A friend of mine, Patty, gave me a book by Angie Smith (I Will Carry You). I have heard of her through a few different places. She 
spoke at last year’s Women of Faith Conference, she has an amazing blog (http://angiesmithonline.com/) – and now I’m finding out that she is just a freaking amazing woman. I look up to her. She puts words to feelings, thoughts and concepts that not even I can put words to. I find myself reading with a highlighter. (Patty, I’ll buy you a new book haha) I read this book like it’s a textbook of sorts. Teaching me more about life and loss. I highlight the statements that make me say “that’s exactly what I was thinking!” or “I didn’t know that’s what I was feeling … but that’s exactly it!”
Ours stories are so very different. Yet, when I read her words, I understand them. I know what she is talking about. I feel like she is reading what is in my own heart at times.
“I can distinctly remember the way grief and joy danced together as if they had the right to” (page 31) The pain I felt when I was happy that I could hold both of my babies, yet the grief I felt that Owen wasn’t there.
This woman doesn’t know me. She doesn’t know my story. I’m only two chapters into her book. But she is my role model. She has taught me a lot about myself. (and still is teaching me as I continue to read her words) Funny how writing can have such an impact. How black and white words on a page can change your entire perspective on life.
God is good.
Love, Mel
OMG Mel….that was the same line I read to Rae on Wednesday. I wanted to highlight it myself! I will also have to get a copy of that book. Love you!
sounds like an awesome Book.
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying it. I thought of you every second of her speech, and I cried at how many of her feelings sounded like things we talk about. I could see you speaking to people the way Angie does some day. You have so much to offer. Glad you like the book so far, hope it gives you inspiration for yours. Her latest blog was great, “the audacity of hope”
oh, and you can keep the book (:
I don’t know when or how I ran across her old blog… but I followed it for a LONG time… and I watched the video of her baby girl on youtube… and when her book came out – I was first in line to buy it! I finished it in a day – and I pass on so much of what she said to many friends who grieve similarly.
Couldn’t think of a better role model… *hugs*
I’m so glad you found her, she is SUCH an amazing woman!! I’ve been following her blog since Audrey’s birth. She is so inspiring. I had her book on my Christmas list but didn’t get it. I think it’s time!
I feel this way about you mel! Each and every blog! Please write a book for all of your followers! Love and prayers sher!
[…] Smith (one of my role models) just released a book titled “Mended” where she too explores how her […]