Hi, Jess. I’ve never commented on your blog, but have been reading for a year. I sure hope that doesn’t sound creepy. (I’m not used to replying to people I’ve never met, though I’m guessing it’s not as big a deal as it feels). Anyway, my dear friend, Kelly, in Charlotte (who at one time lived with me in Portland, OR), told me about you, your writing and encouraged me to read your blog. I have ever since… praying for you, thinking of you and often pondering replying to let you know how deeply moved I’d been by your writing. Jess, I am so thankful for your voice in the body. Your transparency and sincerity are a messy and deeply beautiful gift.
The reason I’m finally writing is because, for some reason tonight, I decided to look back to July 2007 — to the days I didn’t yet read your blog. And I read your very first entry, entitled “Mountains and Valleys.” Of course the title hit me, given what you’d shared today. And then it struck me that the Jess God was loving through a different expression in July ’07 had sweet wisdom and insight to minister to the Jess of July ’09. This particular section of your post jumped out at me, and I just had to share it with you:
“Psalm 23 tells me that God ‘lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.’ He’s renewing my strength right now. He is a good parent and He knows what I need. So I am going to lay down guilt and anxiety at His throne and walk away dancing.”
So Jess, may you experience His lush, green rest and a piece of very real joy as you dance — be it on your feet or reclining and receiving from His deep well of goodness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsS8UWvhxQ0&feature=related
this made me think of you
Hi, Jess.
Just wanting to say hello. And I am so sorry about all of the pain.
Nothing eloquent, I know. But I am praying.
Love,
K
Hi, Jess. I’ve never commented on your blog, but have been reading for a year. I sure hope that doesn’t sound creepy. (I’m not used to replying to people I’ve never met, though I’m guessing it’s not as big a deal as it feels). Anyway, my dear friend, Kelly, in Charlotte (who at one time lived with me in Portland, OR), told me about you, your writing and encouraged me to read your blog. I have ever since… praying for you, thinking of you and often pondering replying to let you know how deeply moved I’d been by your writing. Jess, I am so thankful for your voice in the body. Your transparency and sincerity are a messy and deeply beautiful gift.
The reason I’m finally writing is because, for some reason tonight, I decided to look back to July 2007 — to the days I didn’t yet read your blog. And I read your very first entry, entitled “Mountains and Valleys.” Of course the title hit me, given what you’d shared today. And then it struck me that the Jess God was loving through a different expression in July ’07 had sweet wisdom and insight to minister to the Jess of July ’09. This particular section of your post jumped out at me, and I just had to share it with you:
“Psalm 23 tells me that God ‘lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.’ He’s renewing my strength right now. He is a good parent and He knows what I need. So I am going to lay down guilt and anxiety at His throne and walk away dancing.”
So Jess, may you experience His lush, green rest and a piece of very real joy as you dance — be it on your feet or reclining and receiving from His deep well of goodness.
Bless you, sister –
Ashley