A few things that are saving my life right now.
The truth is, I've been feeling a bit blue -- a bit out of sorts and off-key lately. And on the days when life doesn't look the way I thought it would or think that it should, I try to remind myself of the ways God is showing up where I am with generous extra helpings of shalom.
Faith Unraveled, by Rachel Held Evans
The subtitle for this one is "how a girl who knew all the answers learned to ask questions," and you guys, I'm telling you, as someone who often feels like I don't fit into the theological or political norms of where I live, Rachel Held Evans has done a phenomenal job at making me feel less crazy and less alone. In Faith Unraveled, Rachel writes about her roots in the church (which are essentially the same as mine) and how she had to learn over time how to untangle them and, as I have often put it, live the truest thing. She writes that she is "convinced that what drives most people away from Christianity isn't the cost of discipleship, but rather the cost of false fundamentals."
Hello, new favorite jeans!
Its been awhile since I've stumbled on jeans I really love. These are so comfy, I want to wear them every single day. Actually, please hold while I shamelessly buy another pair, because y'all, they are under $25. The closeted fashion blogger (see what I did there?) in me is so happy.
The wisdom of my friend Alia.
Her thoughts on tenderness here are spot on. Sometimes being bruised is the price that we pay for letting our truest selves wander freely in the open. Also, a public service announcement: Alia has a book coming out, and I can basically guarantee that you're going to need it in your life.
All things GoodGoodGood.
GoodGoodGood exists because it's easy to get bogged down by all the fear and the hustle and the ugly, and our souls are in desperate need of some real relief. Branden and the gang have made it their mission to hunt down and celebrate people who are fighting for justice and love and abundance.
The Undoing, by Steffany Gretzinger.
This album is basically all I've listened to in terms of music lately. It's like Steffany has been listening in on my prayers and reading my journals lately and wrote The Undoing just for me.
Our church's rhythms.
A handful of months ago, I wrote about how we were taking a break from church. It was a hard season, to be certain, but it was not an empty one. God met us and walked with us in ways we had never experienced and perhaps never would have if we had continued to hold onto the status quo with white-knuckled fervor. Now, we've come out on the other side of that season. These days, home looks like the most beautiful little fellowship of people who are committed to living out the actual gospel -- no frills, no pretense. And we could not be more grateful. Yesterday, one of our graduating seniors stood up in front of the congregation and said that it was what church should be. In our experience, truer words have never been spoken.
What are some of the things that have made you come alive lately? I'd love it if you'd share them in the comments below.