I almost didn’t go.
Our first week of homeschooling had been rough and I was mentally (and physically!) exhausted. The idea of interacting with so many women overwhelmed my very introverted heart and I tried to come up with reasons to stay home: You’re kinda awkward. You have to bring your baby and that will just ruin the whole experience. No one reads your blog anyway. Thank goodness, I didn’t listen to those negative voices in my head.
The conference was generously hosted at Ana‘s home and the three main speakers were Elizabeth, Kelly and Mary. All four women spoke so beautifully and I’ve been thinking about their wisdom ever since. Here are just a few:
Your Story Matters
Have you ever had truth spoken to you that almost shakes you to your core? This one line was that for me. For years, I’ve struggled with the idea that I’m just adding to the Internet noise, that my blog sounds like a narcissist who only talks about herself, that I really have nothing of any substance to offer the world. To have someone tell me (well, the whole group, but it felt like it was said just for me) that the little things I write here matter…I was speechless and humbled. Now to begin to believe it.
You Can Still Have Joy Amidst the Suffering
What’s the saying? “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” It’s so true. Because many stories are not just mine to tell, I often don’t share much of the difficult parts of my life. But like everyone else, my life is messy and complicated and sometimes really, really hard. So in an attempt to combat the negative, I use this blog as a way to seek joy even in the suffering. I intentionally seek gratitude when it feels like there’s nothing really to be thankful for. Mary said that, despite all of her suffering, people still tell her that she’s so filled with joy. I really hope that I can live my life so people will say the same about me.
Your Blog Can Be What You Make of It
I started this blog six years ago, a young mom of three little boys and in need of something that fueled my creativity. Through the years, my writing has ebbed and flowed. I’ve grown and changed and the blog has done the same. During my break this past spring, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to share and the direction I wanted to take. Now, months later, I don’t have many clear answers, but I’m still showing up. I think that’s a good thing.
A Community of Like-Minded Bloggers is a Gift
Being in community with so many like-minded women is so special. Shortly after returning home from the conference, I was reading in St. Josemaria Escriva’s The Way and came across this passage:
…Unity and variety. You have to be different from one another, as the saints in Heaven are different, each having his own personal and very special characteristics. But also, you have to be as identical as the saints, who would not be saints if each of them had not identified himself with Christ. – #947
The bloggers at the conference represented a beautifully wide range and yet we all had our faith in common. Unity and variety. What a privilege and a gift.
P.S. In case you’re curious, P was a good baby conference attendee! He wouldn’t stay with the sitters, but was happy and mostly non-distracting.
Thank you, Rosie, for the pictures!
He was SUCH a good conference baby! I didn't even try Edith with the sitters, I knew she wouldn't stay… But I was so glad they were there for the other babies! I'm so glad you came 🙂
I'm glad you were encouraged! I don't read blogs every day like I used to, but I do enjoy sitting down and reading several when I have time. Yours is one that I still keep on my list, and that is a compliment, as I don't follow a ton anymore — just the ones I find interesting or inspiring. Good writing is important to me, and I always enjoy reading yours. I used the "encourage one another" verse this past week when putting together handouts for a moms' meeting, and it was put completely into perspective when I read the preceding verses about why we should encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)… because Christ died for us.
Thank you so much for reading, it means SO much!
Thank you for sharing your story. I find your blog inspiring too and your chronicling of those dear and hard familiar homeschooler, homemaker days that I have too helps me feel not alone! I would have loved to go to that conference!