Hey Reader!

​

It's been a joy to paint this time around, although there are days I forget and have to paint later in the day. Tuesday's was an interesting experience. I had only a set period of time to paint, and I ended up liking the painting even though it was only two colors. What do you think? I love the message.

​You can watch me paint daily for Lent here. ​

​

Here are some more:

​

​

I'm excited to be keynoting in Branson in May. Let me know if you're coming! I'd love to say hey!

​

​

I continue my foray into the garden, just recently planting rhubarb, asparagus, raspberries, potatoes, and strawberries. Onions are in, and next will be fennel, tomatoes, beans, endive, artichokes, zucchini, beets, and cucumbers. I've been working on my soil quite a bit, amending it with worm castings, coconut fiber (to help with clay soil), and extra nutrients.

​

Last year my fig did not fruit. Does anyone have experience with un-fruiting fig trees? I'd love some help! (I can help with peaches as I'm apparently a peach farmer!)

​

Way:

​

(NOTE: this article came from my new Substack account. If you'd like this kind of long form essay content on a weekly basis, you can subscribe here).

When Triggers Come

​

The words had a way of worming into my soul. My joy of late stagnated as I mulled over the Christian leader’s prideful words on social media. (Mind you, I had blocked that person everywhere—this missive snuck in).

​

Of course I questioned myself. Why did I let this bother me? Part of the reason is that the words seemed to be pointed at me, to be calling me out for immaturity and pettiness. It was a heralding of the leader’s pride and ego, a justification of all the underhanded practices of note. The leader was the hero of the story, me and others like me, the antagonist, the devil in a skirt.

​

I’m being vague because I’m weary of getting called out, to be honest.

​

I mulled it over for 24 hours. The words festered. Bothered. Niggled.

​

So then, I sent the post to close friends and my husband. Asked what they thought.

​

“Am I crazy?” I asked.

​

“Am I immature and petty?”

​

Thankfully their responses were swift and helpful. I learned I was not crazy to be hurt by the words. My friends and husband reaffirmed my quest and desire for maturity and wisdom. They saw me.

​

I could have let those judgmental words inform my worth(lessness). But, thankfully, I remembered I am loved in this circle of matrimony and friendship. It reminds me how important it is that we cultivate around ourselves godly friends who are willing to call you out on your stuff, but who are also fiercely kind when you’re attacked. I am humbled and grateful to have such a circle.

​

Next time you’re triggered in your church hurt journey (or any pathway of pain), mull it—yes. But don’t mull forever. Share it with a safe person. Ask questions. Tell them how the triggering made you feel. Ask for their feedback.

​

Chances are you’re not crazy or beyond fixing or a devil. You’re a human being who hurts. You’re someone who dared to step into a messy ring and hesitantly tell the truth about abuse. You’re brave. You’re probably tired, too.

​

All of us in the thick of things need each other. We cannot face behemoths on our own. We need encouragement, a word of kindness, a recognition that we are seen.

​

To Candis, Sara, Katharine, Leslie, Brenda, D’Ann, and Patrick—thank you for your clarifying words. I’m grateful.

​Play

I'm most likely going to discontinue my stickers. Now's the time to get the whole set. Just for you, I've reduced them from $33 down to $15 for the next week or so. Enjoy!

​

​199 Prayers for my Adult Child released in January. If you struggle to pray for your adult child, this may empower you! Plus it has blank pages to register your own prayers and the dates you prayed them. How important to look at God's faithfulness as you pray!

Pray

​

Jesus, please send kindhearted friends Reader's way this lovely Thursday. Help Reader know you love and adore and sing over Reader's life. Be near to Reader this week. Connect Reader to those people who will shepherd, listen, and pray. In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.

​
​

Grateful you're on this planet, Reader!
​

Thankfully,

Mary

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​