Comments on imperfect prose: When fear gives birth to faith

so beautiful. everything you write here. what a sp...

2012-01-12T20:29:44.332-08:00

so beautiful. everything you write here. what a special little family you all are.

blessings in His grace friend,

Nacole

So much redemption in your story.

2012-01-12T17:29:12.185-08:00

So much redemption in your story.

so many of lifes journeys end in tears and i'm...

2012-01-12T04:45:50.465-08:00

so many of lifes journeys end in tears and i'm sorrys and planning ..and happy endings

this is so beautiful. I'm a spitfire with angr...

2012-01-10T12:55:37.783-08:00

this is so beautiful. I'm a spitfire with angry words. I need 'it's okay.' I guess 'it's okay' is part of learning to really love.

Was singing Hallelujah with you when you found you...

2012-01-10T09:35:55.773-08:00

Was singing Hallelujah with you when you found your car...agree with you that kindness rather than anger at those stress and fear-filled moments is the balm...Thank you Emily for another excellent post filled with grace and truth :)

Oh, Em. So so good. Glad He brought you all back s...

2012-01-10T08:07:07.545-08:00

Oh, Em. So so good. Glad He brought you all back safely, to tell this story of faith and love and hope, in the midst of lost places...

" 'It’s okay,' I say. And it feels be...

2012-01-10T06:57:29.367-08:00

" 'It’s okay,' I say. And it feels better than a thousand angry words. "

A profound statement -- a gentle answer turns away wrath -- and it feels better, too, than those thousand angry words....

I need to remember this ...

Choosing to extend grace and patience doesn't ...

2012-01-10T05:58:41.102-08:00

Choosing to extend grace and patience doesn't come naturally to me, sadly, but I am striving to copy my Abba in that. Brava for choosing that in the snowy woods this weekend. In God's cool reversal, it brings joy, doesn't it?

Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com

Grace for my husband? I'm in a remedial course...

2012-01-10T05:34:38.536-08:00

Grace for my husband? I'm in a remedial course now.

Thanks for the exquisite guest lecture, Emily.

for this, especially: 'And fear gives birth t...

2012-01-10T05:15:49.743-08:00

for this, especially:

'And fear gives birth to faith, for it recognizes the end of humanity and desperation for the divine.'

thank you.

This right here is what I needed: “It’s okay,” I ...

2012-01-09T19:44:01.260-08:00

This right here is what I needed: “It’s okay,” I say. And it feels better than a thousand angry words.

Yes, friend. Sometimes I just need to whisper "it's okay" and really mean it.

How strong you were to give such grace. And, I can...

2012-01-09T18:49:55.945-08:00

How strong you were to give such grace. And, I can just hear your beautiful voice ring out over the white...lovely and pure. Life matters because you make it, Em. I love the way you do.

That was wonderful. Also, I love your new haircut!...

2012-01-09T18:40:08.961-08:00

That was wonderful. Also, I love your new haircut! I'm assuming it's new. :)

I'm not sure if my last comment was posted so ...

2012-01-09T17:44:40.918-08:00

I'm not sure if my last comment was posted so just in case...it's beautiful and touching Em! I miss your gentle loving way that always challenges and strengthens me and others. Love you!

Brilliantly written, Emily. I love your work and y...

2012-01-09T17:16:32.613-08:00

Brilliantly written, Emily. I love your work and your amazing heart.

Mark

You capture heart feelings with your words Em. Thi...

2012-01-09T15:10:46.238-08:00

You capture heart feelings with your words Em. This is so rich with wisdom. I promise one day you will sit around a big table, the grandchildren all ears, as you tell about the great adventure in the woods. Even Aiden will laugh!

So much truth in your arduous journey Emily....and...

2012-01-09T14:28:27.385-08:00

So much truth in your arduous journey Emily....and the title is a wonderful quote of it's own. Glad that you made it back to the hotel okay. :-)

... it feels better than a thousand angry words. Y...

2012-01-09T13:06:23.174-08:00

... it feels better than a thousand angry words. Yes your children are learning love from you... thank God they have such good teachers. =) Beautiful.

just beautiful, emily. my favorite part, "fee...

2012-01-09T11:39:09.712-08:00

just beautiful, emily. my favorite part, "feels better than a thousand angry words" ...

This reminded me of a hike on the hills near us. ...

2012-01-09T10:16:52.270-08:00

This reminded me of a hike on the hills near us. I had done it on horseback the loop I chose to take the family on but we would be hiking not riding. No water did we bring nor snacks. What by horse is a leisure ride of one hour was over 2 by foot. Thankfully we met some kind person, on horseback, on shared their water with us. I learned a big lesson on distance and yes a memory was made. Grateful that it wasn't too hot that day...for you...the patience of love and trust...all ended well in loving arms.

"And life matters: all of it." AMEN. It ...

2012-01-09T10:12:40.941-08:00

"And life matters: all of it." AMEN. It truly does. I'm so glad you were able to get away with your precious family. I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Love you, friend!

My husband and I had our kids out cross-country sk...

2012-01-09T09:47:42.870-08:00

My husband and I had our kids out cross-country skiing once when they were very young, and the weather took a nasty turn. I didn't start thinking about having to look for shelter, but I did start questioning what kind of parent I was for taking my kids out into a blizzard. It was terrifying. I really feel your heart here.

Your gentleness astounds me...I am also speaking o...

2012-01-09T07:29:16.245-08:00

Your gentleness astounds me...I am also speaking of giving birth today...with a little help from one of your beautiful paintings.

So very wonderful, the story, the telling. The gra...

2012-01-09T06:28:29.080-08:00

So very wonderful, the story, the telling.
The grace....

And your reaction to the situation made that a fon...

2012-01-09T04:22:36.949-08:00

And your reaction to the situation made that a fond memory in the making instead of a dreaded time in your history. Love to you.