Each week, The Mama Collective, does a link up where bloggers share what they are currently up to. It’s a great way to connect with other bloggers and build community.
Listening To: Johnnyswim
I must be honest. I rarely buy music. I love music but in its current state, I doesn’t exactly run out looking for new albums to purchase on Tuesdays. I am lucky if I buy an album or two a year and that’s a stretch. A few months ago, a friend told me about this up and coming musical husband and wife duo she heard perform at the Catalyst East conference last October and had been anticipating their first full length album ever since. I listened to the title track from Johnnyswim’s album Diamonds and was immediately a fan. It’s safe to say their album Diamonds and EP Heartbeat are in constant rotation. It’s been a long time since I have heard some really good music. You can check out their NPR Tiny Desk Concert which showcases their AMAZING vocal skills, passion for music and fun they have performing together.
Reading: Bird by Bird:Some Instructions on Writing and Life
I bought this book several weeks ago at the recommendation of my friend/community group leader/awesome blogger Kristen from When At Home. I got a few pages in with every intention of finishing it but somehow life happened and it went untouched on my bookshelf until now. I’ve heard such great things about the author Anne Lamott and true to form, she delivers some timeless wisdom on writing and just life in general. Highly recommend this for any writer who is trying to get out of their own head and write.
Thinking About: Ferguson, Missouri and Mike Brown
It’s been several weeks since the death of 18 year old Mike Brown. The rioting and protests have turned to strategic measures to heal the hurting city of Ferguson. However, I have yet to figure out how to put my thoughts and feelings into words. No arrests have been made, a young man is gone and city has been torn into pieces. The sad reality is the fact that what happened to Mike Brown is the same fate that my three black brothers and two black sons could experience on any given day simply because of their skin. I am thankful for the healthy dialogue on race and discrimination that has taken place between blacks and whites on social media but it’s beyond heartbreaking see the blatant racial division and hatred flooding every corner of the media. My heart is still so raw about all of this but I will share my thought, fears and hopes soon.
Thankful For: Jesus the Redeemer
I wrote a post that gave a small glance into my life as a former teenage mother. I don’t really think much about my teenage years since they are so far behind me. Yet since that post, I have been reflecting on that stage of life, the hurt, the labels I allowed others to give me that I accepted as truth for so many years and the scars that I realize I still try to hide. Despite all that, I am thankful that Jesus is the Redeemer who gave me a new identity when I said yes to Him. He striped away my labels and shame and gave me His righteousness. To this day, He is still rebuilding my ancient ruins so that I can wear my crown of joy proudly.
The Living Letter Chronicles 