"I like you as a person therefore I like your writing, which is in essence an extension of you."
I was told things like,"I feel like you're the one voice I'd love to hear in the midst of a dilemma who would say 'I know what you mean' and I'd actually believe you." and "With each word, comma, photo and period, Chasing Kite Tails takes root in my heart." and "I'm always glad when I receive your posts. God richly bless you for courageously baring your soul through these posts." and "I am not as courageous as you."
I was told things like, "I guess the real reason is because I enjoy reading the words of someone who is willing to put her heart on the line if it means making a difference in the life of a reader." and "I love what you say and how you say it. You help me to see that I'm not alone in my thinking and my struggles, that my sisters are in the same boat and we will get through together." and "You truly are a writer, but more than that, you're truly are a friend. I adore you, your work, and your humble spirit."
Even new faces, they told me, "They [the posts] are taking root in my heart, most definitely. Even though I'm a new reader." and "[I] Just came across your blog today. This post makes me smile and gives me hope!"
And these tellings? They are words, the exact words from the emails and comments that you...you responded with to this post.
But. Can I say something? Can I now tell you something? Even though you've said that I'm the courageous one, and that I'm the friend...that I'm that one who is real and puts her heart out on the line and that I think just like you do and it makes you feel un-alone...the truth is...I'm just a pair of hands hovering an alphabetical keyboard, clacking away behind my laptop screen...hidden...like the wizard of Oz behind his curtain, using big words to make up for his inability to hand out brains and courage and hearts.
I'm nothing special. No matter what I say, no matter how much I blog, no matter how much soul I bare...I can't make you unafraid of the challenges that you will face in life. I can't manufacture courage from my nonexistent Courage Shoppe and next-day ship it to your house. My thinking isn't the supreme and I can't give you a brain or a PhT (Doctor of Thinkology).
All that I can do, as any wizard is capable of, is make you see something that you don't already see...All I can do are tricks and back flips and try to show you that, already stretched up your sleeve and resting behind your ear...courage, brains and a heart have been there...all along.
Kind of like this scene from Wizard of Oz.
Thank you for sharing your heart and words with me. Thank you for always reading along this blog...and walking this Yellow Brick Road towards home with me.
I love you all.
