No words

I thought about titling this post something like, "My heart ripped open.........." but I was cowardly, afraid of alarming those who know me personally.  Surely a title like that would lead to concern and worry that something drastic, something tragic had happened to either me personally or to someone I love dearly.  Let me assure you that I am fine.  We are fine.  However, something drastic HAS happened to me personally.  Let me explain.

Many of you who know me in real life are aware of my little post-boys'-bedtime obsession that involves reading blog posts in my Google reader into the wee hours of the night.  A few nights ago I read a post written by Angie Smith.   A gifted writer herself, Angie described in her own eloquent and humble manner, a woman named Ann Voskamp who has written a book that was just released in Kindle version this week.  Since I trust all things Angie, I was curious and clicked over to Ann's website to read an excerpt from her book.  To say I was blown away by her writing is an understatement.  Tears flowed freely down my face as I read her words.  I invite you to click over yourself to read it for yourself.  Prepare to be mesmerized and to come away seeking more.  I nosed around her blog for a while, then looked at the time and realized I needed to get to bed.  Before logging off I added her to my Google reader.

The next night, as usual, I checked out all my Google reader posts.  I was excited to see one from Ann and quickly clicked over to read it.  A link in that post led me to a post Ann had written about her trip to Guatemala as a Compassion blogger.  Since I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to take a Compassion trip someday, I immediately headed over to read about her experiences in Guatemala.  I am telling you, people, this woman is one of the most gifted writers I have ever come across.  Her ability to convey what she saw and experienced in that country is remarkable, to say the least.  Her words and the accompanying photos are heart-wrenching, yet achingly beautiful. I have "no words" that I feel are adequate to convey what I felt when reading HER words.  Again, I found myself sitting with tears streaming down my face as I read. I am asking you begging you to CLICK HERE and read this for yourself.  If you have ever wondered why someone would give money to an organization who helps people outside the borders of our (USA) country, your questions will be answered.  I have heard people criticize others for giving money to people in "other countries" because "we have enough needy people in our own country to take care of".  I have also heard of someone boycotting a fundraiser for victims of Haiti's earthquake for the very same reason.  I do believe in helping "your own".  However, the word "need" is relative. In fact, HERE is a great post which will most definitely cause you to rethink your idea of "needs".  I could go on and on about this topic, but Ann says it all much better.  So please head over and read her post.  I thought I already had a pretty big heart for the needy people in this world, but Ann's writing and her example have wrenched it open even further.  I would LOVE to hear your thoughts about it after you read it.  So head back over here and leave me a comment, would you?  Even better, head back over here and tell me the name of the child you've just chosen to sponsor through Compassion!!  :-)

Comments

[Bridgett]

interestingly enough, I just came across Ann's blog this past week through Nadene's Practical Pages blog. And like you with Angie I trust all things Nadene :) I went over to Ann's blog and was blown away. I shown some of her posts to my husband and he was deeply touched as well and has talked about some of the posts we read. which shows how God inspired this woman is - as usually my husband's response to blogs I show him are limited to one word "cool", "neat", etc. Just so you know husband is not unconversational he just doesn't care for blogs or the internet in general. :)

I'm downloading her book to my kindle as well!!!

[Daniele @ Domestic Serenity]

Yes...Ann's words are a gift to the blogging (and now book publishing) community. I've been reading her for about 3 yrs and the Compassion posts caused our family rethink giving. An inspiration that every family should read!

(I've never commented here, but read often. thanks for all you contribute to the blogging community as well!)