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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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1971 Heart Street

Petite, wide-eyed, spirited – she’s made herself at home, this little girl. Hers is a spacious apartment, filled with floor to ceiling windows. This shy little one lives deep within the real estate of my heart. I sometimes wonder if her apartment is bigger than my own. Truth is, she’s held a lease here much longer than I have. Many seasons of my life have come and gone over the years, and she’s welcomed them all. She’s a constant among these halls.

She’s not intrusive or demanding; she’s but a child, with a lifetime of space to fill. Her windows are her dreams. Some of these dreams she can easily discern; looking out on a clear day, she’s able to sharply see a husband, children – a family of her very own. She smiles when she considers the many dreams-come-true she’s been privy to, over the years. Some dreams, though, are hard to visualize…does she dare believe that they can be hers?

No one ever told this young lady she was worthy. No one ever made her feel safe, cherished, validated. I sometimes catch sight of her shuffling through the dark halls as if she’s waiting – aching for something. A familiar heaviness fills the darkness…this pint-sized breath of innocence wants nothing more than to know she is a treasure to the ones who gave her life.

Even though her sweet, ponytailed self takes up a lot of space, I’ve grown to appreciate the unexpected source of wisdom she is to her forty-something year old roommate. She’s etched herself on the woman I am in ways I couldn’t have realized, had she not been sharing the walls of my heart. She’s taught me compassion. She’s trained me to notice pain in the eyes of those around me. She reminds me that, beneath the surface, everybody has a story…everyone longs to be nurtured and valued.

As the years progress, and we become more familiar with one another, I’m finding that I’m able to teach her a few things, from time to time, as well. Nowadays, she’s open to reminders that there is One to whom she’ll always be a treasure. One who believes she can dream big dreams, because He is the strength behind her. One who finds her of great worth. She knows this One. He stole her heart at eight years old, and has yet to abandon her.

In baby-step fashion, she’s coming to realize that earthly kinship can merely pacify. The only One who is able to wholly satisfy the craving of her heart…He has adored her, with an everlasting love, since the daybreak of time.

We’ve shared a lot across the years, this little girl and I. There was a time when I wondered if she’d ever move out—a time when she challenged me in ways that felt burdensome. But, now…now, I hope she’ll linger; we make a good team, it seems. Plus, it’s not very easy to find good roommates. I think I’ll pop in, with some cake, for a visit—just so happens…we both love cake.

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” (Psalm 27:10, NIV)  flower

 

(This article was originally written for Faithwriters on October 9, 2014.  To view this article as it originally appeared, please visit: Autobiographical Challenge.)

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A few projects I worked on this winter. (With a fe A few projects I worked on this winter. (With a few Easter shenanigans for good measure. 😊)
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What projects are you working on these days?
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Friend, are you like me & feeling a little disconn Friend, are you like me & feeling a little disconnected after these last two years of social distancing. If so, I understand. 💗
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In today’s devotion over at Proverbs 31 Ministries, I share of a time when I felt unknown by the community around me, as well as a current feeling of disconnection the last couple of socially-distanced years have brought.
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So thankful we have a God who knows us through-and-through, and who walks with us in every season of our lives. 🙌
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As we all begin to take awkward steps toward re-establishing in-person connections this year, May we never forget how very *known,* and *loved* by God we are.
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Oh, that we would find our greatest comfort & community in Him. 💗
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Head over to proverbs31.org to read the & join in on the conversation today. ✨
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In times of joy, times of grief, and every time be In times of joy, times of grief, and every time between—Oh, how we’ve lived in the goodness of God.
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Thank you, Lord, for surrounding our lives with Yourself.
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“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forever.” Psalm 125:2 🙌
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Friend,I wonder if you’re like me in that, so of Friend,I wonder if you’re like me in that, so often I’d rather show up on the scene of everyday life after I have things figured out…after I have my stuff together.
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But, I’m learning that the Figuring-Out comes with the Showing-Up.
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For when we come as we are to the table of life, our place finds us.
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We need not concern ourselves with what others might say, nor worry about who seems more qualified than us.
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For we aren’t defined by anyone else’s standard of being. We are beautifully made for purpose—just as we are.
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Everyday, every year, every decade of life, we’ll grow. But may we not wait till we feel comfortable or confident or have it all figured out (as if) to step into the things God places on our hearts.
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For the beauty is in showing up & making much of Him.
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Good news, it’s not about us! 🙌
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Simply come as you are. 💗
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