This post put to words what I have been feeling and thinking for the past few years. 2020 was jarring and has sent me into a restlessness to get back to who I was. I am constantly feeling pulled back to what has been comfortable or what seems new and like a solution. But when I lean into the present and what God has before me, my soul finds rest. Thank you for the reminder!
Your words remind me of a recurring theme that a friend and I have been coming back for months (maybe a year?). Padraig O'Tuama's words in "In the Shelter" on "here". I am afraid of my "here", but my hope for 2023 is to look around and see where I am. I have resisted what is here for me, but that doesn't change where I am.
Padraig quotes David Wagoner's poem "Lost":
"Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger."
Then later reflects:
"...we are prevented from being here not only by being frightened of certain places, but by the fear of being frightened of certain places. So, 'Stand still' the poet advises. Learn from the things that are already in the place where you wish you were not.
Yes to all of this. As I have gone through various transitions (some traumatic and some joyous) in my 30’s, I’ve realized that the old versions of myself are in fact, not coming back. There’s always room for growth, and learning about the new person who emerges within, as life continues to be lived. 
Love this, to me is says a lot about Acceptance. I enjoy your words, and also the comments of others. Happy 2023, and Blessings and Blissings on all our journeys!
Thank you so much for this. I have a new old friend who is going through hard times and I was recently sharing with her that the perfectionist writer that I am, takes forever sometimes to write words of encouragement to her, because I am constantly second guessing myself, fearing I won’t offer the correct words, the words I offer will be hurtful, I will be misunderstood... your description of this is spot on for me. And I am comforted to know I am not alone in this.
I think we hear more often about those who say things and regret their words after that it may feel surprising that some of us regret all the things we don't say. You are not alone =)
The most healing words ever been spoken to me “You are not alone”. That problem for me as a child, teenager, young adult of being alone was my journaling this morning as I poured that part of me out to Papa God. The first time those words were spoken to me, I was 48 years old. Those words cause comfort and angst within me. It’s true. But is it true? I am beginning to know in my heart it is. But the lie lingers that I am alone. Thank you for being the voice of The Spirit to my heart today. (Now, am I safe to send this? 😊)
This is beautiful and resonates with me. At the beginning of 2020 we had a traumatic birth in which we almost lost our baby, then a cross-country move in 2021 followed by months of not having a permanent home. Combine that with the unrest and loss that everyone has experienced in the last almost-3 years, and I don't even remember who I was before. And yet...God knew and He knows. I am still me, He is still here, and I am learning to adjust and lean in to how He grows and changes me here.
Thankyou for these words. I read your book and it sang to my heart and gave me so much freedom to hold curiosity and surety together without conflict. This for sure is the paradox of the Christian faith. God is with me, Immanuel❤️
Thank you Lore for this beautifully written piece. I found myself all over the page, even the part about words spoken. That happened just the other day, and I wondered as soon as they were out, where they really came from. Thank you again, keep writing.
I love this and it resonates with where I am (!) too. The word I’ve been hearing at the end of last year and the beginning of this one is curiosity. I’m looking forward in a year of a lot of new to see how God meets me just where I am.
This post put to words what I have been feeling and thinking for the past few years. 2020 was jarring and has sent me into a restlessness to get back to who I was. I am constantly feeling pulled back to what has been comfortable or what seems new and like a solution. But when I lean into the present and what God has before me, my soul finds rest. Thank you for the reminder!
Your words remind me of a recurring theme that a friend and I have been coming back for months (maybe a year?). Padraig O'Tuama's words in "In the Shelter" on "here". I am afraid of my "here", but my hope for 2023 is to look around and see where I am. I have resisted what is here for me, but that doesn't change where I am.
Padraig quotes David Wagoner's poem "Lost":
"Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger."
Then later reflects:
"...we are prevented from being here not only by being frightened of certain places, but by the fear of being frightened of certain places. So, 'Stand still' the poet advises. Learn from the things that are already in the place where you wish you were not.
"Hello to the fear of fear.
"Hello to here."
This is stunning. Thank you for sharing it. I’m going to look up In the Shelter now!
I was talking to a friend about this very thing over lunch today!! Thanks for holding space for this conversation.
Thank you, Lore ❤️ This was insightful & helpful to me today.
Such a good word, thank you for sharing
Yes to all of this. As I have gone through various transitions (some traumatic and some joyous) in my 30’s, I’ve realized that the old versions of myself are in fact, not coming back. There’s always room for growth, and learning about the new person who emerges within, as life continues to be lived. 
Yes, friend, the old versions are gone. Love you dear one. XOXO
Love this, to me is says a lot about Acceptance. I enjoy your words, and also the comments of others. Happy 2023, and Blessings and Blissings on all our journeys!
Ah, yes, acceptance. Yes, this is part of what's happening =)
Thank you so much for this. I have a new old friend who is going through hard times and I was recently sharing with her that the perfectionist writer that I am, takes forever sometimes to write words of encouragement to her, because I am constantly second guessing myself, fearing I won’t offer the correct words, the words I offer will be hurtful, I will be misunderstood... your description of this is spot on for me. And I am comforted to know I am not alone in this.
I think we hear more often about those who say things and regret their words after that it may feel surprising that some of us regret all the things we don't say. You are not alone =)
The most healing words ever been spoken to me “You are not alone”. That problem for me as a child, teenager, young adult of being alone was my journaling this morning as I poured that part of me out to Papa God. The first time those words were spoken to me, I was 48 years old. Those words cause comfort and angst within me. It’s true. But is it true? I am beginning to know in my heart it is. But the lie lingers that I am alone. Thank you for being the voice of The Spirit to my heart today. (Now, am I safe to send this? 😊)
This is beautiful and resonates with me. At the beginning of 2020 we had a traumatic birth in which we almost lost our baby, then a cross-country move in 2021 followed by months of not having a permanent home. Combine that with the unrest and loss that everyone has experienced in the last almost-3 years, and I don't even remember who I was before. And yet...God knew and He knows. I am still me, He is still here, and I am learning to adjust and lean in to how He grows and changes me here.
I am so sorry. That is a lot of difficult things to navigate. Prayers for you as you do.
Thankyou for these words. I read your book and it sang to my heart and gave me so much freedom to hold curiosity and surety together without conflict. This for sure is the paradox of the Christian faith. God is with me, Immanuel❤️
I love this! There is such freedom in holding the two together.
This is beautiful, Lore. Thanks for your words of presence.
Thank you for YOUR presence here!
Thank you Lore for this beautifully written piece. I found myself all over the page, even the part about words spoken. That happened just the other day, and I wondered as soon as they were out, where they really came from. Thank you again, keep writing.
❤️
I love this and it resonates with where I am (!) too. The word I’ve been hearing at the end of last year and the beginning of this one is curiosity. I’m looking forward in a year of a lot of new to see how God meets me just where I am.
Well you know I love that word =) I pray God meets you and surprises you =)