Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Today is December 2nd. I look around and see people trying to get into the Christmas Spirit, but honestly this is not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone.
Those suffering heartache can’t muster the strength to put on a brave front. I have been there and so have many of you.
So, this month, every Tuesday before Christmas, I want to share with you some Christmas Courage.
But I am not going to do it alone. I am going to be interviewing guests that wrote blogs in the series we published this past Summer called Sunlit Stories.
As it turns out, these guest authors shared some vulnerable moments that have real application for encouraging us at Christmas. The first of which is finding beauty in the ordinary.
My First Friend in Alabama
Today you are in for a real treat. Please welcome Denise Burroughs!
Denise was the first friend I made when I moved to Alabama. It was a big change for me to move from the Midwest, but she and I were kindred spirits right from the start.
Eric and I came to Jeff’s Sunday School class, and we quickly realized we had similar views on life. For the inquiring minds out there, Eric and my boys, Nicholas and Drew, are in between Jeff and Denise’s son Jesse and their daughters Libby and Kacy.
Even though Drew now lives in New York City pursuing his dream of Broadway, he hasn’t forgotten his Cullman, AL roots. Just this past week, he and Libby met for dinner while she was visiting. So sweet.
Mrs. Burroughs teaches AP English at Cullman High School and was one of Drew’s all-time favorite teachers. That’s one of the things that I find fascinating about her – how she can passionately and clearly explain literature so it’s easy for people like me to understand and get excited about.
Podcast Interview
Denise wrote a blog that was posted on my website and went out to my subscribers on July 8th, Finding Beauty in the Ordinary.
Below is a list of the interview questions from today’s podcast. I hope you will be enriched as you listen and read along.
- First, tell us about your extraordinary trip to Iceland.
- When you returned, how did sweet home Alabama fail to compare?
- Why do you think we take our ordinary life for granted?
- Why do you think people get frustrated with how they are supposed to respond as a “good” Christian?
- You note that even heroes of the faith were ordinary people that failed and experienced pain along with triumph and happiness. How does this encourage you on your journey?
- How does looking at your familiar surroundings with fresh eyes help you?
- How did reflecting on God’s control of creation change your perspective?
- You said John Milton is your favorite author. How did his poem “On His Blindness” help you stand and wait?
- Why do you think finding beauty in the ordinary can help people who may be struggling at Christmas?
In Closing
I want to thank Denise for coming in. I know the listeners are more encouraged this Christmas because of her willingness to share her story. When we are willing to share our stories, it helps others feel like they are not alone. And it gives them real courage for their journey.
A timely message for everyone; for those struggling and for helping those who are not, to become aware. Actually, this particular blog is excellent content for any time of the year. Thank you, Julie and Denise.
Thank you!
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this…Thanksgiving and Christmas has been challenging for me for the last 14 years. I appreciate how you are ministering to the many who struggle.
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad this ministered to you! Our willingness to tell our stories helps us realize we are not alone.