Books never let you down. They were always there for you.~Tatiana de Rosnay (From Flowers Of Darkness)

I want to be cool. Yet I know that's not the goal.

I've been invited to participate in a celebration of Indie authors in the town where I now live. The owner of the local bookstore, Main Street Reads, Main Street Reads has organized the event that celebrates not only Indie authors, but also Indie bookstores. I'll have an opportunity to talk about my books, along with fifteen other authors. I feel intimdated. There are many talented and creative writers represented. There's that ache to belong and "be cool." I know, though, that it's not really about me. It's about being grateful for the beauty of books, the joy of writing. I don't know what I'd do without writing. Or books. Written words are a stronghold for me. A friend. More than to be "cool," I'd like to be a conduit of God's mercy and peace. Validate others in some way.

As you know, I've begun writing blessings. Here is another I've written for me, you, all of us as we make our way and hang onto ourselves...

A Blessing For Being Human

The world is a sea of relentless voices.

"Be this way, not that way." "How could you? What were you thinking?"

"What is wrong?" "What will you do?" "It'll never happen." "Are you crazy?" 

"That's not how I'd do it."

May you make your way to calmer waters and allow a more tranquil current to rinse the cacophony from your mind. May you relish the stillness so that your own voice emerges. What are you saying? What do you hear?

May you know and believe that God sees you as His poetry. His delight. No regret or shame or failure or grief defines you. The mistakes and risks not taken do not leave an indelible mark. You are not too loud or too soft or too fat or too slow. Too old. Too young. Too late.

The living waters of His love create a location to relax. May you let go in that place. May you know that you matter--that your longings are valuable. That you are seen and heard. That your vulnerability is precious. He knew vulnerability. He knows yours.

May you stay in the light-dappled waters of His care. May you know that you belong. It is okay not to know what you'll do, or where you'll go, or if you're strong enough or smart enough or good enough. May you realize that in Him, you are all He hopes for. Live here. Stay here. Far from the crashing waves.

Amen

Note:  For those who live in the Charleston area, the Indie book event will be held on Saturday, April 24th from 9-3 pm at Hutchinson Square in downtown Summerville. I'll be speaking at 12:45 pm. Let me say once more (I can't say it too much) how I appreciate you, dear readers. Your presence here at the site is a gift.