The other day I mentioned a fond memory to my kids. My husband, youngest daughter, the dogs and I had driven halfway between our college kids’ university to meet up for dinner. As you do when you’re all homesick for each other.
We grabbed dinner to go and ate at a park–very global pandemic. I was meandering down memory lane, as moms do, and they all stopped and looked at me like I was crazy, “Mom, you’re talking about Spring Break. That wasn’t years ago…it was in March, this year.”
Shut. The. Front. Door.
They were right. But no one really blamed me for my mistake. We all know it has been the longest year.
Time is weird, so are pandemics. If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile or read my last book, Made to Move Mountains, you know that 2019 was a challenging year. And then I met 2020 and was like, ah, perspective.
I started this year feeling tired before the world shut down.. Along with my staff, I poured my creativity into Mercy House Global during the long lockdown months doing everything I could to keep it going. I didn’t have the energy to podcast or write. Sadly many nonprofits haven’t made it through the year … I’m so grateful to still have a job and live out my purpose longer in this ministry.
This month, we celebrated 10 years of Mercy House Global. We raised $144,000 virtually on the Mercy House Global App. Again, very 2020. I jumped really high.
I don’t really know what this blog space is anymore. I throw out occasional invitations and announcements here and there. Blogging has changed so much. So have I. Most days, I find time for a quick post on social media and maybe a couple of stories and pour the rest of my time and attention into Mercy House (hosting really fun sales on our App) and my family. And I’m really happy.
I don’t have any more books in the works. I am content with the five I’ve written and feel an urging to talk/write less during this season. I hope to continue to write a series of children’s books for Mercy House Global that will serve as a resource for parents. (The first one released two weeks ago. It’s precious and totally supports teen moms in Kenya. My new favorite thing is writing a book with zero sales pressure-FYI).
I’ve written thousands of posts on this blog. I will probably write a few more here and there–when the time and passion present themselves. I can’t seem to say goodbye to this little home on the Internet where I’ve journaled for almost 13 years now. (My kids were 1, 5, and 7. They are now almost 14, 18 and 21.) We’ve been through a lot together.
If you don’t subscribe to my newsletter (if you get my blog posts in your inbox, than you already do), I plan on continuing my lists of What I’m Loving–maybe weekly. Maybe not. Who knows, really. It is after all 2020.
Aubrey Hierholzer says
What I love about your blog is YOUR narrative vs. the newsletter. It’s your involvement with this community that can know your heart & the struggles & joys this hard work in life brings. My heart feels the pull of all of it, and that is because of how you communicate here with us.
Jenn says
So proud of you. ❤️
Stacy says
Love this. All of this! Perspective, honesty, reality, creativity, love.. all of the best things about humanity and all of the things we need to cling to right now. We love that you’re not shutting down this space, though when the time is right for you we will all support your choice. But please know this space offers a breath of fresh air for your readers, regardless of the content. Simply because of the things I listed above. Your work matters. All of it. Thank you for sharing with us!
Charlotte says
this space offers a breath of fresh air for your readers, regardless of the content. Simply because of the things I listed above. Your work matters….All of this! Perspective, honesty, reality, creativity, love
So well said!
Ann says
I can honestly say that the example you and all of your family have set of faith lived out in action has changed who I am and how I now live out my faith.
Whether writing/speaking or being silent you must do what God is directing but know that you are loved and respected and are at catalyst for change, not just for girls in Kenya, but for those of us reading your books and blog.
Deborah Anne Tomai says
I’ve appreciated your blog for years. I got here originally through Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer (and Works for Me Wednesday). Your kids are a little older than mine, so it’s fun to follow along. I’m thankful for the way you’ve shared your life and journey with us all these years – and I love reading about Mercy House now.
Dayla says
Awww, we get it. 2020 often leaves us unsure of how we feel or should react….but mostly we just know we should be different, better after this experience. I’ve always appreciated your honesty and your focus on Christ’s difficult commands in your home. I’ll always be looking forward to words you write. Bless you!
Deanna says
Thank you for your service, your words of grace, your shining examples of humanity, as well as for sharing your dark times. We are blessed by you!
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Char says
I really miss hearing from you. And I refuse to spend hours on Facebook, as I can’t just check out one message. Would you consider copying a bunch of your social media messages and having them posted on your blog so it comes in my email?
Jett Mayer says
I am very proud of the author’s work for this particular article. I work as a writer at https://onlinepaperwriter.net/ and really needed to hear these kind words. Nowadays the time is tough
GuitarSix says
Great read, and good job.
Grace Rowlings says
2020 seemed to go on forever. And I’m not sure that the new year has started at all because I don’t feel that anything has changed.
I only recently found your blog and it’s too sad that you don’t feel ready to continue right now. But I hope you are okay and filling your life with what you feel is important at the moment.
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