Oh, man, I wish we knew each other well enough that you could just call me and unload your brain at times like this. (I'm going to be 67 in June, so think of me in the role of an aunt who wants to support, not as a fan-girl or something.) I love what you've told us about what you're reading and how it's helping. If I may add one thing to all of that, it is this from writer Louise Penny. She said that the best advice she'd gotten on handling writer's block was that she'd been writing her drafts for all of the critics she'd more or less imagined. Her counselor said to thank the critic but show them the door. That's kind of on the same order as "Let them, then let me," but I see it as a quick note that we're often dealing with inner critics more than the external ones.
I enjoy your homilies. I enjoy the intensity you bring to whatever is on your mind at the moment. As a supportive aunt, I would remind you gently that such energy is a gift, but it still needs boundaries because sometimes we turn it onto ourselves.
Sending good vibes on your continued work and creativity.
You will finish it and it will be good. And we who reach for your writing for clarity and honesty, and a dose of much needed humor in a really cranky world, will read it and be blessed. Shalom.
I didn't read the book but I found the idea of Let Them very freeing, in that serenity-prayer sort of way. I'm curious how you think about it more systemically/culturally, as people take a sledgehammer to norms and institutions, the rule of law, basic civility, etc. I think "let me" is an important part of the puzzle--we're not shrugging our shoulders and saying "oh well"--but I continue to struggle with how to think about Let Them in light of, well, ~gesturing at everything~
I'm thinking about what's the appropriate way to take this advice to the current political situation. When I was a child, there were many times when my environment was violent and I was powerless to change it. I responded by submission, which BTW didn't improve the situation at all. Now as an adult, I don't have to condone unethical behavior. I may not be able to stop it, but I can voice that I don't approve of it and can encourage others to also voice their objections. I don't know the impact of my voice and actions, but I respect myself a lot more this way.
And, yes absolutely, I think that's where "let me" comes into play. We have agency to do what we can right where we are.
There are people who absolutely delight in what's going on in the world and may never be convinced otherwise, certainly not by me. There's something clarifying, and maybe even freeing, in recognizing that reality. Because there are other people who can be influenced and persuaded, and that is where the focus should be.
I must have listened to you too much on Facebook, because when I was reading this, I heard your voice in my head!!!! Thank you for the good advice. I have a hard time letting go and letting others do whatever they are going to do.
Your life experience as a PK, is similar to my life with parents who were youth group leaders and also did backyard Bible clubs. I can identify with the pressure you were/are under. Your best followers are gonna be the ones who show up because you are being your genuine self. 😉
I cracked up when you told the little girl your grandparents are all dead and realized how that probably wasn't the best thing to say to a kid. 🤣 This is me. I say things like this sometimes. Ok.. more times than I want to admit. Lol. Never on purpose or to upset/offend.. but... 😬🫣😬
Thank you for the love and the humor you are putting out into the world! I need these kinds of messages right now!!
Firstly, I love your writing and look forward to when your book comes out!
But also, if you are looking for a rabbit hole to go down, look into Mel Robbins plagiarism problem and how she stole the “Let Them” theory from Cassie Phillips.
This is really helpful. I appreciate your humility and humor. I am grateful for your writing and your videos. I am glad you speak your mind and challenge the status quo. That is what a good pastor does, since that is what Jesus did. I hope I can find a pastor like you in Denver, because I left two in Maryland that I miss.
Don't stop writing. I'm trying to do that as well although, I don't have an agent, a deadline in mind, or, oh hell, nothing concrete. I just sit and type and laugh and cry and ponder how all that I'm writing about (mostly things from parents and their wisdom) has made me who I am. Just like God shapes us if we allow the Spirit to lead. I loved the comment about analysis becomes paralysis. Yes, at times, it does. One church proof-reader (not at my current one) bitched how I used the comma. Let them! Take that,,,,,,,,,,, Thank you, Joseph. This was a welcomed respite in my paralysis from over-analysis. And,,,that,,,,it the truth!
Wrestling with life: The gist of it is we can only control what our responses are to the situations around us. I really liked your “essay”. Let them, let me! 💙
My friend. Strife keeps us ever forward. Satisfaction creates complacency. That is the way of our Creator. Rejecting that causes us to be unhappy. Strife keeps us ever forward. On and on it goes until we see that by accepting strife we become free of it.
Keep writing! Because every. single. thing. you write is so good. Rich with value and extremely pertinent for L-I-F-E today. Thank you!
Love this. Thank you, I needed this.
Oh, man, I wish we knew each other well enough that you could just call me and unload your brain at times like this. (I'm going to be 67 in June, so think of me in the role of an aunt who wants to support, not as a fan-girl or something.) I love what you've told us about what you're reading and how it's helping. If I may add one thing to all of that, it is this from writer Louise Penny. She said that the best advice she'd gotten on handling writer's block was that she'd been writing her drafts for all of the critics she'd more or less imagined. Her counselor said to thank the critic but show them the door. That's kind of on the same order as "Let them, then let me," but I see it as a quick note that we're often dealing with inner critics more than the external ones.
I enjoy your homilies. I enjoy the intensity you bring to whatever is on your mind at the moment. As a supportive aunt, I would remind you gently that such energy is a gift, but it still needs boundaries because sometimes we turn it onto ourselves.
Sending good vibes on your continued work and creativity.
You will finish it and it will be good. And we who reach for your writing for clarity and honesty, and a dose of much needed humor in a really cranky world, will read it and be blessed. Shalom.
I have to finish. Otherwise I have to return the money. 😅
Good luck with the writing!
I didn't read the book but I found the idea of Let Them very freeing, in that serenity-prayer sort of way. I'm curious how you think about it more systemically/culturally, as people take a sledgehammer to norms and institutions, the rule of law, basic civility, etc. I think "let me" is an important part of the puzzle--we're not shrugging our shoulders and saying "oh well"--but I continue to struggle with how to think about Let Them in light of, well, ~gesturing at everything~
I'm thinking about what's the appropriate way to take this advice to the current political situation. When I was a child, there were many times when my environment was violent and I was powerless to change it. I responded by submission, which BTW didn't improve the situation at all. Now as an adult, I don't have to condone unethical behavior. I may not be able to stop it, but I can voice that I don't approve of it and can encourage others to also voice their objections. I don't know the impact of my voice and actions, but I respect myself a lot more this way.
First, I'm sorry that happened to you.
And, yes absolutely, I think that's where "let me" comes into play. We have agency to do what we can right where we are.
There are people who absolutely delight in what's going on in the world and may never be convinced otherwise, certainly not by me. There's something clarifying, and maybe even freeing, in recognizing that reality. Because there are other people who can be influenced and persuaded, and that is where the focus should be.
I had the same thought, but it seems like all of the examples are personal.
I must have listened to you too much on Facebook, because when I was reading this, I heard your voice in my head!!!! Thank you for the good advice. I have a hard time letting go and letting others do whatever they are going to do.
Your life experience as a PK, is similar to my life with parents who were youth group leaders and also did backyard Bible clubs. I can identify with the pressure you were/are under. Your best followers are gonna be the ones who show up because you are being your genuine self. 😉
I cracked up when you told the little girl your grandparents are all dead and realized how that probably wasn't the best thing to say to a kid. 🤣 This is me. I say things like this sometimes. Ok.. more times than I want to admit. Lol. Never on purpose or to upset/offend.. but... 😬🫣😬
Thank you for the love and the humor you are putting out into the world! I need these kinds of messages right now!!
Firstly, I love your writing and look forward to when your book comes out!
But also, if you are looking for a rabbit hole to go down, look into Mel Robbins plagiarism problem and how she stole the “Let Them” theory from Cassie Phillips.
I know. I recently just saw that and gave an exasperated: 'of course Mel did' sigh.
not too surprised... which is a shame, no?
Thanks for being such a human human. All shall be well…
This is really helpful. I appreciate your humility and humor. I am grateful for your writing and your videos. I am glad you speak your mind and challenge the status quo. That is what a good pastor does, since that is what Jesus did. I hope I can find a pastor like you in Denver, because I left two in Maryland that I miss.
Don't stop writing. I'm trying to do that as well although, I don't have an agent, a deadline in mind, or, oh hell, nothing concrete. I just sit and type and laugh and cry and ponder how all that I'm writing about (mostly things from parents and their wisdom) has made me who I am. Just like God shapes us if we allow the Spirit to lead. I loved the comment about analysis becomes paralysis. Yes, at times, it does. One church proof-reader (not at my current one) bitched how I used the comma. Let them! Take that,,,,,,,,,,, Thank you, Joseph. This was a welcomed respite in my paralysis from over-analysis. And,,,that,,,,it the truth!
I hope this part makes it into the book! I will keep returning to it ❤️
Wrestling with life: The gist of it is we can only control what our responses are to the situations around us. I really liked your “essay”. Let them, let me! 💙
My friend. Strife keeps us ever forward. Satisfaction creates complacency. That is the way of our Creator. Rejecting that causes us to be unhappy. Strife keeps us ever forward. On and on it goes until we see that by accepting strife we become free of it.