The publication of My Forgotten Self has been quite a journey-- so many ups, downs, and unexpected turns. This weekend I am hosting a pre-launch book event at the Decatur Book Festival where I will sell (and give away) advance copies of the book (and other goodies)! I am extremely excited about this opportunity and to be honest, I'm also tired. I had no idea how looooong this road was going to be and what publication would require of me. However, as I take a moment to glance in my rear-view mirror I feel my fatigue giving way to awe.
I can see the ways in which Tiev's tale in My Forgotten Self mirrors the spiritual journey of so many of us:
-Tiev begins her journey struggling against the false messages of those around her.
-I began this divinely inspired journey struggling against the false message of myself as a dirty dishrag.
-After many amazing events, Tiev's tale concludes with her casting aside the false beliefs and limitations placed upon her. She goes forth carrying deep truths about herself as an invaluable spiritual being.
-After a profound publication journey, I sit here KNOWING that I am... we ALL are far from dishrags. I sit here KNOWING that we are valuable treasures.
For me, this journey has been about more than the publication of a book. I can see the ways in which Tiev's tale mirrors the spiritual journey of so many of us. As with Tiev, this journey has transformed my relationship with myself, with those around me and with God. To honor this rear-view moment, I will reflect on how this spiritual transformation began.
This month marks my one year blogiversary (YAY!). Last year when I began this blog I started with four posts describing how Tiev's tale in My Forgotten Self was gifted to me in the most unexpected way. Months later, I wrote a post about my inspirational visit with Oprah (who hasn't she inspired :-) ). I have compiled all of them here. Take a glance at the beginning of each post and if you feel led, click on the title to read the entire piece.
I can see the ways in which Tiev's tale in My Forgotten Self mirrors the spiritual journey of so many of us:
-Tiev begins her journey struggling against the false messages of those around her.
-I began this divinely inspired journey struggling against the false message of myself as a dirty dishrag.
-After many amazing events, Tiev's tale concludes with her casting aside the false beliefs and limitations placed upon her. She goes forth carrying deep truths about herself as an invaluable spiritual being.
-After a profound publication journey, I sit here KNOWING that I am... we ALL are far from dishrags. I sit here KNOWING that we are valuable treasures.
For me, this journey has been about more than the publication of a book. I can see the ways in which Tiev's tale mirrors the spiritual journey of so many of us. As with Tiev, this journey has transformed my relationship with myself, with those around me and with God. To honor this rear-view moment, I will reflect on how this spiritual transformation began.
This month marks my one year blogiversary (YAY!). Last year when I began this blog I started with four posts describing how Tiev's tale in My Forgotten Self was gifted to me in the most unexpected way. Months later, I wrote a post about my inspirational visit with Oprah (who hasn't she inspired :-) ). I have compiled all of them here. Take a glance at the beginning of each post and if you feel led, click on the title to read the entire piece.
Have you experienced a spiritual transformation? Did your view of God, others, or yourself shift as a result? If so, how so? Comment below!
“Relative to God, we are like dirty dishrags!” The words from the Baptist pastor hit my ears like the shattering of fine crystal, and were followed by words like, “unworthy,” “less than,” and “dark.” Leaving the sanctuary, instead of floating out with a renewed sense of faith and passion, I was dragging under the heavy weight of difficult emotions; outrage, confusion and even shame, simmering within me.
“Mommy, can you read me this story?” My toddler asked as he dragged his new book across the room.
“Sure!” I exclaimed, hoisting him onto my lap.
As I read, I stopped and thought, “children’s books…humph…they are so complicatedly simple. I could NEVER write one of these!”
I know now that at that moment, God was smiling broadly. My ground was tilled and ready to receive another seed, and this seed would burst through into my very being.
“Sure!” I exclaimed, hoisting him onto my lap.
As I read, I stopped and thought, “children’s books…humph…they are so complicatedly simple. I could NEVER write one of these!”
I know now that at that moment, God was smiling broadly. My ground was tilled and ready to receive another seed, and this seed would burst through into my very being.
Broadway! Okay, not quite...
The group exercise was not over. The facilitators asked us to choose one story to turn into a play. Almost in unison, the entire group turned to me. I was honored but at the same time detached; my mind was still reeling in disbelief and doubt. We had one hour to put together a "play." We made props, designed scenes and chose music.
It was show time!
The group exercise was not over. The facilitators asked us to choose one story to turn into a play. Almost in unison, the entire group turned to me. I was honored but at the same time detached; my mind was still reeling in disbelief and doubt. We had one hour to put together a "play." We made props, designed scenes and chose music.
It was show time!
They say God opens doors. Through those doors dwell persons and experiences that assist with our growth, progress, and recognition of our Spiritual selves. Words, actions, intentions and emotional energy play into and support this process. A process through which we are gifted with mighty tools, invaluable lessons, and loyal companions.
“You are purposed to speak about spiritual concepts in a way that allows people to understand them on a deeper level… though you will ultimately reach this goal, your path will be longer because you are held back by your fears.”
This was shared with me by a stranger approximately eight years ago. Ironically, the very fears he named limited my ability to even consider the unfamiliar path of which he spoke.
This was shared with me by a stranger approximately eight years ago. Ironically, the very fears he named limited my ability to even consider the unfamiliar path of which he spoke.
Quick Note: This weekend I will be at the Decatur Book Festival in booth #609. I will be selling and giving away advance copies of My Forgotten Self! On Saturday @ 11 am in the Emerging Writers Tent I will give a brief talk about the book. I hope to see you there!
Namaste!
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