In 2019, I began writing a blog I called “The Amateur Acorn”. The idea was that I would inspire, encourage spiritual growth, and talk about the “things that matter” with the goal of growing into “a mighty oak” as God intended. I do have a love of trees!
I’m in the process of transferring all my old posts over to maintain things in one place, to THIS blog, which I began in the fall of 2021 because it seemed more “practical” during the post-covid season to have a blog with my own name. A lot has changed in these last 5 years and I have more to say about a lot of things, but I haven’t written anything here in over a year and a half. Primarily this is because I have been working on completing my Master’s degree (which I did!) and I have also been processing my mental health and evolving faith journey mostly very publicly on Facebook for ease. You can find many of these writings with the hashtag #WhatTreesTeachUs.
I’m looking at beginning a podcast to just talk about the things that matter with other people that have interesting stories, and this blog will most likely follow what I’m doing there, but for now, here are some words from the past to remind myself (and you too my friend) that we ALL have a unique but radiant voice and if we have something important to say, we should say it. And if it isn’t helping yourself or others to grow, well, maybe we should shut up about it. I don’t know, just a thought.
Original post on January 3, 2019:
For the sake of transparency, I’m just gonna lay it all out there.
I’m a mess. Well, maybe I’m being dramatic. Just a little bit. I actually get myself to work on time almost every day (well, most days…) and I’ve only forgotten my child at school one time. It’s a good thing the baby has just moved on to college and I don’t have to deal with that whole school thing anymore. Oh wait. I’m a teacher.
I am quite frankly still a kid in my almost 50 year old heart, but I’m a girl who likes to get things done with an “it will work out” twist, and my husband is one-of-a-kind for putting up with me…a true rarity these days. However, I often suffer from that grave affliction of lots of confidence while still questioning my ability to actually do something A.Ma.Zing and wonder if you like me.
Good thing I don’t really have to wonder. I am actually qualified in a few things but really I’m perfectly NOT equipped for most things and God knows it. He said that He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. He also said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My Power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Cor. 12:9
So there is the magic in this new journey I’m calling “The Amateur Acorn”. He’s my secret weapon. I believe God has a plan and purpose for our lives when we start out as an acorn, and it is up to us to CHOOSE whether we will follow that plan and grow to become the “mighty oak” that He is creating. It sure won’t happen overnight, but it’s only going to happen if we confess that we are weak, but HE is strong, and we need His help. That’s a hard thing to do in this independent, fast paced, me-first society.
I’m no expert in this area and in fact, one of the things I have really struggled with in recent days is grief, heartache, and loss that have manifested themselves in feelings of inadequacy and wondering if I’m even qualified to share my voice.
The TRUTH I’ve been reminded of though is that I don’t need a Masters in English to be a writer. I don’t need a seminary degree to share what I’m learning as a student of the Bible. I don’t need to be a politician to advocate for the things that matter or share my opinion. And I definitely don’t need to be famous to be KNOWN.
I know with confidence that I am known and my value and worth come from the Lord. And I know that no one else is responsible for my happiness, except for ME. So I still have days that suck, but I’m choosing to find my happiness in Jesus, my faithful friend that pursues me every day and reminds me that I am loved. Sometimes it takes a lot to crack this nut. There might be tears occasionally. And a Hallmark movie.
I do hope though that you’ll be my friend and follow along with the little time you have in a day, and that I might inspire, motivate, and encourage you to be all that you were intended to be as well. Or not. Whatever. I’ve been told I’m supposed to be cool about it and let you decide. I promise I won’t stalk you or anything. (Please pick me 🙂 )
Shelley Harrington 