Belong. (FMF)

Last year around about this time I was given the best birthday gift ever. The gift of… a space that was all mine in which to write, and perhaps even better— the gift of support.

On the morning of my 31st birthday, my sweet husband presented me with a newly purchased domain name complete with the new logo we played around with— I was giddy. I was breathless. I was.. terrified.

Because it had become real. And I knew that this was just one more bit of gentle nudging from God to “do it.” To write more. To write for HIM. To write and so give of myself.

Three months later, I packed up my Soft, Brown Target riding boots and way too many cardigans and I went to the Allume conference. I knew He was nudging me to go there, too.

I went with many thoughts. Many concerns. Many general wonderings. One over-arching concern— “will I even belong with all these REAL writers?”

20 minutes in and I was still kind of a nervous wreck. I was working one of the registration tables— because really, what better way to jump into an unknown situation but by hiding behind the table that gives out the awesome swag bag, right?!

I saw lots of women. Many looked familiar. Some did not. Many I even read on a regular basis— but they all seemed to know each other. They all seemed to belong, and for one fleeting moment I considered maybe I shouldn’t be here…

But somewhere between that first cup of Just-Love Coffee and five minutes into the first keynote, I took a moment to look outside my paralyzing tentativeness and just look around.

And I saw so much. From those catching up with online connections that now had beautiful, real life faces to those shifting their stuff around and nervously hoping someone would want to make a connection with them. (Nervous Shifter, party of One right here.)

But in my momentary alone-ness, I saw what we all need to know so desperately.
The only reason any of us can “belong” is because we belong to Him.

The good news? Yes, I did make connections. Many whom have been chief encouragers in this writing space over this last year.

But the really great news… that one small step of STEPPING OUT into a world I wanted to belong in, found me face to face with a God who took that time to confirm what He had been growing in my heart for a long time.

I came with a passion and a desire to write. But I left with a community. A belonging. A brand-new understanding of what living out art as worship means—

And the GIFT of being known- both by my creative Creator

and REAL writers who are such because they are REAL people.

Writing this lovingly for my Five Minute Friday crew — We are at Crystal’s place this week!! Love her! I also to encourage you to join some of us at Allume this year! I’m also going to Declare in just about a month! Anybody want to save me a seat and cup of coffee??