I read often and in variety, because I have a vacuum-like brain and I must feed it. Wait, let me say that again. I read often and in variety.
I like flowers, because they are soft and colorful and sometimes they take my breath away. Wait, I’ll try again. I like flowers.
I am friends with both men and women because I feel that men are not frightening, and women are not frightening, and I just really love people. OK, so I guess I’m saying I love people.
I read often and in variety, I like flowers, and I love people. Easy.
Apparently, this is not the case. Once a day, for the past many days, I have read posts that start with, “I don’t usually do this, but…” The posts are all written by women.
Last week, Elizabeth Gilbert wrote it before asking for prayer–Elizabeth Gilbert, who has showered more love out into this universe than an entire force of well-intentioned people-loving flower-likers.
I believe, with my whole heart, that if Elizabeth Gilbert asked me, every day, to pray for her, I would. Without even blinking my eyes, I would. Indubitably! No need to spare that request, or qualify your use of it sister, for you have filled our wells a thousand times over.
I believe we should not have to justify our words, needs, and opinions with grace and humility. These are the blessed skills to hold reverently, and yet they can become the social constructs that confine us.
To all my fellow writers–if you need to cloak your requests softly, and deliver them gently, in order to protect your heart’s own load, I understand and I stand with you, gently. If you are worried more about the reader, then tuck those words away. You deserve to stand up without them.
