“When is Annie coming back?” My five year old son asked me that last week as we played cars on the floor. Annie hasn’t been here in over a year. In his mind, too long. He wants her to come back.
I get it. Annie is one of the coolest girls I know. She has this unique ability to make everyone, from toddler to teenager to bonafide grown up, feel important. She knows how to stay present in the moment. She also has legit phrasing skills, once calling the green pepper a flavor hoarder. Or maybe it was flavor hog. Flavor thief? Either way, now I can’t eat salsa without tasting that pushy green pepper.
During one of her visits, my sister, Dad and I shared a meal with Annie. It was good conversation, both lots of talking and lots of listening. Dad later said, “That Annie, she’s something special.” Agreed.
Annie, teaching then-sophomore girls in our youth group.
Maybe you think Annie is amazing too – she blogs at Annie Blogs, she got brave and wrote about singleness for (in)courage, she moved to Scotland because she sensed God was calling her there for a time, and she self-published her own book, From Head to Foot. It was so awesome that Zondervan bought it, re-edited, re-vised and re-covered it and now we get a new book, Perfectly Unique. It releases in September.
Seriously, my high school girls small group read From Head to Foot last semester and it was a huge hit. The content was relevant and Biblical. Mostly though, it was Annie. We got to know her, could hear her voice, understand her perspective. We trusted her as a group.
But before the book, before Zondervan, before Scotland, she was already amazing. I trusted her as a friend. Still do.
Sometimes in this business of book writing, it can be lonely. You look at what other people are doing and compare yourself, for better or worse. You know it isn’t good for you, you know it won’t help, but there you go, doing it. And Monday morning before your day has even started, you feel discouraged and you can’t place why.
I have never felt that way with Annie. And I don’t think that’s because of me, I think it’s because of her.
Today I’m joining in the chorus of voices celebrating the women in our lives who are already amazing in honor of our friend, Holley Gerth’s beautiful new book, You’re Already Amazing. I endorsed that book, yes I did. And I didn’t do so half-heartedly. It’s a lovely book, filled with wisdom and encouragement and it would make a really great small group study.
Is there someone in your life who is amazing? Would you be willing to share her with us today? You can write a post and link up over at Holley’s place, or you can simply send out a tweet using the hashtag #AlreadyAmazing. Let’s be generous with our support of other women. I don’t believe we’ll ever regret it.
my mom. amazing woman. tweeted it! (a cool thing because i’m new to it!)
kendal´s last [type] ..what the forsythia knows
I loved reading Annie’s book From Head to Foot, it was so good I even gave it to a few friends (of all ages).
Tracey´s last [type] ..Well, THAT Didn’t Happen
I think YOU are amazing. And your book is on its way to my hands and I can’t wait to dive in! And I’ll definitely hop on over and check out Annie. Just wanted you to hear someone say that they think you rock too!
Sarah´s last [type] ..A different neck of the woods
hey yeah, when IS Annie coming back? I think we need her again this summer!
emily’s sister´s last [type] ..The UnSelfish Art of Being Inspired
I’m like, “Emily has ANOTHER sister?!”
Bless my heart.
These words, your sweetness towards Annie, so much room to celebrate
. It’s a fun treat watching Annie’s adventure. She IS one of the coolest girls I know!
Robin ~ PENSIEVE´s last [type] ..Broken heart
Em, thank you for loving our Annie girl and me so well. You are a JOY and I’m thrilled for my little book to be hanging out at your place today!
Holley Gerth´s last [type] ..She’s Amazing
Yes, I think she’s amazing and I’ve never met her in person. A lovely post, Emily.
I think my mom and daughter are amazing. I just do.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..For Now
You are also amazing.
I read many blogs, yet when I turn into yours, I have to have quiet, my whole focus is on your words and images. I love LOVE “for your weekend” posts. It’s like you’re inside my head/heart and know exactly when I need. This place is amazing, your writing is amazing, just everything about it is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your life here.
You are so kind. Thank you. And I’m so glad you like the For Your Weekend posts! I love writing them – I can’t explain why. Glad to know you enjoy them!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..she’s already amazing
Ya, you’re that kind of woman. You have something really special and I’m thankful for blogs….especially yours.
Robyn Q´s last [type] ..Purpose of Marriage
this was a great post.
aimymichelle´s last [type] ..a little bit of everything.