I know for sure that God’s not a jerk (I usually use a stronger word than jerk, but I’ll spare the Internet some colorful language). Sometimes life is really hard and the world is full of sadness, and so believing God is good becomes really tough. On those days not believing the negative is a lot easier: God’s not a jerk.
So true. Reminds me of what Dallas Willard said about never believing anything bad about God. I usually don’t appreciate statements that use words like “never” or “always”, esp about faith, but this particular advice seems to keep me from becoming disoriented.
That God is big enough. I am myself in the middle of an evolving faith but I keep clinging to the truth that if God is big enough to create an entire universe with meaning, life and purpose then he is absolutely big enough to handle anything else.
I can't wait to finish this conversation between Emily and Sarah. I don't know what rock I have been under but I just came across her content a few months ago (I'm 100% positive Emily has mentioned her before but I must have missed it.) Either way--it came at such a time. It is no coincidence. I finished Out of Sorts recently and I have started Field Notes and it's just such a comfort to my soul to know that I am not alone in a journey like this. Sarah's story and words are so similar to my own. So similar in fact that the substack that I had begun in order to write and process these things I recently deleted because it was eerily similar to her voice. (I do not regret or begrudge--new words will come at the right time.)
So grateful for this community and for finding inspiration from the Emily's and Sarah's of this world.
Emily--I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for your transparency in your email earlier this week, and the transparency you will share in this new book. I know that some negativity is inevitable but so many of us welcome your words and can relate to them on so many levels.
I’m sorry it’s been a difficult few days. Listening to your conversation with Sarah, one thing I know for sure is that you, and I, are not alone. I so resonate with the feeling of being abandoned despite being the one who left. I guess I just wish we could have all walked longer together down the path that I believed we were on. But there are many others on this path- and I’m thankful for the internet which helps me to realize that.
This right here seems like the only thing I know to be true most days..
I love my kids and grandbabes so much it hurts somedays ..does that even make sense? Thank you all for your insightful words. I’m hanging on thanks to each of you!
This was a healing conversation for me also. I want to share it with my hurting church and remind them to hold on God has a plan. Change is hard but God is gracious and has us in his hands.
I love this simple truth: the sun is shining. WOW. I was recently in Belgium for six weeks and it was a RARE occurrence when the sun broke through. I immediately dropped everything to go stand in its light. Thank you, Victoria, for this simple directive for "dark soul days."
I am not alone. God will never leave me or forsake me.
So many words of truth in this conversation. A reassuring reminder that I am not behind, even though I am in my mid 60’s and have been going through the process of “disentangling” for several years. I am right where I need to be.
Listening to Sarah‘s quiet and gentle words were so healing and helpful to me today. February has been such a long year. One thing I know to be true today is that even though I feel lost and overwhelmed right now, God is at work within my inner life. He’s teaching me grace, patience and acceptance. He is revealing to me that while the room is ready, I am not. As I’ve been making peace with that, I’ve been able to accept what he’s teaching me. And it is a sacred thing 🤍
One thing I know to be true today is that books hold and heal me. As a psychiatrist and a spiritual director and the author of my own book (Desire, Mystery, and Belonging) I am always asking about what people are reading, wandering in bookstores, and thinking about what to write “next.” I was looking through Sarah Bessey’s new book and went right to the acknowledgements (I love to read these first). When I saw Sarah’s words about Jesus in the last paragraph, my eyes immediately filled with tears and I had goosebumps of recognition. I’ve been waiting for Sarah’s book and this is why. I trust that my own soul and heart and mind will meet me there. I’m waiting for your book too, for the same reason! And I also know that it is true that the gifts of your book and Sarah’s book appearing near each other are a balm and light for my spirit and so many others. Thank you!
My soul knows that I am not alone and my life is precious to God. This is true even when sorrow is hovering upon me and my heart aches. I know that I will always dwell in the secure loving home of the Lord. Ahhh, it's good to say this!
I know for sure that God’s not a jerk (I usually use a stronger word than jerk, but I’ll spare the Internet some colorful language). Sometimes life is really hard and the world is full of sadness, and so believing God is good becomes really tough. On those days not believing the negative is a lot easier: God’s not a jerk.
So true. Reminds me of what Dallas Willard said about never believing anything bad about God. I usually don’t appreciate statements that use words like “never” or “always”, esp about faith, but this particular advice seems to keep me from becoming disoriented.
What's one thing you know to be true today?
That God is big enough. I am myself in the middle of an evolving faith but I keep clinging to the truth that if God is big enough to create an entire universe with meaning, life and purpose then he is absolutely big enough to handle anything else.
I can't wait to finish this conversation between Emily and Sarah. I don't know what rock I have been under but I just came across her content a few months ago (I'm 100% positive Emily has mentioned her before but I must have missed it.) Either way--it came at such a time. It is no coincidence. I finished Out of Sorts recently and I have started Field Notes and it's just such a comfort to my soul to know that I am not alone in a journey like this. Sarah's story and words are so similar to my own. So similar in fact that the substack that I had begun in order to write and process these things I recently deleted because it was eerily similar to her voice. (I do not regret or begrudge--new words will come at the right time.)
So grateful for this community and for finding inspiration from the Emily's and Sarah's of this world.
Emily--I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for your transparency in your email earlier this week, and the transparency you will share in this new book. I know that some negativity is inevitable but so many of us welcome your words and can relate to them on so many levels.
I’m sorry it’s been a difficult few days. Listening to your conversation with Sarah, one thing I know for sure is that you, and I, are not alone. I so resonate with the feeling of being abandoned despite being the one who left. I guess I just wish we could have all walked longer together down the path that I believed we were on. But there are many others on this path- and I’m thankful for the internet which helps me to realize that.
This interview was breathtaking. Loved her words, loved the way you held space for her.
One thing I know to be true is that I deeply and completely love my children. Nothing could separate them from my love.
Maybe God loves us like that too.
This right here seems like the only thing I know to be true most days..
I love my kids and grandbabes so much it hurts somedays ..does that even make sense? Thank you all for your insightful words. I’m hanging on thanks to each of you!
Music, and musicians, will save the world. ♥️
This was a healing conversation for me also. I want to share it with my hurting church and remind them to hold on God has a plan. Change is hard but God is gracious and has us in his hands.
That I don't have all the answers and that's okay.
EXACTLY what I was thinking!!!
That the sun is shining. Honestly, that's what I need to remember today.
Lately I have found such comfort in this exact thing!
I love this simple truth: the sun is shining. WOW. I was recently in Belgium for six weeks and it was a RARE occurrence when the sun broke through. I immediately dropped everything to go stand in its light. Thank you, Victoria, for this simple directive for "dark soul days."
I am Belgian, just saying hi! 🙋🏼♀️
I am not alone. God will never leave me or forsake me.
So many words of truth in this conversation. A reassuring reminder that I am not behind, even though I am in my mid 60’s and have been going through the process of “disentangling” for several years. I am right where I need to be.
What is true? My faith and salvation are not dependent on me. I can JUST BE. ❤️
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, forever.
That goodness and blessings are still here, we sometimes have to stop and look around us, but they're still here.
Listening to Sarah‘s quiet and gentle words were so healing and helpful to me today. February has been such a long year. One thing I know to be true today is that even though I feel lost and overwhelmed right now, God is at work within my inner life. He’s teaching me grace, patience and acceptance. He is revealing to me that while the room is ready, I am not. As I’ve been making peace with that, I’ve been able to accept what he’s teaching me. And it is a sacred thing 🤍
One thing I know to be true today is that books hold and heal me. As a psychiatrist and a spiritual director and the author of my own book (Desire, Mystery, and Belonging) I am always asking about what people are reading, wandering in bookstores, and thinking about what to write “next.” I was looking through Sarah Bessey’s new book and went right to the acknowledgements (I love to read these first). When I saw Sarah’s words about Jesus in the last paragraph, my eyes immediately filled with tears and I had goosebumps of recognition. I’ve been waiting for Sarah’s book and this is why. I trust that my own soul and heart and mind will meet me there. I’m waiting for your book too, for the same reason! And I also know that it is true that the gifts of your book and Sarah’s book appearing near each other are a balm and light for my spirit and so many others. Thank you!
My soul knows that I am not alone and my life is precious to God. This is true even when sorrow is hovering upon me and my heart aches. I know that I will always dwell in the secure loving home of the Lord. Ahhh, it's good to say this!
I re-member!
That I am deeply and completely loved!