Growing up in a small Indiana town, the world was about as big as a green backyard with a privacy fence. Michelle’s house was on one side, sisters Missy and Shelly on the other, and a gravel alley out the back. You know what changed my world back then?
A litter of kittens. A tire swing. Lightening bugs. Grandma dying. A McDonald’s happy meal. Smith Elementary School. Ramona Quimby. A ten speed bike. A tornado warning. A white table cloth on my birthday.
Sometimes we make the world too big.
I wrote a book because I believed it would change the world. Not the whole world, like seven continents and all. But the woman who loves God and tries to live right. But can’t. This book can change her world. If I didn’t think that, I wouldn’t have bothered to write it. Why would I?
I’m not fool enough to think that this book will matter to everyone. It won’t matter to most. It won’t make sense to others. It might be dumb, ordinary, or flat to a few. But for some? For some it will change the world. Those are the some I’m looking for. Those are the some I want to look in the eye and say, You too? Oh good. Let’s do this together.
Still, as I wrote it, I was worried I was the only one who struggled with hiding behind I’m fine how are you. I worried that I, by myself, was the only one who struggled through the try-hard life but dared to see hope coming out on the other side. As it turns out, there are a lot of women like me. Exhausted friends. Downcast neighbors. Lifetime sisters. And so I wrote a book for them. And it turns out there are many more of them than I thought.
Sometimes we make the world too small.
There are people who need what you have, too. There are things only you can do, words only you can say, comfort only you can offer, art only you can make, worlds only you can change. The question is, will you? Do you tend to see the world too big or too small?
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I think I tend to make the world too big. That makes trying to change it seem so overwhelming. That turns it into a task for someone else. Perhaps I should take it down a notch to see what happens.
Love …
Small town beginnings.
Baby steps on the bus.
Girls who write books.
And how blogging brings the great big world right to our kitchen tables.
{We only had Burger Chef.
This is stirring Emily. The big world is overwhelming but this community God has placed me in, it makes me feel hopeful.
I, without doubt, make the world too big – and that makes me (wrongly) feel insignificant (read: incapable) to affect change. I am daily reminding myself of all of the changes that grace has made in my life, all of the wounds that grace has tenderly healed into beauty marks and how, as you said – “There are things only you can do, words only you can say, comfort only you can offer, art only you can make, worlds only you can change.”
I can’t. But He can. And together, we will.
I love this idea. Can’t wait to read them all this month. I am in the process of reading Grace For The Good Girl for the 2nd time. A small group of us “good girls” are about to start reading it together in true Book Club fashion. I am so excited because I am one of “those” who has had my entire world impacted by reading this book. I love how Jesus simply drops these things into my life every now and then.
Lindsey, I am so glad! I hope you like the book as much the 2nd time around. Let me know if you want me to Skype in and chat with your group once you get going into the book. I’d love to.
I love this! I probably see the world as too big and want to solve more problems than God is calling me too which can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed at times, and then doing nothing. Time spent in my quiet place with Him tends to help me refocus that. Each one of us is here for a purpose specifically designed for us. If we don’t do it, who will? You’re doing your part, and it matters in a big way! God bless you!
Your book changed MY world and opened MY heart. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this post. I think you might have been secretly listening to my doubts the past day or two. I agree, we can’t be all things to all people; but we can be something to someone. I am choosing to be what I am called to be for those God has chosen for me.
I make the world too big. I’m easily overwhelmed by the brokeness of the world. In my desire to reach everyone, I lose sight of the people in front of me, along with the community I share in cyber space. It’s like in Nehemiah, each person worked on the wall in front of them, in their “world”. I’m not disreguarding the big world we live in. It’s keeping perspective. Thank you, Emily!
I am not good at answering questions about how I think or view things – so I don’t know if I make the world too big or too small. But I do know that just the small world of my house and children can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s where I’ve been recently (having a new baby and no sleep is part of it!) and I’ve felt myself shutting out the rest of the world, even family and friends. Now I’m working hard to tackle little bits of “house” every day and just enjoy my children and the others in my world.
Great reminder for me to just think and live small. It’s in those tiny tight spots where God does His most incredible miracle work. Seems I think big too much. Thanks for this beautiful post.
Looking forward to reading your book…on the list;} but I think I will bump it up to #1 because what I think is the core of the message {the Gospel:} is sweet to my ears and the water my thirsty soul ALWAYS craves and can never get enough of!
And thanks again for the encouragement:}:}:} Writing 31 Days to His Heart this month, I’ve been so blessed in just the first 3 days and most with His precious Spirit reminding me I am the one He wants to change! And how freeing to know that if I can help even one other to His Heart afresh and anew in the process, well, that is simply amazing!
I keep affirming again that I’d rather impact one life for eternity and living it here than one million in a message somehow anchored to this world or even us as people instead of to the Changeless One…:} Well, just thank you for always lifting up and encouraging!!!!
Ohhhh, Emily…I have your book now and I am absolutely mesmerized. With everything my husband and I have been through, I feel like I could have opened the pages of this book and avoided so much pain and heartache. You have touched a deep place in my soul that I have struggled to put words to for so many years. I have recommended the book to every woman I know because I have been changed. I’ve been hiding behind my fears since February and I go back and forth trying to overcome…
Thank you for offering YOU to the world!
How beautiful it is to see you here, Brooke. I’m so glad…just so glad.
Well, I was already on the verge of tears before I even started reading this. So of course when I read it through they came pouring out. This was just what I neede to hear today. Thank you Emily.
I love how you described this Emily. I see it as both too big and too small… too big, when I feel ill equipped and overwhelmed with the needs, and too small, when I consider what I have to offer. I especially loved today’s post because I just finished writing a song this week, for a30-yr-old autistic girl I met who has a gift for singing. And the first line is “I know a girl who can change the world with her song.” As I worked on the song, I began to “see” what God sees- that she is gifted to change the world around her… even if she isn’t going to travel the world, raising money for orphans, or something “bigger” in the world’s eyes. When she sings, people experience the presence of God. And so she changes the world for people around her. Now, to have this kind of vision for my own sharing-of-gifts!
Mercy. You’re only on Day 3 and I’m already crying. As I’m writing my own stuff for 31 days, I worry that it’s already been said, that it’s “too much” for some and nonsensical for others. I envision eye-rolling and “huhs?” My husband told me to write from my heart and not worry about the rest. He’s right. And now you with your inspiring, comforting encouragement. Thank you. This series is going to be a gift.
I am as excited about this series as I am your book. I seriously love you. Every day you make me feel hopeful and a bit exultant and smile an I-can-do-it smile and cry, all in the same five minutes.
oh what a wonderful reminder!!
My 1st time reading the book, I couldnt’ put it down or even stop to find my highlighter. I am reading it for a 2nd time with highlighter in hand. Thank you, Emily P Freeman.
Emily, Can’t thank you enough for this post today. Timely words from God’s heart to my soul. Wish I could sit down with you over a cup of tea to explain why it means so much . . . but at least we have the comment box!
Your words really speak to me today…I am ordering this, finally, today!
Thank you, Emily, for this post today. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own situations, our own feelings and emotions, that we forget there are others out there who have some of the same struggles, thoughts, hopes and fears that we do. I’m fine, how are you. If only we knew how many of us hide behind those words. I’m sure I’ll pick up your book often as a reminder that there is validation and value in our feelings. Blessings.
I grew up in Indiana too (trying to fight the urge to quote John Cougar Mellencamp lyrics right now!). I love the images your writing brings to mind because I can relate to them so easily and I realize I’m not the only one to struggle with “good girl” tendencies. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you and for being so frank about the things many of us find it so hard to be open about. I pray that I will figure out the things only I can do and that I will actually be willing to do them
Loved the post!!
Emily, I started blogging earlier this year as a way of celebrating and embracing my life. As I’ve been writing, especially with these 31 days, I’ve discovered a strong desire to “change the world” with my words. Even if the “world” is only a few. I long to be used to speak words of grace and bring inspiration. That’s just what you’ve done for me as I read your words. Thank you for sharing grace.
Thank you for reminding me that I sometimes make the world too big.
I definitely lean too often towards seeing the world as oh, so big and myself as oh, so small. Thank you for this reminder that what seems small to me may be big too someone else. God designed each of us with purpose. Instead of trying to gauge how much of a difference I make, I just need to pour out where He says pour.
Still flipping back through the pages I dog-eared in your book and still being blessed in BIG ways.
Hello dear Emily –
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile because your open, loving, empathetic heart drew me in — I can relate to so many of your stories and emotions. But today, in particular, I was drawn in more than ever — YOU’RE FROM INDIANA? Woo hoo! I’m a hoosier… we’re a special breed, for sure. I, too, am a ‘good girl’ from Indiana.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in such a loving, open and engaging way.
That book you wrote is so on my Christmas list
CANNOT wait to read it…I know I have often thought the world was too big but as I become a bit more seasoned in my life I know it is not and I must always remember I know the Creator so it’s all good 
Used to be small. Very small. Much bigger now, thank God. Love your series and your book and YOU! Big hugs!
I’m a former Indiana girl, too!
I think I tend to make the world too big – but in an immediate way (if that makes sense). I tend to take on too much of my friends’ and family-members’ angst and stress instead of just being their for them to vent to. I need to learn to take a step back and realise I can’t help EVERYONE, all of the time and all at once. It is not physically or emotionally possible.
But to transform that love, care and faith into writing a book to help even just one person – let alone possibly hundreds or even thousands – that is a truly beautiful thing to do. You are an inspiration.
Great article, no doubt it contributed to Liquidation closeouts remarkably
Emily,
Thank you for being you.
xoxo michele
Your post has got me thinking. I have never thought of the world that way (big or small). I guess maybe I view it as a mixture of both. Depends on the day, I guess.
My world was too small. Now it’s feeling too big. Changes in different seasons. So lovin’ this series, Emily. Lovin’ YOU.
Imagine the world, the church, the home . . . if we all gave what we have that others need. That would be the Body of Christ at its best.
I am on chapter three. Yeah.
Fondly,
Glenda
31 days of Christmas Wonder
Thank you for writing this book!! It wrecked me (in a good way) and the life I had been living for 36 years! I have been sharing this book with others and it is doing the same for them!!
World Changers are a small, scandalous group with brave hearts and the courage to give selflessly. Can’t wait to read your book and so thankful that I’ve jumped on board for the 31 days!
I love this. And thank you for making the world a little bigger for me. Remember, I thought it was just me? Then I thought it was just US?! Thank goodness it isn’t.
I am one whose world was changed by your book. Thank you.
Too small…way too small. I tend to worry too much about what people think, how they’ll react, if what I’m doing/want to do matters (good girl, I know), but I know there’s this dream, this something bigger, in me trying to come out. I’m just not sure how to get there.
Then this week someone mentioned having a purple cow and I’ve been preoccupied by my lack of a purple cow!
Oh, goodness…and I’m rambling.
Emily! This book is changing MY world. Be assured, God is using it…here I thought I was the only one, the only “good girl” who didn’t feel so good at the end of every day. My world’s been filled with anxiety, people-pleasing, and insecurity…with a “praise the Lord” tossed in on Sundays for good measure. I’ve loved Him since I was a girl, but have had an unsettled feeling that something was missing. And now, because of your courage, your “stepping out of the bathroom”, I’m discovering what it is. So glad and grateful to know there’s “grace for the good girl”, and hope too. Keep writing your reality!
too, too big. and me? too, too small. too small to make a difference, i think. so i look around for someone else small in a small part of our world, and maybe to that one, i might make a difference… and then she to another and then, we grow big together.
Emily,
So glad to have met you.
Your words speak to my soul. Thank you for writing them.
Looking so forward to reading your book this week!