I found my way over to this post and then to the essay about your Dad from the note you left on my note, so thank you for leaving it.
It's so interesting that the words I've been trying to get to have overlapping themes with all that you've touched on. Earlier this week I was trying to write about my Dad and the hards part of his life and death but I wasn't sure my readers were prepared to have such a personal, vulnerable story dropped into their inbox. So I have been trying to find other angles to talk about grief this week. I'm not there yet.
Your essay was beautiful. I love that there was clearly something cathartic for you in writing it but also clearly something for your reader as well and isn't that what we are trying to do when we write-give something to ourselves AND others? Also somehow you managed to make this come out like an invitation rather than a shameful conviction- "these days I think a lot about how I might be that answer to someone else’s prayers. In what ways is my life a witness to those who refuse to listen to a loved voice anymore, who love a place but don’t know the God who created it?”
I just said something similar to my 18 year old son who was close to tears because his best friend is not a Christian and he worries-what if something bad happens tomorrow. "What if you don't have to have to right answers to her question about God", I asked him, "What if you are there in her life to love her unconditionally when everyone else in her life hasn't?"
There is so much I want to say in response to this, Aimee. Thank you for your kind words about the essay. Thank you for sharing what you said to your son—how much good could we do in the world if everyone treated their friends like that? And I'm sorry we share similar griefs. I hope you keep trying to find ways to talk and write about your dad. Prayers for you as you do that work.
Oh my goodness, your writing is filled with tenderness and hope, even in the midst of grief for your father. So beautiful! This paragraph especially stopped me in my tracks:
“I prayed for years that Dad would not be able to escape the goodness of God, and these days I think a lot about how I might be that answer to someone else’s prayers. In what ways is my life a witness to those who refuse to listen to a loved voice anymore, who love a place but don’t know the God who created it?”
Wow. May God use me, all of us, to be that voice in the lives He has planted us among. Thank you for sharing your heart so beautifully!
Tresta, sweet girl, this essay is beautiful and so on-time !
“ I prayed for years that Dad would not be able to escape the goodness of God, and these days I think a lot about how I might be that answer to someone else’s prayers. In what ways is my life a witness to those who refuse to listen to a loved voice anymore, who love a place but don’t know the God who created it?
The options left to us are to continue forcing truth on those who don’t want it, giving them fuel for their distrust and dislike, and holding debates—as if anyone was ever argued into the kingdom of God—or, to choose kindness. To trust in the work of the Spirit. A daily, repetitious dependence on the unspoken truth that is everywhere. ”
This particular passage resonates with my heart and confirms the direction the Lord has been leading. His ways are higher, and He is able! Thank you for sharing your story ❤️🔥
I’m trying not to sob. Dad said to me years ago, “you don’t try to convert me and I won’t try to convert you”. These words, friend, are such hope. God had done so much in healing our relationship and this essay is a huge hug and kindness from God. I am sorry for the loss of your dear dad and will continue to pray for your heart. My dad is literally on his way to Alaska and I am praying that he and my stepmom see God and know how very much He loves them. I’m so grateful for the relationship God has given me with both of them.
Praying too, Lori Jean! It feels like such a fragile way to relate to a parent, but there's so much room for grace to be our witness, I believe. And beauty! What an evangelist beauty is.
Tresta, I love how your essay embraces mystery. There is so much we don't know about what happens between Here and There. You make space for a very big God, and the love of your dad shines through so strongly. I get the sense he is with you as you celebrate the beauty of the natural world around you.
Jody. I cried. Thank you for sharing about your mother--I'm so glad you had that final word from her to bring you hope and comfort. Clinging with you, friend.
This was beautiful, and true, and holy. Thank you.
This is one of the best essays I read in a long time. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for reading and for that generous compliment, Evie.
I found my way over to this post and then to the essay about your Dad from the note you left on my note, so thank you for leaving it.
It's so interesting that the words I've been trying to get to have overlapping themes with all that you've touched on. Earlier this week I was trying to write about my Dad and the hards part of his life and death but I wasn't sure my readers were prepared to have such a personal, vulnerable story dropped into their inbox. So I have been trying to find other angles to talk about grief this week. I'm not there yet.
Your essay was beautiful. I love that there was clearly something cathartic for you in writing it but also clearly something for your reader as well and isn't that what we are trying to do when we write-give something to ourselves AND others? Also somehow you managed to make this come out like an invitation rather than a shameful conviction- "these days I think a lot about how I might be that answer to someone else’s prayers. In what ways is my life a witness to those who refuse to listen to a loved voice anymore, who love a place but don’t know the God who created it?”
I just said something similar to my 18 year old son who was close to tears because his best friend is not a Christian and he worries-what if something bad happens tomorrow. "What if you don't have to have to right answers to her question about God", I asked him, "What if you are there in her life to love her unconditionally when everyone else in her life hasn't?"
There is so much I want to say in response to this, Aimee. Thank you for your kind words about the essay. Thank you for sharing what you said to your son—how much good could we do in the world if everyone treated their friends like that? And I'm sorry we share similar griefs. I hope you keep trying to find ways to talk and write about your dad. Prayers for you as you do that work.
Oh my goodness, your writing is filled with tenderness and hope, even in the midst of grief for your father. So beautiful! This paragraph especially stopped me in my tracks:
“I prayed for years that Dad would not be able to escape the goodness of God, and these days I think a lot about how I might be that answer to someone else’s prayers. In what ways is my life a witness to those who refuse to listen to a loved voice anymore, who love a place but don’t know the God who created it?”
Wow. May God use me, all of us, to be that voice in the lives He has planted us among. Thank you for sharing your heart so beautifully!
Thank you for this kind response, Terri.
Tresta, sweet girl, this essay is beautiful and so on-time !
“ I prayed for years that Dad would not be able to escape the goodness of God, and these days I think a lot about how I might be that answer to someone else’s prayers. In what ways is my life a witness to those who refuse to listen to a loved voice anymore, who love a place but don’t know the God who created it?
The options left to us are to continue forcing truth on those who don’t want it, giving them fuel for their distrust and dislike, and holding debates—as if anyone was ever argued into the kingdom of God—or, to choose kindness. To trust in the work of the Spirit. A daily, repetitious dependence on the unspoken truth that is everywhere. ”
This particular passage resonates with my heart and confirms the direction the Lord has been leading. His ways are higher, and He is able! Thank you for sharing your story ❤️🔥
He is able! I believe it. Thanks for reading and commenting, Deb. I'm glad to hear how it resonated.
I’m trying not to sob. Dad said to me years ago, “you don’t try to convert me and I won’t try to convert you”. These words, friend, are such hope. God had done so much in healing our relationship and this essay is a huge hug and kindness from God. I am sorry for the loss of your dear dad and will continue to pray for your heart. My dad is literally on his way to Alaska and I am praying that he and my stepmom see God and know how very much He loves them. I’m so grateful for the relationship God has given me with both of them.
Praying too, Lori Jean! It feels like such a fragile way to relate to a parent, but there's so much room for grace to be our witness, I believe. And beauty! What an evangelist beauty is.
This was beautiful, Tresta. Thanks for sharing.
Tresta, I love how your essay embraces mystery. There is so much we don't know about what happens between Here and There. You make space for a very big God, and the love of your dad shines through so strongly. I get the sense he is with you as you celebrate the beauty of the natural world around you.
Thank you for your words, Megan. It feels good to hear that my heart came through in this piece.
Thank you, Ericka. I look forward to reading your story as well. Prayers and hope.
Jody. I cried. Thank you for sharing about your mother--I'm so glad you had that final word from her to bring you hope and comfort. Clinging with you, friend.
Crying too.