I’m Speaking At Relevant 2012. My topic: “Blogging Thru Brokenness”

Posted on December 19, 2011 by elizabeth

All I can say about this is: God works in mysterious ways.

And when Sarah Mae first asked me I was like: huh? what? you realize you’re talking to EE, right?

Because.

I don’t fit, see.

At least. I don’t think I fit. Or I thought others thought I didn’t fit.

And Sarah Mae told me: isn’t that how we all feel? Like we don’t fit and yet—
through grace, somehow, we do.

I believed Sarah Mae because….well, we’ve become such friends.
Such unlikely and yet–so likely–friends.
Our friendship proves to me that grace works.
That love wins.

So, I told Sarah Mae I would sit on it for a few days.

Because.

May I tell you something?

I never started blogging to have some kind of ministry.

I started blogging out of desperation–to write these stories.

To write my way back to God.

To write my way back to being fully human.

Here’s my secret fear: nobody will come to my session. Because.

I don’t have how-to’s.

I don’t have something to sell or something to make you a better blogger.

All I have is this broken, this wounded, this grace-thirsty human story.

It’s a paltry offering, perhaps. But it’s my heart.

So, friends, will you come?

Together, let’s make a safe place for us…us walking wounded. Us broken.

Us unsure.

Us doubtful.

Us scarred.

There is a place for us, I think.

I hope.

Sometimes love means taking a risk. It could turn out badly, of course.

But it just might be the most wonderful thing…….

So, I’m speaking. Tremulously. Gently. Lovingly.

I do hope some of you will join me there.
I’d love to open my heart to you in real life.

Tickets go on sale March 1st.
The conference runs October 25-27, 2012 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

This entry was posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Weblogs, Writing. Bookmark the permalink.
  • http://godcenteredmom.com/ Heather (@hmacmomma)

    I will be there!! To me this was the most important topic I wanted to hear about at Relevant ’11. Thank you for being willing to come share with us. By God’s grace I actually was one of the lucky 12 to get a black friday ticket…I am soooo there! ;)

    • Anonymous

      The most important topic? Oh, my. Heather. I hope I don’t disappoint! xo.

      • http://twitter.com/AnnVoskamp Ann Voskamp

        Disappoint?
        Ah, yes —- been there :)

        “God appoints those who do disappoint… to point to a God who never disappoints.”

        Grace, sister.

  • http://www.thechuppies.blogspot.com/ Kara @ The Chuppies

    Just so you know…
    I was really excited-intrigued-even-more-interested-in-going…
    When I saw your name on the list.
    Praying for how God will use this.
    Isn’t that how He often moves?
    In the unexpected.
    LOVE that Sarah Mae asked you.

  • http://somuchshoutingsomuchlaughter.com/ suzannah {ShoutLaughLove}

    friend, how-to is vastly overrated. i prefer sister pilgrims and velveteen real every time.  you have so much to offer, and i’m ever thankful you said yes:)

  • Anonymous

    *Gasp!*  There is a token male in that line up! 

    Just teasing, ha ha.  :)

    You’ll do great, EE.  I also predict that your session will be very popular.  :)

  • http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

    God is so kind. I still can’t believe what our today looks like…if you would have asked about a year ago… ;)

  • http://www.thegypsymama.com thegypsymama

    Will be there with bells on! So looking forward to hearing you!

  • http://twitter.com/eloranicole eloranicole

    if i were able to come, i’d hit up your session first BECAUSE there are no how-to’s. grace-thirsty human stories fill me up like none other because i am grace-thirsty. praying for you sweet friend. i know you will be used. 

    • http://sacredbe.blogspot.com/ rain

      i’d be sitting right next to you.

  • http://annkroeker.com Ann Kroeker

    Congratulations! You’ll get to just keep doing what you do so well.

    • Anonymous

      Oh, AK! I always get goose-bumpy when I see you in my comment box.

  • http://kansasbob.com Kansas Bob

    “To write my way back to God.”

    Magnificent!  Love the topic of your talk. Let me know if they record the session. You and your message is so needed!

  • Anonymous

    I wish the tickets were on sale today. I’ll be there.

  • http://ifmeadowsspeak.blogspot.com/ tammy@if meadows speak

    EE, praying for you to get through, all wobbly knee-ed because when we are weak, then by golly, it will definitely have to be God. Besides, He’s in the business of broken vessels. You’re just the right cracked pot for His Kingdom. :)

  • http://www.emergingmummy.com Sarah@EmergingMummy

    Well done, EE. Bravo and standing “o” from here. Wish I could be there to sit in the front row and cheer you on. You and Sarah Mae are the real deal, I can see.

  • julie

    love the part about not having how-tos.  i think that is a much more honest posture towards life and growth in grace.  

  • http://www.mercyfoundme.com/ Jacque Watkins

    Yes! I’m so excited you’re speaking…I had been hoping to get to meet you last year at Relevant 11, since I am also from Southern CA… but didn’t get a chance to. And this year I was already lucky enough to get a black Friday ticket to Relevant 12, and I will so be there! And I agree with Heather…this IS such an important topic. I know you will be such a help to each of us who have been broken, and are still. And that is what is so beautiful, Him using us who are broken to help others who are broken too. I will be praying for you, friend!

  • Nicole

    ooh, How I would wish to go to that… “count me in for present in spirit”

    I find my self in your stories… as if you put your words out in exactly how i’m feeling. And you’ve inspired me to write… to go for it… as I’ve always wanted to…I’ve had spiritual mishaps, been drawn to Catholicism, have ADD, I am and ENFP and my children are fully spirited and blessed with ADD and more too… 

  • Pamela

    Sounds TOTALLY cool, and I know you’ll do GREAT.  If I can figure out how to work the cost into my budget, I will be there.

  • Lucie

    I wish I was going so I could meet you in person!  :-)

  • Anonymous

    I’ve never heard of this, but now I’m intrigued because…Harrisburg is 45 minutes away from me. *runs to Google*

  • lorinda morey

    Oh, I want to be there… I don’t need any how-tos… I like you. I read what you write and sometimes agree and sometimes do not. If I met you we could not fit together. Does that make sense? 

  • http://dandelionhaven.blogspot.com/ Kateri

    Oh, Elizabeth, I have been wanting to go to Relevant and not wanting to go at the same time. Because you see, I won’t fit in there.  I mean, I’m Catholic. I mean, I’m from a broken dysfunctional patriarchal, quiverful  background and I’ve left all that behind. I don’t have the answers either, my life is far from perfect. So I figured I just wouldn’t fit in with all the other bloggers there.  Then I saw your name on the list of speakers,  and I knew I would be welcome there. If all goes as planned I will be there….and in a front row seat for your talk.

    • http://sacredbe.blogspot.com/ rain

      see, this. elizabeth, your voice and presence are needed.

  • http://twitter.com/gmthul Gen Thul

    Are you only speaking in Pennsylvania or are you also doing the Colorado version? I was thinking about Colorado…but may need to reconsider…

    Also, we just watched a few of your videos, and my 5 year old (the one with epilepsy) said, “Mama, I like this lady. She really loves kids a lot, doesn’t she?” So sweet and so true! Thank you for standing up to MP – we love you so much for accepting grace and being grace to so many!