The Heavy Lifting of Life: Finding Light, Hope, and Strength Together

Soulwork Before the Storm

When I look back at my blog posts over the years, I see a pattern. Each time I reach a place in life where I feel ready to dig in and do some soulwork, an approaching storm seems to appear on the horizon. I should sense it—perhaps realize that God is giving me a quiet warning—but mostly, it’s humbling.

How can I ever feel like I have my life together, like I’m evolving, when I live in a world that is rarely easy or peaceful? I knew this school year would be challenging because of the disappointment and resentment that follow not being chosen to lead. But then came a cascade of events that upended my family and left us broken and confused. And then came an unexpected government shutdown, leaving us scrambling once again.

While the weight of these moments presses down on me, what feels equally heavy is the silence—the rejections from agents, publishers, and would-be employers. Some days I feel like I’m standing in an open box, with no lid to protect me, only the endless rain pouring in.

When Silence Feels Safer

Without sharing the details, it might sound like I’m simply complaining, and for that I apologize. I am doing my best to keep my head above water, searching for bits of joy in each day.

My lovely friend Dwight from Faded Jeans Living recently called me out for being silent too long, which is why I’m showing up here today. My instinct has always been to struggle quietly when life gets heavy. But I need to remember—and be reminded—that we are not meant to carry it all alone. There are people who walk beside us, always ready to help with the heavy lifting.

Lessons from the Storm

I’m certain that life feels heavy for most of us right now. It reminds me of the time our community of sober bloggers came together on WordPress during the COVID pandemic. Fear, isolation, and uncertainty drew us to one another, and it was deeply comforting to feel that support from across the country and around the world.

As we reentered the world, many of us set our blogs aside, choosing busyness and in-person exchanges instead. But our struggles didn’t simply disappear. The pastor at our church often says, “You are either going into a storm, in the middle of a storm, or coming out of a storm.” I’ve learned to be wary of long stretches of sunshine. It’s not pessimism—it’s understanding that the calm often prepares us for what comes next.

Shared Strength

We don’t have to do the heavy lifting alone. Thank you, Dwight, for reminding me of that truth. You, and our other online friends, remain in my heart and soul through all the challenges this life brings. You are strong silver strands of light, love, and connection that keep me from letting go or giving in when life gets heavy.