Shared Stories

We all have a story. Fears. Hurts. Wounds. Losses. Things that hold us back, and keep us guarded, and wreck our hearts. The holidays can be rough for that reason. But I am reminded of the Christmas story. And whether or not you believe in the Christmas story or celebrate the holidays in your own way, it's still a great story. That the would be King of our world would come to Earth and have no where to go -- no celebratory gathering, no extended family visiting, no home. The entire Christmas holiday is based on one refugee's story.

When I think of that, I am reminded that we all come into this season carrying something. But despite our burdens or our circumstances, we all have something to give to each other. Even if it's just a smile. Kindness. Eyes that may struggle to see but strive to sympathize. Hearts that are willing to shine a little bit of light into someone else's life whenever possible. I fail at that most days. I fail at all of it. But this season, as complicated as it can be at times, is all about light. And love. And hope. And in that shared message -- in that shared story -- we can all find belonging.

More

I need more.
More mountains where my soul soars.
More sunsets where my heart burns.
More rivers where my fears cease.
More wilderness where my spirit knows nothing but freedom.
More adventures – 
Those random, I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into
But I’m here and I’m going for it kind of adventures.
More laughs –
Those belly-aching, gut-wrenching
I know all of your quirks and weirdness
And still find you hilarious laughs.
More cries –
Those let me be brutally honest with you,
Real with you,
Know that you understand my darkness and are with me
And for me in spite of anything kind of cries.
More love – 
Those unashamed, wave a banner in the air,
You make me crazy and giddy and soft
Moments where I can’t help but love you
In the biggest way kind of love.
This – this is the simplest but truest kind of living.
And I want nothing more
Than to live.
 

Hold Tight

I feel a tiredness in my soul today. The world is just messy and sad and hard. Now more than ever we need to hold onto the people who truly see us in all shades of light, in all shades of night. People who we don’t have to question will be there when we need them the most. Not in theory or in well-intended clichés, but on the ground, in the trenches – with us. People who see our flaws and adore us despite those flaws. People who celebrate our uniqueness and hold a mirror to our souls when we start to doubt the value we bring to the world.

I want to be that person --- that fights like hell for you when you can’t see your way clear of the madness. That sees you, and knows you, and reminds you of the best version of yourself. And I want you to be that person for me. Because without love, without true, gritty connection, we are all just hollowed out beings walking through a wasteland without purpose and without hope. And this kind of existence was never our dream. It was never meant to be our future. So if you happen to find those few who defy this fate, hold tight – hold tight and never let go.

Surround Yourself

Surround yourself with those who can appreciate and relate to the fathoms, complexities, and brilliant colors of your soul. There will always be those in this life that will find a reason to tear you down. But their actions can never define you. Be who you are. Be your brilliant, quirky, weird, crazy, wonderful self. And surround yourself with those you can remind you of who you are when doubt creeps in – those that say: I see you, and I know you, and it’s all going to be okay.