This morning’s mug is over 12 years old, the yellow stripes faded, the rim chipped on one side. I used to carry this one to work with me. It sat on my desk in the closet off the library, the one I called my office. Those days working in a high school were lonely ones for me. I held this mug in my hands early mornings before the bell, and imagined a job in the future that wouldn’t feel so lonely. That was at least seven lifetimes ago.
When you feel a nudge to do something and you spend a lot of time ignoring the nudge, it doesn’t go away. Instead, it works itself into a tight ball and thrashes about in your stomach until you have to rename it. Compulsion.
One month from now, the book I wrote for high school girls will release into bookstores and hopefully, into the hands of your daughters. But what we now call a book started as a nudge I couldn’t shake, ignore, outrun or get rid of.
This message that started rolling around in my heart so many years ago felt like an invisible, boundary-less, unexplainable something. It was terrifying because a compulsion to write or share a message doesn’t come with answers or partners or support. It seems to show up solitary and bossy. The Lord comes with it, though. And the part that continues to amaze and delight me is that he rarely nudges us alone.
We say one small yes and then another, and soon our paths cross with other people saying their small yeses, too.
One week from today, we are going to be filming a trailer for this next book. The trailer for Grace for the Good Girl remains a powerful tool when I speak to audiences of women. But I clearly didn’t do that alone, not even close. There were at least 10 other people who made that happen and I played the smallest role in the whole thing.
This next trailer will be very different from the first one. We want to create an image of hope and freedom that girls won’t quickly forget. This time, we don’t just need 10 people to say yes. We need more than 300. I’m believing big for this and I want to invite you to be a part. Here’s what you can do:
Trailer for Graceful
Who: We need girls and women, ages 15 – 35(ish) – you, your daughters, babysitters, college roommates, sisters and cousins
if you are local
Location: 6100 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27410 - The Coble Farm beside Friends Home West
Time: Friday August 10 from 6 to 8:30 pm
RSVP:Visit the Facebook event page and click join. Then bring girls with you and tell them to join too! There will be no speaking parts, so don’t worry about that.
if you live way too far away
Would you join me in praying for the release of this book? That she finds her way into the hands of girls who need to hear this message? And when the video is finished, would you mind sharing it on your blog, among your friends, with your youth pastor? Thank you for spreading the word and for being a friend (Golden Girls anyone?)
Is there a nudge rolling itself into a compulsion inside of you these days?
How I wish I was near there, but I will pray! And I will spread the word. And I will pray some more
Lore ferguson´s last [type] ..RED ROSES like SIN
Thanks, Lore. Wish you lived closer!
Sure, I’ll pray for you! I’m feeling my nudge for my dreams. I have no choice but to listen and proceed with major action now. But enough about me. Good luck with your book. I wish I could visit NC for trailer.
I wish I could dance for “Graceful” on Friendly Avenue. That would be so sweet…
I’ll be praying.
Stacey´s last [type] ..Wrecked
Wish I lived closer! I would so love to be a part of this. I will be praying for you from DC…unless I get a wild hair and just drive down to Greensboro on the 10th!
Briana´s last [type] ..A caveat to my story
My vote is for the wild hair.
Too far to join (and a wee bit outside the 35ish window–shhh), but close enough to lift a thought and a prayer for you and your 300 girls:)
As for the nudge, it’s gone past compulsion. At this point, all I can do is pray these words and this message into existence because I can’t sleep at night for thinking about it.
And also, it’s crazy the number of lifetimes we live in this one short life.
Kimberly´s last [type] ..Five Minute Friday: Here
I live too far away to be there personally, but I am praying for you…I’ve already ordered the book….and I will be happy to share and promote on my blog and my fb page. You are a blessing to me Emily and whatever I can do to help you, I am happy to. Have a blessed day!
Rachel Latham´s last [type] ..Are you living open-handed?
I am so proud of you for following your nudge! I get them and usually have to spend some time summoning the courage to act. I think it’s wonderful that you have found a way to speak to so many ladies young and old. Keep it up! My Daughters will be old enough for your wisdom all too soon! I will be lifting your trailer up. Keep doing His will! XOXO
Sara´s last [type] ..The Emet and the Subway
that theme song is rolling around in my head! Will pray and I look forward to being able to share this with the younger members at my church!
Leanne Shawler´s last [type] ..Being eye-balled by a bee…
Of course we’ll pray!! Our pleasure
Kerry @ Made For Real´s last [type] ..On social graces…
Dearest Emily. I don’t think you will ever know how much your blog has made a difference in my life. I can’t remember howI ended up at it but I do remember reading and reading and copying down things that God was soeakng to my heart rhat you were givwn such eloquent words to exoress. I am so incredibly thankfl for you
Praying. Absolutely, friend.
Amy Hunt — a {Grace} full *life*´s last [type] ..beyond
I can’t wait for this book to arrive in my mailbox and to see how God might use your message in the lives of the young women I have the opportunity to disciple. Praying…
I hadn’t followed this long enough to realize that you were writing from greensboro – but the address you gave is very close to where I grew up! I won’t be in town this weekend, but still thought that was pretty cool
Haley Simmons´s last [type] ..Jam-Packed Goodness
I live too far and I am, hmm, past your age limit
But I would be happy to pray, and if you have a standard post to go with the trailer when it is done, I would be happy to feature it on my blog. May God continue to bless you as you say “yes” to Him.
Dolly@Soulstops´s last [type] ..Here I am….just as I am
I said a prayer for your book, hoping the right girl reads it at the right time. God is sovereign.
So exciting! I loved GFTGG, and I’ve pre-ordered Graceful on Amazon for the sweet girl I used to nanny. (Although I can think of three more girls that I may buy it for..) Can’t wait until it gets here!
Emily, Revell just sent me an advance copy of your new book to review on my website/FB/Twitter. I can’t wait to open it up and read. I bought your first book at the She Speaks conference and am planning to read that real soon, too.
I wish I could have met you at She Speaks. Teen girls are so important to me and I really enjoy meeting like-minded women.
You can bet I’ll be praying for the trailer and the release of the book. I’ll send you a link once I read and post the review.
Blessings to you and your ministry
Erin
Praying! I know this book will touch and transform the hearts of so many young girls. Thank you for saying YES!
Barbie´s last [type] ..Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
Even though I am only 16, I read Grace for the Good Girl and loved it! I am so excited to read Graceful and see how God uses it to impact my life:)
I don’t live near (or do I fit into the age bracket–but we won’t go there!). But I can pray right here in Indiana. May God bless this heart-project of yours–and His!
Pamela´s last [type] ..Sheltering with Little Things
I’ll be there AND I’ll pray for it
Your book has touched my life in a big way so I am thankful I can help out however possible! I’m hoping my sister can come, too.
yay Melissa! Thanks so much – look forward to seeing you!
Praying! I am excited about this book. Excited for young women, for girls who get to find out truth and taste freedom so much sooner than I did.
Kimberly´s last [type] ..Confessions of a Plant Killer
…best written line from your today’s thought….. “I worry over things seven miles outside my circle of PERCEIVED control!!” Thank you so much for your inspiring words! What a gift our Lord has given you!
Karen from Chardon, OHIO
I live way too far away but you can count on my prayers and my shares.
Reese´s last [type] ..Taylar
“Writing for Hope” …that same nudge that has turned into quite a long story of writing
Thanks for your impact on my life to keep saying that “yes” !
Joy Waters Martin´s last [type] ..Painting the Foundation