I just finished the last word of my first draft of Fresh Out of Amazing. I can’t lie, I’m a bit relieved. Though I haven’t crossed a finish line of any sorts I feel like I have accomplished something I never knew possible. And at the same time, I’m actually feeling ever bit fresh out of amazing myself. Honestly, as I started writing I thought much of the past year would have been enough material for the book to be written from a real place. But God in his mercy has allowed me to continue to experience the depth of my own lack in the midst of moving chapter by chapter. The hardest part of writing is writing but also living while writing.  A friend mentioned to me the other day, “I am never writing a book called Fresh Out of Amazing because those are some tough lessons to go through.” She then added she was working on a book called, How to Win a Million Dollars. Of course I offered to co-write that with her should she need any help.

I don’t mean for this to sound like complaining at all. I just know what it is like to sit on the other side of a the screen,read the words of others, and wonder what life is like for them 9-5. Does it look like mine?  Do they cry as they are doing laundry or wish they could find words for those around them who are broken and hurting in far greater degree? Do they have children who struggle or wonder how to encourage their husband? I don’t know why we do it, but it is easy to assume those writing encouraging words have it all together. I assure you most don’t. I found this quote this past week that really sums up what I’ve been living:

“Do not believe that he who seeks to comfort you lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life has much difficulty and sadness and remains far behind yours. Were it not otherwise he would never have been able to find these words.”

Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

Can I give you a solid example of this from just yesterday? If you had been at my church yesterday you would have been tremendously blessed by my pastor’s message on Acts 3 and the healing of the lame beggar. Just before the message I had the chance to sing a duet called “My Tribute” with one of our worship leaders and our choir. One line of the song says, “If I should gain any praise, let it go to Calvary…” Whoa, what a song. I was so honored to sing it. You might have joined the congregation in singing with us, “To God be the glory for the things he has done.” It was a glorious moment of worship.

Had you stayed after the message you would have witnessed another moment that brought this mom to tears. Our church extended an invitation for those who needed prayer to come forward. My husband and I accompanied our nine year old to the front at her request. She wanted to ask for prayer for herself. You see, she has been very sick this past year. And though we have some answers this precious girl deals with tough stuff every day. God was so gracious to allow us to be prayed over by one of our favorite pastors—one my daughter has deeply connected with during her journey. It was sweet. But it also reminded me that I can’t fix all the hard stuff in her life. I can’t promise her healing in this world. Fresh out of amazing much of the time comes with more questions than answers. Today I still have a few, but I know who has the answers. God has not left us in this journey, his invitation continues to be to see him in it and worship him no matter what.

So there you have it. In one hour you would have seen worship and brokenness. That is where I’m living these days. And while I am so excited to be penning a message I trust brings you great encouragement, I need you to know, I need it for my heart as well.

xo,

Stacey

P.S. You can find out more about my book Fresh Out of Amazing here.