When tragedy strikes, in any form, we all take stock of life. 

This week is no exception. It began with happy moments for my heart. Yet on February 14, 2018 I viewed high school students and families in Parkland, Florida experienced fear, pain, anger, death. All of us across the country feel it with them. 

Many have spoken eloquently on the matter. Others have spoken politically. Where am I gifted? I want to speak hopefully. 

God allows us glimpses of hope so we won't give up. So we remember He has moved in dark times past and will continue to stir His love in the hearts of people, despite this sin-falled world. 

Everything that brought me joy up until hearing that news on Wednesday still needs to be shared. So I will. Because these experiences give me faith and hope in humanity: 

• Squeals of laughter ripped through the night as twelve 12-year-olds played capture the flag and sang karaoke to celebrate my kiddo's birthday. Still innocent—yet becoming aware; these young lives are on the verge of stepping into a larger world this fall as they enter 7-12th grade high schools. It warmed my heart to see their joy, energy, and kindness. 

• The troop of sixth grade Girl Scouts I co-lead are at an age where the strain of determining who they are and where they fit in sometimes turns into snarks and jabs at a moment's notice. But on Monday I saw teamwork, ideas, and service. It made me proud. Our troop fixed a meal for fire fighters and police officers. (Shoutout to the St. Bernard Fire Department for partnering with us.) The first responders we were honoring were so gracious and fun. They truly enjoyed the meal our girls served, had great conversations with them, and even gave them Valentines candy in return.

• I don't know how many requests a Broadway star might get on a weekly basis. But when I sent out word that a friend and fan of Come From Away could use some lifting up, one of the lead actors immediately stepped up in a big way. She took time out of her week to go above and beyond my request and filled my friend's heart and mailbox with words and gifts of encouragement. 

• Walking into a new place is always intimidating, but especially so when it's a burgeoning skill you're trying to develop and everyone else is experienced. I saw a couple of teenagers go out of their way to make my daughter and other newcomers feel welcome and comfortable at an archery class. These two adolescents shared their knowledge and smiled hello to the parents. It's the little things that mean a lot.

• Words are powerful, and a dear friend is discerning how to use hers to help people maintain dignity and worth while also challenging others to step up their game and follow suit. It's a tricky balance, but I was honored to be a sounding board as she worked it out. God lays on our hearts convictions to see and to act—I love observing how He is using her experiences and talents to make a difference.

When the bad comes, good is right there with it, moving to lighten the darkness. Let us have eyes to see it.

Photo by Mario Purisic on Unsplash

I am making more bold decisions than I used to.

#4: STARTING A WEBSITE

I can’t stop.
I thought I could, but I can’t.

I know so many great people with thoughtful perspectives on life—people who have lived through astounding events that have given them fascinating points of view; people who may not even realize that how they see the world is unique and interesting. I need to hear their thoughts. I want others to hear them. 

Their stories need to be told.

Perhaps I'm a little bit addicted to stories. Are you?

• Books: At first I thought it was one particular medium. When I dive into a book, I shut out the world—don’t talk to me until I find out what happens to this character.
• TV: Then, when streaming media gave me the chance to binge-watch a TV show, I became just as enthralled as I did with my novels. Well-written scripts captivated my attention.
• Podcasts: Now podcasts are my jam. Chores are more enjoyable when someone is expounding upon experiences in my earbuds. Time flies, my dishes are done, and I’ve walked a mile in someone else’s shoes. I’m a better person for it.
• Movies: When I consider it, that’s the same reason my favorite movies draw me back for repeat viewings. Whether it’s heart-pumping action or slow thoughtful circumstances, something onscreen fills me with euphoria. Quotable dialogue, emotional depth, life lessons learned—the movies I rewatch again and again have a relatability, a connection I am seeking.

Stories reveal the similarity in our souls.

When I find that someone else out there in this vast expanse of time and space has thought what I’ve thought, battled with similar turmoil, or laughs at the same absurdity I see in the world—then I know I’m not alone.

That’s always nice, isn’t it—to know you’re not alone?

We were created to connect. So I’ve started something. A place in the world where one thought can trickle into another. Where streams of stories can flow out and pour together, converging all in one place:
Rivulet Collective

Stop by sometime. Read a story. Share your own.

Find out my other three bold moves: my tattoo, my audition, my writing.

I am making more bold decisions than I used to.

#3: PITCHING TO BIGGER PUBLICATIONS

When I stepped away from full-time employment last summer, I had one contract gig and some vague notions about where I'd seek more work. Where do I begin since I'm not great at self-promotion?

I started by simply staying in touch.

Background: One of the teams I'd previously met through my old job was a PR firm. They invited me down to Atlanta to interview some speakers at a large Christian conference. 

Changed plans: But then some things went a little askew the day before the conference. Schedules shifted, and the list of people I was to interview dwindled. I felt a smidge of disappointment. But I went anyway. 

I tried not to cave to old negativity. I viewed the hours spent with my husband in the car as good bonding time. And I hoped that something unexpected might come from this trip.

Results: The results were interactions that became a blessing. The people I interviewed were super inspiring. I reconnected with a writing friend, ate dinner with another friend's colleagues. And I met an editor of a larger publication who told me to pitch her some article ideas. 

My reconnected relationship has given me new freelance camaraderie, and she introduced me to a new magazine I didn't know existed. Faithfully Magazine has been a blessing to read, challenging my perspectives. I submitted interviews, and the editor published one. 

Months later, a piece I pitched is in the works with the large publication editor I met. Also I was recently contracted for a writing project with the friend's colleagues I had dinner with. New audiences, new ways to use my skills. 

Attitude check: God's plans are not my own. There are hidden blessings behind earlier disappointments. I have to trust His timing, His ways. I have to expect God to be moving—He is all the time, if I will only open my eyes to see. He will use me if I remain available. 

It is definitely a new experience to work on the writing end rather than being the editor. I'm gaining from it. Ever onward!

Find out my other three bold moves: my tattoo, my audition, my project.

Photo by Bianca Isofache on Unsplash