blog. Keep writing and loving on your family! p.s. I’ll do the same. 🙂
Thank you Jenn! I look forward to checking out your blog.