Being kind is hard. Being truly generous of spirit, open, vulnerable, these gifts don't come without walking through life being broken and beaten up, and still continuing to walk in hope. As I scroll through Instagram and Facebook, most of the time I don't feel a whole lot (sometimes anger--politics does that to me). But there are several women who always draw me in with their posts. They're not perfect, they're always raw and honest, and inviting the same. Some of these women I don't actually have a very close friendship with, but they draw me in like a moth to a flame.
Liz is artistic, musically and so many other ways. She is the picture of heartfelt. Always serving and giving, and living the hard life with people. I still have a hand-created memory book she made me for my first pregnancy. It is beautifully created with her own art. I had a miscarriage, and that was devastating. But I still keep that book and smile when I come across it, because so much love was poured into making it.
Jodi is athletic, organised, passionate, and health-conscious. She speaks up in her community to serve others, to help others see people and their stories. She raises a great group of kids, and pursues her health in a gracious and loving way. She is always being pulled a million directions, but makes you feel like she has time for you, to really see you.
Beth is compassionate, full of laughter, the most giving person I know. She loves everyone and their kids. Especially kids. She talks to kids like they are the most important people in the room--she really listens, and gets excited about what they are excited about. She has big dreams, and even though there are a lot of roadblocks on the way to those dreams, she never stops trying.
These women inspire me to be kinder. They love their families, communities, and the world around them. Thank you for living out loud my friends!
