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When You Need Rest & Space For You {Finding Spiritual Whitespace}

By Bonnie Gray • May 29, 2014 • 3 Comments

I didn’t want to get out.

But Daddy swung the car door open.

My parents had just divorced and Daddy took me and little sister to the toy store one Saturday morning.

He wanted to buy us something to “Remember Daddy loves you,” as he placed the plastic bag in my hand at checkout. But, all I could think about was Momma.  What she told me that morning.  That I better not take anything from him.

I didn’t know it at the time, but that visit was going to be the last time I ever saw him again. I was a little girl, seven years tall.  

Daddy kept telling me, “It’s okay. It’s okay.” But I didn’t want to walk up to the porch. My legs drilled down into the ground like roots to a thicket of thorns at the bottom of concrete steps.

My Daddy put one hand on my back, pressing me forward, as he grabbed my little sister’s hand in the other. He rapped on the screen door while I blinked and sucked my breath in.

As I held myself there for a million years, the door flew open.

There she stood. Over me.

Even behind the screen, I could see Momma clearly. Her ragged jawline, her teeth clenched and face flushed. Her chest heaving. She took one look at me, at the plastic bag I was holding. I could see it in her eyes.

Anger.

And I broke apart in a thousand pieces right then and there. I knew I shouldn’t do what I did next, because it would make everything worse. But, I couldn’t help it.

I started shaking. Tears began to erupt and my mouth pulled down into a trembling sob. I couldn’t swallow them down. So I began to cry…

To be continued…

To Read The Rest Of the Story

…To read the rest of the story “When You Long For Rest & Space For You” – click here to join me over at DaySpring’s (in)courage site, where today’s post is published.

Take a virtual coffee break together. I’d love to be with you there.

It’s finally happening, friends —
Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul To Rest
releases Tuesday June 3, 2014!

findingspiritualwhitespace_book

(psst… Last chance to order before Tuesday
to receive Exclusive Pre-launch Bonus Gifts!)

 

BonnieGray_WhitespaceBadge_250

To celebrate the birth of my new book, I am launching a very special June Book Launch Series!

21 Days of Rest:
Finding Spiritual Whitespace

Please invite your friends to journey together on this {soulful} Blog Tour. Let’s rejuvenate and savor rest.

 

Are you on GoodReads?
Win a copy of my new book.

GoodReads is giving away 5 copies of my book. Click to enter by 6/3/14 Tuesday!
Go ahead.  Add Finding Spiritual Whitespace to your bookshelf.
Because well, books are like pastries. Enjoyed sweeter with company.

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Now It’s Your Turn — Link Up!

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Publish your post ANY DAY of the week.  

Link up on Thursday. Visit & comment the post before yours.

Use the Whitespace Thursday Linkup Badge.

Write what prompts your heart. Share your voice.

Today’s Thursday 5/29/14 writing prompt:  share your whitespace discoveries.

– moments of beauty and rest
– feeding your soul
– your alone time with God

Enjoy using these special Whitespace Printables (click to download).

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Click  to learn more about Whitespace Thursdays.

Next Thursday 6/5/15
Special June Writing Prompt!

Use our special {21 Days of Rest} Blog Tour Badge 

21 Days of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace

June is very special.  Share all things #spiritualwhitespace.

Writing prompts:

* If you’re reading the book, share your discoveries.
How is the book speaking to you?
(Add your post onto my book page too: click to submit it)

*  I’ll be serving up special #SpiritualWhitespace Challenges in our 21 Days of Rest series.

*  If you haven’t read the book yet, share your whitespace moments. 

– moments of beauty and rest
– feeding your soul
– your alone time with God

* Pick an inspiring Pinnable Whitespace Book Quotes & Book Art. Click to see new ones.

* Choose your own open writing prompt.  Be you.

Thank you for using #spiritualwhitespace to share your pictures on Instagram & Twitter!
It’s fun to see the moments that feed your soul this week!

[hashimage hashtag=spiritualwhitespace limit=20]

{click here to add your post to the Whitspace Linkup}


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Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

3 Comments

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Uncover Your Story. Come Celebrate. {A Book Launch Party: Finding Spiritual Whitespace}
{confide} Let's Live A Better Story: Day 1 {21Days Of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace}

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Bonnie Gray

Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

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3 Comments

  • Reply Equipped by the Holy Spirit [Holy Spirit series] | Finding Hope May 29, 2014 at 2:32 am

    […] with: #SpiritualWhitespace, […]

  • Reply Trudy May 29, 2014 at 4:47 am

    “Jesus took time to rest because nurturing his soul with his Father was more important than what He could do.” Such an amazing Truth. I always think I have to do more and be more. Always stressing myself out to please and do for others instead of myself. Always feeling “not enough.” I started reading your book, and there is so much in it that I have to take it slowly so I can process everything. This idea of just leaning into Jesus with all my vulnerable self. And just trust Him with all my brokenness. I always think I have a lack of faith, but I shouldn’t even be dwelling on that. Just rest in Him. Thank you, Bonnie, for helping me deal with all this. I’m learning He wants us to come broken, just as we are. He loves us just as we are, His cherished, priceless works of art. I thank God for giving you courage to follow your heart and share these things with us.

  • Reply Barbara Keegan May 29, 2014 at 5:25 am

    I just finished the book, Bonnie! It was such a blessing to me! Thank you for sharing and encouraging us to find rest! God bless!

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Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

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