Finally Letting Go, In Your Words {Giveaway}

by | Oct 31, 2012 | Uncategorized

We started this journey on a limestone ledge overlooking the Frio, bags packed for an October of Letting Go. Thirty-one days later, I stand among overstuffed couches and chairs looking at a framed photo collage on the wall of generations. A WWII pilot standing scarved next to a Corsair, smiling about the mark he left on the world.

Next to me, one Archbishop from Africa and two from Asia look at the black and whites. I think about how generations will look at pictures of them on walls someday and tell the tale of unfailing faith that changes the spiritual landscape of nations.

Mingling with friends around the room, I find myself talking about you, the way you’re leaving your mark on the world too. About how you embrace letting go with courage and abandon. The way a blog can be an altar of sweet communion, lives transformed in swallowing the message.

And while I try to recount the ways in which God reveals himself to you from the cafeteria of comments, I think I’ll step aside, because you say it best:

I have to tell you that more than once in this series God has met me at my point of need with your topic for the day. I was wrestling with the fact that my decision to leave an abusive husband was being misunderstood by someone “important”… until I read your wise words about letting go of the need to be understood. ~Mama Sheep

Oh my this resonates with where I am right now. I wonder what it would be like if we were measured by our fruitfulness instead of productivity? Or not measured at all! Thank you for your encouragement in this Letting Go series. ~Kristin

This website is a recent discovery for me . . . it has inspired me in such a way that makes me realize we all have the same struggles, and remember that I am not alone. Sometimes that in itself is a great feat! ~Sherri

I have so enjoyed your 31 days of ‘Letting Go’! I’ve taken notes every day. I’ve learned about the many ways I hold on, trying in my own strength . . .  ~Jillie

Once again, I find God offering me a spark of hope through the journey of another.  ~Claygirlsings

(This) makes me look differently at my own life and the letting go of one phase of life while I am walking into the next. ~Evie

Though our circumstances vary, we’ve discovered that we aren’t alone in what we suffer. Because pain is common and redemption looks beautiful on everyone. Letting go, it isn’t a magic pill for happiness, it’s a process that brings us to closer to seeing our true reflection in the eyes of our Father. The revelation of the way He’s been there all along.

Can I tell you something? I didn’t have a plan beyond this theme God gave me one day in the shower. I let go of needing to have it figured out every day. And He is faithful.

I hope you’ll join me on the next leg of the adventure. We’re throwing confetti over here and blowing up balloons to celebrate.

And because Jesus Calling by Sarah Young was the muse on many days of my 31 day journey, I’m giving one away with a journal to one lucky person.  Just leave a comment to add your name to the drawing.

Nikki@Simply Striving won the Jesus Calling giveaway. Congrats Nikki!

Linking with Jennifer, Duane,WLWW , Emily and Ann.

This completes the series 31 Days of Letting Go. You can read the collective here. I’m so glad you’ve joined the journey, it’s been a great ride.

Subscribe for Shelly’s stories and free resources here: https://shellymillerwriter.com/free-resources/

45 Comments

  1. hisfirefly

    I pray that God continues to teach you and bless you and enable you to let go of whatever He asks for…
    I have Jesus Calling – we have used it as a bedtime devotional – brilliant volume indeed! If I am lucky enough to win I would bless someone else with the book.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Love your generous heart. I feel the same way about that book, plan to give some away for Christmas this year.

  2. lborange

    Confetti, balloons, applause [clapping wildly]! Well done! And yeah, this has encouraged me to do some letting go too. Thank you.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Thanks Laura, and so glad to know that friend.

  3. ro elliott

    Wow…standing O for you…you did some rich writing for 31 days…amazing. blessings as let’s continue to let go and follow where He leads:)

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Amen Ro, I’m not sure what I would do otherwise. 🙂

  4. Lynn Morrissey

    Shelly, I loved how you were obedient to heed to the call to write about letting go, while letting go your need to know how you would do it–for 31 days! Yikes! That’s a tough job for a writer. But God blessed you with wisdom and grace, and He brought guests to the table which you and He so lovingly prepared. I love here how you share direct quotes from the dinner conversation, quotes from your honored letting-go guests, quotes which feed the spirit and nourish the soul. May I thank you, too, for the privilege of having been invited to share a morsel or two of my own, letting go of my own intimidation and just abandoning my sharing to however God directed. I can’t wait to see the next conversation thread you sew, winding through our hearts and minds as God prompts your continued sharing. God bless you, Shelly!

    • Redemption's Beauty

      It was a privilege to have you serving your own unique dish at the table Lynn. I think we would all agree that it tasted divine and we would love to have your recipe! I decided to do this at the last minute, trusting God for the outcome. As usual, it was much more of a blessing than I anticipated.

      • Lynn Morrissey

        Shelly, don’t you love the spontaneity that God sparks? I do so thank you for this lovely compliment, and I must tell you that I also smiled, because I’m not sure you would want *my& recipe for anything! It’s not I who does the cooking in this house. My Renaissance-Man husband, Michael, performs culinary magic, and Sheridan and I are so blessed to be the guests of honor at *his* table! You must try his chocolate mousse pie sometime! =] Looking to many more of your edible posts (rich soulfood fare). Love, Lynn

  5. Jenny Evans

    You impact my life daily. My silence from the other side of the world is just my quiet place as I process your words, so beautifully crafted together, in my deep place. Be so very encouraged even when there is not a sound coming back to you.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Jenny, I needed to hear this, thank you. I’m really blessed to know you follow quietly. To God be the glory for the impact.

  6. simplystriving

    Oh what God can do through you, friend. and to think….all we need to do is show up.

    I’ve loved your series.
    and yay! You made it through!!! (not many can say that, you know)
    Hugs to you!

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Nikki, you are such a gift to me, but really, I think you have the spiritual gift of encouragement. I see you doing it with people all over the web. Thank you friend.

  7. Cynthia

    Your series was beautiful and encouraging and challenging, all at the same time. Thank you for sharing your words and the wisdom God had placed on your heart.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Cynthia, it’s great to know you were following along. Love the name of your blog, Hippie Housewife.

  8. Barbie

    You did it! Your series has blessed me, and especially now, as I am having to let go of my words and wait on the Lord for His. I struggled to the finish, missing a few posts here and there. But I have truly learned to sit at His feet and press in through the silence. Good job!

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Barbie, what a gift to have you joining the conversations and thank you for your love and support. And there is grace you know? No one is making us write every day and you honor Him by what you bring when you bring it. That is all that matters.

  9. Kris Camealy (@AlwaysAlleluia)

    I love this Shelly, I love how He shows up when we step out to answer His nudges, how He always blesses our obedience. He fights for us. We only need to be still–what a testament of Hs love and grace that He never ever fails us. Beautiful words, my friend, what a beautiful God we serve!!

    • Redemption's Beauty

      I’ve seen this in your life Kris. The way He is glorified in your obedience to what He is calling you to do.

  10. Christina

    Letting go has been a great theme. I love how God has used it to impact the lives of others. Can’t wait to see what you are up to next:)

    • Redemption's Beauty

      I’m still praying about that one Christina, about what is up next. 🙂

  11. Jillie

    Yes Shelly, this 31 Days of ‘Letting Go’ has been a great blessing, and challenge, to myself and to many others. I liked what you said today about it being a process of God showing us our true reflection in His eyes. He’s shown me my fears and insecurities, my dreams gone astray, my tendency to please others and care way too much about what others think of me, their expectations and my own for myself…the list goes on. To say that our comments are also being used to leave some kind of mark in this world, was very heartening. Your blog has truly become an “altar of sweet communion” for me.
    I can’t wait to see where He takes us next through you, my dear friend!

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Love your openness to Him Jillie. When we are willing to say yes to Him, no matter what that means, we can’t help but be transformed. And I’m privileged to watch your transformation.

  12. wynnegraceappears

    Catching the confetti and loving the heart of this… we all suffer and yes yes that beautiful redemption. That you walked it out in faith and took us to these beautifully rich places of the heart I say “thanks, friend.” Looking forward to Day 32 with you.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      I think we’re throwing the confetti together Elizabeth. Kudos to you for joining in after such a short time on the blogosphere. I didn’t do it last year, so glad to join in this year. Look forward to the unfolding of what the Lord has for each of us as we walk forward.

  13. Lisa notes

    Beautiful how lives have been touched by the 31 Day series. Thanks for sharing the effects of God at work. I do love the blogging community and how He is present among us.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      I’m overwhelmed by the way He is using the collective of the words we offer on our blogs for changed lives. I count it a privilege to be part of the blogging community.

  14. charsteyn

    ohhh i have heard so much about this book- would love a copy!

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Oh, I hope you win. This book is such an encouragement to me and well worth buying if you don’t.

  15. Sherri

    Yay for you, Shelly! This has been such a blessing to so many, and though many have contributed, you’ve facilitated all of this through the grace of the Lord! Thanks for all your hard work – we’ve ALL benefited from this, to be certain!
    Sherri

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Sherri, it’s been really great to have you as a sojourner this month. Appreciate your input and encouragement.

  16. Lalaine Basa

    May blessing upon blessing he heaped on your arms for encouraging me and other women through your writings.May the Father fulfill all the desires of your heart.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Thank you for the blessing you offer, I receive it. Grateful that you found encouragement here.

  17. Emma

    Oh Shelly what a journey we have all been on with you. As I have reflected today on the past 31 days I realise that although I have let go, I have not lost anything, I have gained. Thank you for faithfully being the first of us to let go & for being the vessel of inspiration for us to join you. I can’t wait to see where he takes us all next through you. I know too you’d be the first to say “to him be the glory”. Glory indeed, long may it continue.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      And what a gift it has been to link arms with you Emma. One of the best things about doing this series. So glad you found this little place on the web through our mutual friend. And I hope you will pray for me about that next place He takes us.

  18. Elizabeth Stewart

    Bless you as you have blessed us!

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Thanks Elizabeth, its a gift to have you here.

  19. tara

    wonderful job! so proud of you sticking through the 31 days. so proud of you for embracing the free fall that is letting go. I see you on a journey of this, and i see the world just opening wider and wider for you…we’ll all be blessed for your journey. for your perspective through it all.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      I have to admit, I’m proud of myself. I wasn’t fully confident in myself about writing every day but trusted God for the words. And I’m so thankful He spoke to me every day. Love you Tara.

  20. Jennifer@GDWJ

    You are making a difference–such a difference. I love the responses from your community. You’ve been Jesus to people in a big way here.

  21. Cathy B*****y

    New subscriber… would love to be added to this precious giveaway… you have a beautiful community of women here.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Cathy, thanks for the follow and your name will gladly be added to the drawing. And yes, I feel so blessed to be surrounded by this wonderful community of women. Truly and utterly blessed by them.

  22. chasingsilhouettes

    oh friend, what a blessing you are to so many. thank you for sharing your heart here. for ministering to us.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      The blessing has been all mine, believe me.

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