9 Comments

"Do you still hear me? Do you see me? Do you know what's going on in my life right now? Are you proud of me?"

I've been repeating these questions in my head since last week. My brother passed away in January 2015 and this year I keep wondering what he'd think of me now..

Expand full comment

Hey John

I'm just not there yet to speak on the transition of my beloved husband Mickey. It's been two half years and it seems sooooo fresh, as if it just happened yesterday. I do enjoy you sharing, I've been so busy this month, plus avoiding saying this much. However, praying your new normal is working well for you and your precious family. Take care

Expand full comment

“A strange belief that silence is an eraser that wipes away past acts of indiscretion”. But it’s not true, is it. John-your writing is such a gift. I could smell the indiscretion, feel the experience as you wrote about it. And oh, how I have claimed that “strength” until it almost broke me.

I can’t imagine how vulnerable it must feel to put yourself out there in this public way but I am so grateful you do. Blessings. And thanks be to the One who never shames us.

Expand full comment

I have a belly full of emotion in response to this post yet the emotions aren’t creating words. I’mma sit with this. Thanks for this. Vulnerability is a quiet strength only afforded to a few and you thought enough of your community to share yours. I have been testing griefy waters with regarding my mom in the present tense.

You are in many ways a professor of grief (yikes such a title) yet your calling to help many of us is spilling over into other areas of our lives where we are finding powerful joy in simple splendid things. God knows. Only God knew how to bring depth into such painful shallow places. Thanks.

Expand full comment

A thought in form of question: Could writing for discovery be similar to journaling an experience (life) serving as a means of therapy? Somehow putting those in writing helps with processing.

Agree that knowledge of others experiencing hard, sorrow, or just brokenness in general can be a source of comfort and opportunity to comfort others.

Expand full comment