Quiet Gifts After the Storm.
Sharing a few of my most recent life-giving places.
Over the past week we had a hurricane barrel through our area of northeast Georgia. Many people where we live, and in our surrounding states were devastatingly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Thankfully, our farm had some pretty big limbs and a tree down, but no major damage. While the remaining wind was still blowing and power line workers were every which way, I headed out to a silent retreat center for a couple days—it had been booked for months and thankfully had not been canceled!
Within twenty-four hours I was sitting in the howling wind, blocking our old farmhouse’s leaking doors and windows which were soaking in water—then I found myself sitting “after the storm” in peaceful silence amidst the same nature.
I know that many who were affected by this storm are looking around this week—devastated, still without power, and without homes to return to. Please keep everyone impacted by this disaster in your prayers as they pick up the pieces of their hurricane soaked lives, chainsaw the fallen trees, and take steps to navigate a future while looking and living in a totally different landscape.
In light of the recent week’s events and how it threw our personal schedule off, I am slowly taking some time to catch up on writing in the way my body and soul need. Today, I will simply offer some practical spaces and resources that have been recently life-giving to me.
I hope they bring the same exhale of peace to you, that they have offered me.1
Recent Reads:
“Feel” - Anjuli Paschall - This book has been such a gift to sit in specific feelings and have prayers to read and pray surrounding those feelings.
“Learning to Walk in the Dark” - Barbara Brown Taylor - There is SO much I could share on this book, but it’s all so fresh that I’m letting is soak in and simmer more. If you want a new perspective of “dark” and how we serve a God who is Lord over the day AND night—get this book.
“Dark Night of the Soul” - Christine Vaughan Davies - I’ve been also letting this post simmer with me for a while. If you want invitations to name a season that has felt more complicated and confusing spiritually, this is a great read.
“From Her Kitchen to Mine” - Amber Taube - This sweet soul shared a beautiful post about experiencing God’s love through food. It spoke volumes to me in the way that God nourishes us.
Recent Listens:
“It Wasn’t Roaring, It Was Weeping” - Lisa-Jo Baker - I’m just finished this audiobook, and wow… what an amazing storyteller Lisa is. I feel like I’ll need months to unpack this book and what it means for myself. From the depths of South Africa to the American shoreline, the way this book draws you in and invites you into the story she’s telling is so powerful, specifically involving racism and injustice. If you ever want to be deeply challenged with your personal history and the greater, overall history of where you live, read/listen to this book.
“The Small and the Mighty” - Sharon McMahon - I just started listening to this book (as you can tell I’ve done a lot of driving lately with all these audiobooks). The first few chapters have already brought me to tears. If you want the curtain pulled back on some of the hidden and powerful stories of our nation, this book is for you!
“How is Parenting Sacramental?” - What a gift to listen to this podcast that included Laura Kelly Fanucci. If you long to be reminded of the holiness that is present in your parenting, listen in!
“The Quaker Practice of Silence with Carrie Newcomer” - Although I’ve never attended a Quaker meeting, I often will practice the gift of silence (hence my silent retreat I mentioned earlier). This podcast from Emily P. Freeman was such a refreshing listen a couple weeks ago as I looked forward to my weekend away.
May God’s love gently surprise you as you journey along your day.
Substack always offers their writers the option to open up for paid subscriptions. I know many writers on this platform offer this to their subscribers, but for me, I hope to always keep what I offer here in this space free of charge. My husband and I already serve in support-based missions work in diaspora ministry, specifically in refugee care. If you ever wanted to support my writing—you could give a one-time or recurring donation to our ministry and that would be a huge blessing.
FYI these are not affiliate links. It’s just me, sharing what I’ve been reading and listening to. It’s me wanted to share the hard work of others with you.
Brianna, I'm glad your family and farm are safe. And blessings to you as you enter back into real life after a time of retreat. I'm touched that you shared my piece and honored to be listed among such fantastic resources.
You must be my neighbor. I am in Southwestern NC. This week has been so surreal. Thank you for writing.