I have blogged before. And been “unsuccessful.” You see, I wouldn’t consider myself “much of a writer” (as I have said to friends in the past). I am a musician. I sing and play piano. I am a high school teacher. I am pretty good at those things. But ask me to write – about anything – a journal, a song, etc….and it is like my head goes into overdrive. I over think it. I go at it 100% then fizzle out part of the way through. I have been known to say “but I have no voice! I have nothing worthwhile to say!”
But in early August, I stumbled upon a wonderful community of women at She Reads Truth (www.shereadstruth.com). This is an online community where women read Bible plans together and share their hearts, thoughts, etc. on scripture and encourage each other. This began to inspire me. I have been struggling, recently, with utilizing my voice appropriately. I have my Facebook, of course, but I have found that oftentimes this is not the best place to share ones heart.
Then the election came and went. And the nastiness amongst fellow believers online tore my heart to pieces. I lost a few Facebook friends (some who I am close with!) because we differed politically. And I became sad. Depressed, even. Why is it that I am so afraid to share what is on my heart with others? Am I still afraid of rejection, at 31 years old? Isn’t that supposed to go away once you become a woman, a mom even? Apparently not, as I am now learning. God spoke to me in the days following the election. Clearly I heard him saying to me, that instead of dwelling on the negative, I must utilize my online social medium(s) as a means to edify and uplift others, specifically women (young women and women my age), during this time. Instead of complaining and feeling sad about how NEGATIVE Christians (and others, for that matter) have treated each other, I should use my words to uplift.
And with that, my blog idea was born. I sought out friends who blog and asked advice. I spoke to some of the ladies in my She Reads Truth community. I even read a wonderful e-book called the “No Brainer Blog” by one of the lovely ladies in the She Reads Truth community, Haley Twigg (side note – I highly recommend this book – it really helped me!). And I have read God’s word, prayed and listened to LOTS of worship music.
So…the goal for this blog is simple – I want to share my heart with you all. I want to share God’s word with you and songs that inspire me, pose questions, dig through spiritual and lifestyle issues & ideas together, so that we can glorify God. It is my hope that YOU, my sweet sisters (and brothers!) in Christ, will be encouraged to keep on keepin’ on in the faith simply by reading my blog.
I am so looking forward to this new journey and partnering along side you in the faith. Blessings to you all! 🙂
Waiting With Joy 
Carrie~~
Congratulations on the launch of your blog!! 🙂
I’m so excited for your future posts! I know you’ll be genuine in your posts and I pray that others will see your heart and be inspired by you! 🙂
Thanks for your support,friend!!! 🙂 I appreciate you!
This is brilliant, Carrie. I look forward to the next installment. Thanks for posting it to Facebook. 🙂
Thanks Dominique!!! I so appreciate your support!
Carrie I’m so proud that you have the courage to do this blog. I too am very afraid of putting my words on paper(or online). I hope your blog inspires me to be able to drop this fear one day, especially since I’m a 4th grade teacher and writing is so critical for my students.
Katheryn – that is so sweet! I hope we both can be inspired to be authentic!
Welcome aboard! 🙂 And never doubt your ability to write — this is a lovely introduction.
I also struggle with the fear of rejection and I’ll be 30 this year (oh my, how weiiird to say that!). My blog originally was a place where NO ONE in real life, aka the people from whom I feared rejection the most, could find me. I’m slowly making its presence known to them. Excited to be in community with you as we seek to make a difference! Happy new year indeed!
Thank you Krista!! I appreicate it. 30 isn’t so bad, I just turned 31! You’ll love it! Looking forward to journeying together with you!
Love you Carrie! Excellent first post… You’ll have to keep with it or I will nag you. 😉 but in a positive–uplifting way.
Love you too, girl! Of course I will keep up with it. And I love your nagging, it definitely helps.
Hi Carrie! I came across your post on the influence network introduction page and saw you were a worship leader, so I had to come check out your new blog! 🙂 Love reading why you started this blog and how God has given you a vision to share with others! I’m a worship leader/singer-songwriter as well… and have been blogging since 2006, but struggle through it myself. I get into “overdrive” as well and never can quite communicate all that is on my heart and mind sometimes. Good to know I’m not alone there! Haha. Look forward to reading and growing right along with you! 🙂
Cassidy, that’s awesome! I absolutely love worship leading. Ill get to do more when we plant the church in Phoenix. I’m so excited to hear you’re a songwriter as well! I am not as confident in my sobgwriting ability….my husband is great at it. I love doing worship in the word models myself (from IHOP.Org)…with those I can just draw inspiration on what the Lord is saying right from His word and sing it out. It rocks. Looking forward to getting to know you!!!!
So proud of you! I look forward to reading your blog! Love you! Mom
Love you, mom!
So excited for you!! I’m a day behind but really so excited to see where God takes and leads you with this!
So excited for you and this journey!!! God is going to do great things through you!
Thanks honey! I appreciate your support so so much!!!!