It’s hard to write a post like this when you’re a person who hates goodbyes.
I tend to say “See you soon!” even if I don’t know when (or if) I’ll see you again. It’s gentle. Unassuming. And it allows me to postpone emotion indefinitely, which is the gift that keeps on giving.
However, as an adult, I have come to realize that there is something beautiful about the closing of one chapter, and it doesn’t have to mean that I fall apart and cry and try to act like it’s not happening. I mean, I still do all of those things, but underneath it all I recognize that part of saying “goodbye” is actually an opportunity to formally say “thank you.”
And that’s much prettier than “goodbye,” so let’s go with it.
Jess and I are so incredibly grateful for those of you who allowed us into your homes and hearts as we sat in various (classy) places like closets and bathrooms and filmed videos about books we loved. And there’s no pretending that we were professional about it, but that’s kind of what we loved. We just invited y’all in as friends and chatted about the way different stories had spoken to us.
Sometimes you do something that just feels like a fun way to connect and then you realize that it might have been more — there were friendships formed, ministries launched, and conversations we got to be a part of that might not have happened without the community that formed around our little book club.
How do you say “thank you” for that?
We’ve not taken a second of it for granted, that’s for sure. And for every single one of you who left a comment or reached out to another woman as a result of the books we shared, we want you to know it matters to us.
As life has gotten busier with kids and obligations, we knew this was a logical time to stop doing Bloom, but it wasn’t an easy choice. We know that (in)courage will continue a book club, and although we don’t know the details yet, we can already tell you it will be fantastic because we know the ladies behind the scenes, and they would settle for nothing less.
But as for Jess and me, well, we’ll miss you. And it’s pretty common for the right choice to not necessarily be the easiest choice. It’s bittersweet — and if you saw the video where we announced it (and my ugly cry), you’ll know that for a fact.
So, more than anything else . . . thank you.
We’ve loved it, and we’ll be forever grateful for the season when we got to set up our laptops, laugh, and cry as we read pages that shaped and changed us for the better.
We love you all more than you know, and because I can’t bring myself to say “goodbye,” you’ll have to settle for “see you soon.”
With all our love and thanks,
Angie and Jess
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Would you join us today in the comments to show some love & gratitude to Angie and Jess for all they’ve done to bring new friends and great books together over the last few years? We’d love to hear your favorite Bloom memories, funny stories, or about the book study that you loved most — whether you’ve joined us from the beginning or have only been with us for one study!
We’re very excited for the vision God has given us for our next book study in the fall, and we can’t wait to share it with you! If you’re not already signed up to receive daily emails from (in)courage, make sure you do that today so you don’t miss any of the announcements!
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Tami says
We will miss you in Bloom and will always smile to see you when we find your writings online somewhere! Thanks for being so comfortable to watch, inviting, like a favorite chair (I really mean that as a compliment! You two are great!).
Jessica says
I have been with the Bloom Book Club from the very beginning. In fact I got my first book from someone who donated the book to me. At that time in my life I wouldn’t have been able to participate without someone else’s generosity.
Paula White says
I first happened upon Bloom when you were beginning Ann Voskamp’s book 1000 Gifts. Little did I know that I was about to enter the worst three years of my life. Angie’s books ministered to me during that time and other Bloom books and videos. I loved very post and video. Thank you both for sharing your joy and your struggles and being real. Your laughter gave me hope that I would laugh again and now I am! God bless you both in the new season you are entering.
Amy M says
Even before I jumped in and started blogging myself, I’ve loved watching and reading along with you all in Bloom – not mention wishing I could start a book club half as fun. I’m glad to hear (in) courage still has plans for a book club in some form because books and discussion of ideas can be such great connectors. Wishing you all the best for your new season of life! You will be missed!
Debbie Putman says
I love the Bloom book club and the fun, contagious enthusiasm Angie and Jess bring to each discussion. Thank you for all you did to make this a joy in my life.
Joanne Peterson says
Thank you for time, commitment, and for the joy your brought to me. Thank you for bringing me to new realizations, and for the new way of thinking with your videos, and with the books. Thank you for the stretching. You will be missed.
Suse says
Will miss you! Bloom has been wonderful x
Brenda says
((( Hug ))) Bunches of blessings to you both. 🙂
Lauren A. Powell says
When I graduated from college a few years later in life than most, I was thrust back into the “Adult woman’s world” with gusto, to find myself scrambling for a sense of femininity and sanity in a world where I could produce little of the first and find little of the second. A friend recommended Incourage and I found bloom. Hallelujah!
When Papa called me away from my career in Psychology and into the world as a short-term foreign missionary for a year, I logged on and clung to the insight and “feel of home” the moment I came near Internet access!
When re-entry into the states became more than I could bare, Downton Abbey and a brand new Bloom series brought me back to my past time of cooking fun things and to the intentional living that God created me for!
As He led me away from my career once more and made my title Missionary my career… Just a few short months ago, I found incredible need for a few fringe hours myself and latched onto the study with white nuckles.
This has been a process… And I feel like you’ve led me through it. I’m sad to not see Angie and Jess on my screen during major transitions in my life but I’m grateful for the last 4 years spent with them and for the beautiful future Papa has prepared for them to pursue in His name. Thank you and “See Ya soon.”
Carleen says
Thanks for the gift of bloom! I started a group with Bread & Wine. It has been a pleasure sharing so much with you both. May God bless you both in your next adventure:)
Love from Colorado
Dawn B says
I have enjoyed Bloom Book Club! Felt like Angie and Jessica were my friends. Thank you! Thank you! For all the wonderful books, videos and laughs! Blessings to you both!
Karen G says
You two ladies are great and will missed greatly…….. Your laughter and tears made you real..
Amber says
What a rich blessing it was to be a part of this Bloom book club. It was the first one that I signed up and went through and I thank God for sharpening me through each of you, and through the awesome book “the Fringe Hours”.
Ang & Jess: Christ’s compassionate heart shines through you both. (*you too Robin~ you are a sweet encourager). Covering you in prayers as you obey the Lord with where He is calling you. Stay close to His side.. (I’ve learned that this is especially hard for me during the mountaintop experiences). Blessings to you and your families and blessings through you. May the Lord bless (in)courage ministry and all the women He brings here.
Angie, I’m so excited about your new book “Seamless” it looks so good! Jessica, you have the cutest freckles ever. 😀
For any woman reading this, remember: “You are altogether beautiful, my darling, there is no flaw in you” (Song of Solomon 4:7) and “You are God’s masterpiece. He has created you anew in Christ Jesus, so you can do the good things He planned for you long ago” (Eph 2:10). Love you all!
Heather says
I’ve loved watching the Bloom videos. They gave me so much joy and introduced me to many fabulous books. I’ve enjoyed reading many of your books Angie (still a few to get too), and I enjoy checking out Jessica’s blog each week. All the best to both of you in your future endeavors! You both seem like old friends even though I’ve never met either of you 🙂
Lisabeth Gustafson says
I have so enjoyed the Bloom Book Club in the times I have joined in. Uplifting, thought provoking, affirming. Thanks you Jess and Angie! You brought so much of yourselves to the table that it made it easier for the rest of us to jump in and share.
joanie says
Angie and Jessica,
Thank you so much for this book club! I can’t even tell you how much it has meant to me!
I’ve shared so many of the books with family and friends….I’ve loved them all!
Best of luck to you….hopefully, you will be a part of some of the books going forward…..
Pattie says
Thank you all for your leadership in this wonderful program!
Kristy Byers says
Jess and Angie. Thank you so much for your time and vision. We will miss your pretty faces and your insight. Thanks for inviting us to be part of your lives as well.
ioana says
I have followed the Bloom book club from the very beginning. I am grateful for the books and the wisdom that has been offered. Thank you, Angie and Jess!
Debi G says
I’m fairly new to the (in) courage website. I don’t remember hearing about Bloom. But, I’m thankful for all of the lessons I have learned as well as the encouragement I have received.
May God bless you as you are led in a different direction.
Suzy says
I’ve been a part of Bloom since the very beginning. I’ve read books I probably wouldn’t have read without being a part of the group. I have enjoyed each and every book and every video – you bought a lot of joy my way – through some of the darkest days of my life. I will miss you two – who knows maybe you will be back on as guests someday! I will look forward to the new study… and looking for new things in your lives! Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to broaden my horizons and making me laugh as I learned more about our heavenly Father and my walk with Him! God be with you and your families!
Tif says
Oh man, I cannot say how much you will be missed… Thank you for opening your heart with me and the many others.
Frances says
Thank you– from my heart!
KateEschbach says
You will be so very missed! Thank you for being a part of my home and my journey!
rochellesouthard says
You are amazing women. Thank you for pouring into our lives with your life experiences. You will be missed.
Laura K says
It’s bittersweet to see bloom come to an end. I’ve been part of so many of the book studies and have learned and grown with Angie and Jess and Robin, feeling part of the community. I always trusted your book selections and looked forward to them with anticipation. It felt like sharing life together with friends! Thank you girls for your dedication through the years. I’ve cried, laughed, stepped out of my comfort zone and enjoyed meeting other woman through the comments. Blessings to you all!
Shandee says
My first Bloom book club was “One Thousand Gifts” and I was hooked. Every video on every couch or at every table I truly felt like I was in the room with friends. I looked forward to each book announcement–mostly to see the out-takes and belly laugh along with you. Your genuine-ness drew us in and made us feel welcome and comfortable.
I will certainly miss the two of you hosting. I feel like I am saying “See you soon” to dear friends, just the way you feel when you finish reading a good book. Sad to see it end, so happy you experienced it.
Blessings in all your next endeavors.
Cindy says
Im sad to see u go, but i get it. My favorite book study was, “Pursue th Intentional Life”.
The author is a gem and her words wise. Thank you for introducing me to her work. Take care n be blessed in your future endeavors.
Cindy
suzy says
This was my first book club. It pushed me to read faster than normal because I wanted to “meet up” with my new community. Thank you for sharing and speaking so profoundly into my life.
eunice b says
This has been my first bloom, but I’ve enjoyed it so much! I’ve been searching for a local book study, and this came at the perfect time….I need to keep looking for a non-online study, too! 🙂 Thanks so much for investing in my life! Blessings as you continue to serve our Saviour!
Lyli Dunbar says
Thank you, Angie and Jessica. Each book you have chosen has breathed life into all the right places for me. I am so incredibly thankful for both of you.
michele says
Thank you Jessica and Angie for starting this in bloom book club. I have done several books with you ladies and always felt like I was right there on the couch, (coffeehouse in this last study.) You both exude sincerity, compassion, and a great sense of humor. Looking forward to following you both as life changes. You two ladies absolutely ROCK!!
Beth Williams says
Angie and Jess,
It is ok to say no to something good! Life gets busy and messy and God doesn’t want you stretched super thin! Good byes are never easy and we will certainly miss you both! I know God has plans for you and plans to keep a book club open somehow! With God nothing is impossible!!
Blessings 🙂
cathy says
This is definitely a season for change. Many changes have taken place in this space, my life and the lives of so many folks I love. God is doing something. Feels like a shell game. In any event, I know God’s in control and so with that thought I wish you both well. May joy fill your hearts as you move to the next phase of the lives God has destined for you and may His hand hold you closely as you navigate your way!
Connie says
Thanks for sharing your insights via Bloom and introducing me to many good book options. I was not aware of the club until this last year and so I have some catching up to do. I had always wanted to be in a book club but never found one in my area so this was perfect for me. I loved the laid back style and the honesty. I felt I had someone to commune with in my lonely and needy times. Thanks for being the vulnerable transparent sisters in Christ that I long for but so often are hard to find and connect with! God bless you as you enter a new phase of life.