Last night I watched three incredible women, (Jen, Jessica, and Rachel) kill it live on Facebook. They’re world-changing BFF’s so I had to find a way to get in on some of that action. Just from the tiny peek I watched, I scribbled dry-erase notes all over my bathroom mirror. Those notes started with the words “Natural Margin – there’s no such thing. If you want the margin to do the things you dream of, something’s gotta give.”
That could have been a mic drop right there.
But they went on. They talked about how love looks different to different people in different situations. That one way to show up and love someone well, when you’re not sure how, is to flat-out ask them, “What would love look like here?” and then to listen really well to the answer.
So simple, and so WISE!
Jen Hatmaker’s book, Of Mess & Moxie ~ wrangling delight out of this wild and glorious life, comes out today and I’m giddy excited. I didn’t get an early copy, but I certainly pre-ordered. So I’m waiting on pins and needles for that thing to arrive today. Not that I have any clue how I’m going to fit reading it into my current life, because there’s certainly no “natural margin” this summer, but something’s going to give. It’s going to happen. Trust me. The tippy top of my nightstand book pile has a reserved sign on it. And I think even a spotlight shining down from heaven above.
Why all the excitement?
The reasons are many, but let’s just touch on this one. In her description of the book, Jen defines Moxie as “The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage; sass, determination, pluck.” and she believes women have been demonstrating that forever. She says,
“Life is hard, disappointing, painful, shocking, exhausting, aggravating, boring. However you want to say it, life is MESSY.
But somehow women have gotten the message that pain and failure means they must be doing things wrong, that they messed up the rules or tricks for a seamless life. As it turns out, every last woman faces confusion and loss, missteps and catastrophic malfunctions, no matter how much she is doing “right.” Struggle doesn’t mean they’re weak; it means they’re alive.”
This is the thing.
This is the love song I’ve been writing to you. Struggle doesn’t mean you’re weak.
It means you’re alive.
Whatever you’re struggling with today, whatever kept you up last night, the thing that was on your mind when you opened your eyes this morning. . . it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
It’s a sign of life.
Life is hard, confusing, frustrating and messy. And it’s okay. It’s okay as long as we keep talking about it, together. As long as we’re laughing about it, together. As long as we’re living and learning, together.
So grab Jen’s book.
Let’s read it together.
Show me your Moxie!
to more love,
Crystal
P.S. In case you were wondering, I don’t make a red cent off those links – just the joy of your laughter and the healing tears slipping down your cheeks.
