sin

maybe the greatest
most tempting offense for you
is following the voice
that says you're not enough

roots

my love

You're looking for a life
that's free of any mess, any inefficiency --
a life that unfolds perfectly.
In it, your actions are flawless,
your words are spot on,
you show up impeccably in every moment.

You will not find that life, my dear,
because part of being you is being human.
You cannot and should not avoid
the mess, the inefficiency, the vulnerability.
The promise of a more perfect life
is an empty illusion.

So forgive yourself for the messy moments.
Be kind and gentle when they come.
Do not close in shame.
What you are meant to see and experience intimately
is that it's actually the entire, imperfect you
that I love.

voice of love

The God I know
is a gentle loving voice
that extends grace.
When shame shows up,
he asks to be invited in its place.

appreciate

[arkansas black apple]

and then...

life said
buckle up
you're in for quite a ride

the questions

You didn't ask for them to come.
There was no seeking them out,
and yet they came.

Resisting and repressing,
while tempting,
merely make matters worse.

So, instead of pretending not to hear,
make the seemingly dangerous choice --
Listen, my dear. Choose curiosity over fear.