[because he loves you]

AHHHHHHHH. My fingers are on the keyboard, and I could not be more excited. I am not quite sure how I got out of this rhythm - the writing, the overflowing of my heart onto a blank screen for the sheer enjoyment of it - but I did. The last year (it has been almost a YEAR since we've lived in Denver) has been wonderful, superb, enjoyable, passionate, and truly life-giving. I've never been more sure that this is the location I am (we are) supposed to be, and that's a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y freeing. God has graciously provided us with community here that has made ALL the difference.

Newsflash: I am fully aware that this introduction sounds overly mushy. That doesn't negate the fact that it is all true, for this current season. It also does not negate the fact that God is present a-l-l the time, even amidst the struggles.

Speaking of struggling, did you know that I first came to really know Jesus through a bout with depression? This is a huge reason why I quit my stable, "cush" (is that really a word?) job to move to Denver to pursue a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. I believe that it is out of our suffering that the Lord taps into our inner being in ways that we would never be able to experience sans hardship. And it is my desire, as God's ambassador - his unfortunately sinful, stubborn, lazy, doubting, flaky, hot-headed, etc. ambassador - to serve as an advocate to those who are hurting - the ones who cannot seem to feel, or potentially even desire - Jesus amidst the paralyzing pain.

I believe that Mother Teresa said it best:

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world."

This is my desire: to, in the throes of unwieldy pain, remind others of their identity - fully loved despite their circumstances.. the joy, peace, or desire for God that they simply cannot muster up because of the weight of their mental illness(es).

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Not because we had it all together. Not because we loved him as we should. Not because of our A+ behavior. Certainly not because of our pure hearts.

Simply because he loved (and currently loves) us.

Wherever this post finds you, I hope + pray that it will bring you JOY concerning the truth of your Belovedness.

You're doing quite alright, friend.