As a writer, I have two voices. The one that is my best or aspirational self, the one that tries to encourage and uplift. But I also have another writing voice. My brutally honest, venting, cathartic voice, that doesn’t hide the difficulties of life. Outside of this blog, this is the one I have been needing to use lately in my writing.
I have been struggling to write, because these two voices are fighting. Trying to find my real voice, while not being a Debbie Downer, is a challenge. Because writing, or art, or music, is nothing if it is not honest. But all of us, including me, need to be encouraged and lifted up with words, not dragged down.
Where is the truth and honesty and cohesiveness in all this? I think by acknowledging that we are complex creatures created by God to have many different emotions. Happy, sad, confused, excited, angry, hopeful, distant, loving. We have good days, bad days.
So here it is today….just words that are grasping for honesty. Words that are saying that I don’t know all the answers to anything, but I know the God who does. Words that are attempting to lift up someone else who is struggling to stay positive during all this mess, just by stating something that maybe they are feeling.
Truth. Honesty. There is beauty in that, even if it is hard beauty.
Love, Lisa
Think About These Things 
Our faith becomes a tool to help us when things are at their worst. Do we Really believe God is in control or do we still want to be? You are so right, Lisa, we must speak the truth and the truth is that the more confused I get, the more I KNOW God isn’t.
I often share one of my practices at the beginning of the day – I find I need to give control of this day to God, because if I don’t, I know I will control for myself. With faith comes vulnerability – that we/I know I cannot control (or even know) the answers. When I find myself maneuvering TO an answer, in words, in thoughts, in deed, I know it’s time to get into my contemplative prayer stance – listening for God’s will and write that down so I don’t forget what I heard.
Loving your writings these days, Lisa. And – hey, Ms. Greeley!
Rev. Cathy (Liles) Sweeney
Cathy!! Wow!! I just found out how to check these for replies and saw this. So good to hear from you! Blessings – Debbie
I like the idea of writing down what you have heard in prayer time….it is good to remember. It always amazes me at how easily I forget!
This was such a thought-provoking post! Loved it! Yes, as a writer, one must try to encourage and uplift, but it is also very important to be REAL! Being REAL means being honest with people. We can identify with people when we realize we all have common hurdles to get over every day in our lives. Sometimes we can meet those challenges easily and sometimes we can’t! That is when our Lord comes to our rescue and enables us to “get back up” and give that challenge one more try!! But keep it real, Lisa, and hopefully you will be that encourager at the same time!