Writing Naked (Day 4 of 31, Tending to the Writer in Me)

"Life without other people is boring as hell.  It hit me that maybe the battles of life are best fought without armor and without weapons.  That maybe life gets real, good, and interesting when we remove all of the layers of protection we've built around hearts and walk out onto the battlefield of life naked. "  ~Glennon Doyle Melton in Carry On, Warrior

I've got stuff going on in my life.  Like lots of stuff.  I'm guessing you do too.  Our family has been battling this past year, and that's left us with a shell shocked rawness.  Naked really.  

Here's the thing though.  I stink at small talk.  If you meet me at a party, we might not fully connect  because I just can't think of a thing to say.  I might be carrying the weight of rawness that I'd love to share with you.  Or, I might be thinking, "Wow, I'd really to love to know her."  Or, "I wonder if she ever doubts her faith."  Yet, I might just smile and talk about the weather.  I officially fess up to the disconnect between my desire for deep connections and my ability to move beyond small talk. 

Writing for me is my side of the conversation, the sort I'm in pursuit of.  It's vulnerable, and kinda naked.  I write the way I'd love to talk if you were sitting next to me.  Whether we are sipping tea on the back porch, passing out juice boxes at the park, or pouring margaritas from a pitcher, deeper is my desire.  I want to tell you I got teary at the last episode of Parenthood, and laugh about my son stuffing matchbox cars into the toilet, but then I want to tell you more.  I want to ask you for more. 

I connect with authors who write naked, giving you glimpses into their real deal.  As I read about their struggles, I feel less alone.  But then still, I'm looking for even more if I am going to read again.   Sharing struggles has its value, but this world is erupting with the hard and the sad, and it all makes me weary. 

 

I need to hear the voice of those who face struggle fully leaned in, messed up, but mining for hope, listening carefully for the voice of God.  I don't need neat, tidy and together, but I could use some inspiration and challenge.   I don't need for writers, or friends, to have answers, but I'd love to know what they are hoping for, attempting and  learning.  Or, that they've gone into battle and come out on the other side more humble, faith filled and focused.   I'm wanting you to unpack some of your stuff. 

I'm going to keep working on letting my guard down as a writer, because that is what I'm looking to read.  And if you see me at a party, now you know.  Fist pump to the naked folks. 

This post is day four of a 31 day series: "Tending to the Writer in Me".

Thanks to Tish Goff for her photograph.