Last week, in preparation for my upcoming book, Glorious Weakness: Discovering God In All We Lack, I opened up book launch team applications. One of the questions was simply, “Why do you want to be on Alia’s launch team?”
I read the answers with tears of joy because even though writing this book often felt like it cost me everything, I’m passionate about it, and the love being poured out in support astounded me. God’s tenderness wrecked me.
I’ve spilled words online for the last seven years. You’ve offered your stories back to me. We’ve said me too, and our prayers mingled with our tears. I’ve felt space made for me as I’ve made space for you.
C.S. Lewis talks about the nature of praise and how it doesn’t come to fruition until it’s shared. Not in an oversaturated, plugged-in-online-24-7 way but in the nudge of the person next to you while saying, “Did you see that? Wasn’t it glorious!”
Wonder is consummate when we connect to the divine, when we are blown away and we can’t help but gasp and say, “Wow God, nice job!”
I continue to be astounded by God’s mercy. In the midst of anxiety, depression, sorrow, life in general, God’s goodness is a resounding truth.
If I shared the naked facts of my life, you might wonder if I was deluded believing such things against the constancy of suffering. But the facts don’t reveal the whole truth. If the truth of God’s goodness is unknown, it seems nothing but foolishness to the world.
Mostly, my writing is that conversation. It’s my space to say, “Can you see? Because God’s glory is everywhere, and it’s too much to absorb and hold quiet.” Even when I hurt, Jesus is near. Even when I don’t understand, He knows. Even when I am scared or alone or doubting, I am never forsaken. And neither are you.
God’s intention is always our flourishing and His glory, and they are never dissonant purposes. I know this now.
Are you listening to God’s lovesong? The chords are strung everywhere. I hope you hear them here when you read my words — even the ones I’ve written in the dark.
A wonder-filled life is simply bearing witness to our loves. We notice and acknowledge that we are loved through strong tea and warm mugs, crackling fireplaces and blushing sunsets. We are loved by the grasp of neighborly hands offering help, faithful tongues gathered in prayer, and the angelic swoon of old hymns. We are loved by our dog’s unmitigated adoration and hot soup. Goodness, soup should be its very own love language.
We are loved by peonies blooming in April, unraveling their petals like the arabesque of a ballerina’s tulle skirt. We are loved by brilliant words and good stories and the musty splendor of an old book. We are loved by kind eyes and me too’s.
We are heartsick for wholeness, and only God fills the emptiness. But it’s done in a thousand different ways. God is love — wouldn’t it make sense we’d feel Him most when living with our whole hearts?
Ask anyone suffering from anxiety or depression how easy it is to recall wholehearted living when their mind is sludge or racing so fast they can’t capture a clear thought.
Ask anyone struggling how easy it is to wonder at the goodness of God, instead of finding God’s goodness in wonder.
It’s no secret I’m rubbish at multitasking. And I have a lot of tasks, the least of which is surviving bipolar disorder. So in this season of launching my book, I’m holding to goodness with both fists.
The allure of fame has never known my name. I’m content with small. I’m content with personal and close and knowing my readers by face, name, and often story. It’s hard for me to know how to steward bigger spaces this book might bring, but I want to be faithful.
My family, friends, and readers remind me it’s okay to take time to steward these words. It’s okay to say it’s necessary and right to do what you love. It’s a way we are loved. To love something and commit to it because of the enjoyment of it, because the praise in it points back to God — that’s what I felt when I was reading those reader responses.
There is no divide between secular and sacred. Do the things you love; do them well. Enjoying God is the strongest proof that the gospel is real and enough.
So cook Julia Child’s beef bourguignon recipe, paint a watercolor sunset, sing at the top of your lungs. Write poetry on the backs of receipts and scraps of paper with your to-do list. Play in the snow and make angels with your arms spread wide like worship. Run till your heart pounds in your ears. Stop to pick wildflowers along the side of the road. Eat pie and burn the good candles on a weeknight. Browse the golden-paged stacks of the used bookstore. Pull out Settlers of Catan and invite the neighbors over for game night. Hold someone in your arms and let them hold you back.
We are loved by a good God.
In the past year of writing this book while battling chronic illness and the roller coaster of bipolar moods, God solidified my resolve to see His goodness, to understand it in a way that isn’t shattered by circumstances.
The language of hope must be practiced to stay fluent, and the syllables are love.
We are heartsick for wholeness, and only God fills the emptiness. - @AliaJoyH: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Alia Joy,
Cheering you on!! So many books seem to come from a simplistic, follow these 5 easy steps and you’ll be __________________. (fill in the blank). Writing during your brokenness is truly a broken hallelujah!! It is beautiful praise going up to God and testifying that even in the bleakest moments of mental illness or whatever illness, we can know God’s love, His closeness, His mercy, compassion, and His unending grace. I just wrote a post on embracing suffering (which sounds like an oxymoron or just plain ludicrous). In order to be made into the likeness of Christ, we must share in His suffering. It’s also in the suffering that we get to know God on the most intimate level. It’s crucial in life, at least for me, to let go of self-sufficiency and truly lean into Jesus. Oh how sweet the good days are when laid over top of the darkest of days. The world needs your voice and I will be first in line to buy your book. Way to go!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you Bev, it is a beautiful paradox indeed. There’s mystery in how misery is redeemed and made into ministry, but God is faithful. Always.
He never ceases to amaze us! What a glorious God we serve! When we are at our weakest, He is there to carry us! He never asks us to do anything that He won’t equip us for! What an amazing , amazing ,sorry, no words in our language to describe Him! Tears of joy flowing,
I loved your words today! Loved your heart for Him! Thank you! His love and strength is glorified in our weaknesses for then He
Is always glorified! I love this place all of you have made and come and share it is a beautiful place of peace and love.
I would love to be on your book launch team. Are you still accepting applications?
Hey Elizabeth, we just started on Monday but if you’re still interested, shoot me an email at aliajoywriter@gmail.com and we’ll see what we can do.
Alia, one of my favorite things about your writing is that I can tell you are writing in REAL time–as in, this post did not happen 6 weeks in advance of show time in order to meet an editor’s deadline. That takes a certain amount of faith and freedom that I, apparently, need to grow into.
Know that I am praying for you in these book launching days ahead.
I thought about this the other day because it would be helpful to have some archived posts to share but the vast majority of my writing is so centered and specific to time that they’re not the kind I can post a year later because while the truth remains, the situations are specific. Anyhow, thanks for your prayers. I appreciate them.
Alia, you have such a God-given gift with words. Thank you for sharing your struggles and moments of wonder through your beautiful writing! It touches many other souls 🙂
Thank you, Anne.
You just stilled my heart.
“The language of hope must be practiced to stay fluent, and the syllables are love”…
this statement means so much to me. How beautiful ! Thank you for sharing your heart , passion, love for the Lord!
I am not a writer but I understand going through a tough season. I still am passing through . Without the Lord and love if family and friends it would be so much more difficult . (Is that even a good sentence ? I’m from the Deep South, so it’s just how I speak ♥️)
I’m looking forward to reading your book.
Congratulations!
Smiles~
Lisa
Thanks, Lisa. Lots of people write just as they speak and it’s charming. Thanks for the encouragement!
Alia,
Your words so often speak the ones that are hidden in my soul. I love your frankness nestled in humility. Preach on, Sister!
Alia, I have a granddaughter that suffers with bi-polar as well. Thank you for writing down your thoughts especially those that include your faith views. God Bless your endeavor.
Thank you for truth that connects with me on a deeper level. You speak the words my heart whispers. You allow God to scoop you up in all your mess and show how he is putting you back together again. Beautiful and soul stirring words!
Alia,
Lysa Terkeurst says in “It’s Not Supposed to be this Way” that we are living between two garden of Edens. In the messy middle waiting in hopeful expectation for perfection & wholeness.” In this middle part we will have trials & tribulations to go through. But God can & will get us through them in His timing. Writing is difficult but writing while going through chronic illness is tougher still & a blessing to God. It sends the message that we can pull through with God’s love & hope. He is the one giving you the strength to keep on. Thank you for writing about a tough subject many don’t want to acknowledge. You are keeping that conversation on the forefront. Letting us know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Only with God’s love & hope can we endure. Yes we must practice seeing His beauty & hope by doing what we love. I know this book will be a joy & help to many women going through mental illness. Thank you for writing this important book. I’m rooting for you during this time! Praying for you as you struggle to complete the book & handle you illness.
Blessings 🙂
So encouraging! Thank you!
Alia, You bless me again and again with your words not simply because they are beautiful words (which they are) but even moreso because they have been tested in the fire. As I walk through my own journey of finding hope and strength in daily life, including depression and anxiety and physical illness, I look for guides and companions who have been there themselves and are experiencing the reality of God’s grace right smack in the middle of that place. Thank you for sharing your own journey with such vulnerability and grace. I can’t wait to read your book!
Thank you, Carolyn, I’m glad to walk this journey with you.
Alia, I am weeping as I read your post. It resonates with every chord in my heart. Truly, we are surrounded by His love, at all times. When we can feel it, and when we can’t.
Hugs. Indeed, we are.
Thank you for sharing these words with us. I do appreciate your honesty and allowing yourself to be revealed that others will see and find hope in Christ. Your heart has been beautifully touched by the Lord in the midst of depression and that does gives hope to others to find their way to the wholeness that only God can give through His Son Jesus. Blessings to you…
Alia, Your writing is beautiful. You have a REAL talent. As a fellow writer about hope, I am anxious to order and read a copy of your book! You are a gift to us. In the pain, in the triumph, in the dark and in the light. Never forget he sees you. He is the lifter of your head, and a shield around you. You radiate trust in the One who gives power in our weakness. and I can’t wait to cheer for you when you hit bestseller lists and the impact of your book changes lives… one weary soul at a time.
PS agree on every single level to this: “Goodness, soup should be its very own love language.” : )
and this: …”God solidified my resolve to see His goodness, to understand it in a way that isn’t shattered by circumstances.” continue to be a hope-bearer! He’s got you in the palm of his hand girl. Enjoy the ride!
Thanks, Sarah, whatever happens with the book, God’s got it under control and also there’s always soup!
So delighted to find you as I began my quest for a simple abundant life in Jesus!! Your words sound like a love song to my heart.
May God richly bless you as you share your journey!!
Thanks!
Sue (a fellow bi-polar Who is still becoming)
Bless you, Suzanne.
{Insert Gushing Comment Here!} ❤️ I love you so!
Here at the prompting of my dear friend, Brad Sargent. We are two who know the struggles of living in deep brokenness and living by baby steps. I resonate with your words and heart…I look forward to reading your book — Brad’s praise is high praise, indeed. Be blessed as you live present in the splendor of our amazing God.
Brad has been an amazing encouragement. I’m so glad we connected here.
❤️❤️❤️❤️