He finds me in the kitchen stirring jambalaya and adding parsley to the crockpot bowl. He sidles up next to me and almost whispers it,
“Guess what happened today, Mama?”
I turn to find his eyes flickering warmth like a good spring day and ask, “What happened today?”
“Well, I showed some of my drawings to my friend Harry, and he liked them! He said he thought I was a really good artist.”
I smile big and answer, “Well, that’s because you are a very good artist!”
He gives me a look that says You have to say that because you’re my Mama.
No son, I say it because it’s true. But perhaps it’s more expected that Mama-me would say it. It’s not expected from others, and I think that’s what makes it exciting. I see this written all over his handsome little face: Kind encouragement from others wipe the grime and dust from our own mirror showing us a more genuine, beautiful picture of ourselves.
It makes the real us feel known.
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I am known in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” ~1 Corinthians 13:12
God knows us fully, right down to the dustiest corners of our heart. We rest in this always because He loves us always. But sometimes, He surprises us by dropping unexpected encouragement into our laps from other folks, the kind of encouragement that can turn an inheritance of grief into an inheritance of grace. The kind that surprises us by helping us see ourselves more accurately.
Recently I read a beautiful, poignant memoir called The Artist’s Daughter by Alexandra Kuykendall. I met Alex at Allume last fall and then again in Denver a couple weeks ago. She is honest, genuine, and pure delight – all qualities that dance in her lovely writing.
In The Artist’s Daughter, Alex writes of her childhood as the daughter of a single doting mother and a famous Spanish artist who was not regularly involved in her life. While I have no idea what it’s like to grow up without a father, I can identify with wounds caused by disappointing realities and wishing for different, of wanting to be fully known as only God sees. And really, who couldn’t?
Alex writes of how she learned to turn an inheritance of grief into one of grace, and what this looks like in herself, her marriage, and her mothering. It is a compelling story that touches tender places relevant to my life and probably yours, too.
Because I loved it so much, I’m {surprise!} giving away one copy to one person who links up *or* comment below. I will draw a winner from the total link-ups and comments and announce that winner on the blog next week. But if you don’t want to wait for your own copy of The Artist’s Daughter, you may now find it here or here.
May it bless you as wildly as it blessed me.
Giveaway copy generously provided by Revell.
If you are sharing your own surprise story, here are some things to remember:
1. New to link-up’s or have questions? Read this first.
2. Since we all dig surprises, please surprise another writer by leaving a comment on her post *or* by giving her a facebook shout-out or tweet. Use the hashtag: #outoftheblue.
3. Be sure to include the out of the blue banner {see below} in your post or link back to Chasing Blue Skies so your readers can join in the fun. That way, we can all easily find each other.
Next week’s prompt: A memory of spring that surprises you! I’ll just tell you right now mine might have something to do with all the springtime snow we’ve seen. {Hello, 2 hour school delay on May 2nd!} I look forward to reading how your own unexpected surprise story of spring increased your joy or made a difference in your life!
[badge]
Kristen,
How true…just when I feel like I don’t have anything of real use to offer, God drops a voice of encouragement into my lap. I know I’m not always good at following the prompts, but I have so enjoyed the friendships I’ve built through linking up with other writers. Their encouragement has often kept me going and writing. So forgive me if I’m not always the best at following directions. Thanks for the encouragement of your post today…I truly needed it!
Blessings,
Bev
Adore you, Bev!
Tell that “not so little anymore, boy I would love to see some of his pictures.
“Kind encouragement from others wipe the grime and dust from our own mirror showing us a more genuine, beautiful picture of ourselves.” So true Kristen. You have once again shared truth so beautifully.
I’m not sure if my post will come off reflecting an element of surprise, but it was written out of being pleasantly surprised last weekend by how powerful being part of community can be.
I love these Thursday’s together and echo what Bev shared…I’ve so enjoyed new friendships being formed as a result. Bless you for your kind, kind heart.
Beth
As a neglected child I know first-hand this kind of pain. I just finished reading “The Emotionally Absent Mother”. It was very helpful and I recommend it to anyone suffering the “loss” of a parent. Can’t wait to read “The Artist’s Daughter”.
Thank you for these emails. They are a hilight in my day. I have found that when someone has given me a book or suggested one, it is as if God himself has something to tell me. I feel this book may be the same. Not sure how you are giving them away – my address is:
Sue Snyder
2102 Delphos Drive
Erie, PA 16509
Thank you for all you give to all of us!!
God’s blessings
Sue, thank you so much for that gracious compliment.
I will draw a winner from the link-ups and comments. If you win, I’ll be sure to contact you!
Much love.
Sounds like a great book! Would love to read it. Thank you!
It sounds a great book!
Love this post, and would enjoy reading the book! Thanks for all your fresh wisdom, and understanding. I always enjoy your blog posts!
I recently had the good fortune to attend a MOPS conference and listen to Mrs. Kuykendall speak about this book. I was brought to tears. We have had very different lives but I identified with recovering from scars of the past. I can’t wait to read the book!
Thanks so much,
Vonnie Johnson
Vonnie, The next time we are in the same room you must say hello. If you were “moved to tears” you are my kinda woman. I have a terrible (well wonderful really) reputation at MOPS International of being “the crier”. I will pray now as I wash my kitchen dishes with your journey of “recovering from scars of the past”.
Alexandra, Are you Carol’s daughter? If so, I listened to your mom speak back in my days of attending MOPS conferences and have ready her books. I would love to read yours! Blessings to you, Bev ( a sister “crier” ) 🙂
Excuse me, I meant to say daughter-in-law? Oops! Bev
Yep, she is Bev!
It’s tough not having a father growing up. I had a step dad but longed for a sense of belonging. It wasn’t until after being married and having 3 kids that I surrendered to God and realized He was the only father I ever needed.
That sounds like a good book. I’d love to read it. 🙂
Kristen! I love this: “But sometimes, He surprises us by dropping unexpected encouragement into our laps from other folks, the kind of encouragement that can turn an inheritance of grief into an inheritance of grace. The kind that surprises us by helping us see ourselves more accurately.”
Thanks for your encouragement to ME tonight. 🙂 So loved your comment on my blog. I’ve been working super hard on honing my voice/writing style so your comment was super encouraging. I may or may not have grinned stupidly. 🙂
I would love to read this book. I was widowed at the age of 24 with a 10 month old baby girl. It’s been a lifetime of hoping that between God and me, we are enough for her to grow in grace. She graduates from high school in a month. Whew the emotions! Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway!
Christy,
My mother made all of the difference in my life. I will pray for your daughter and her unique journey to know she is loved.
I would love to get a copy of this book. As of member of MOPS I enjoy reading their theme books, they always do a great job of picking them out.