Hello New Beginnings
Hi, I’m Mamie and welcome to my blog. If you were sitting next to me, I would go ahead and give you the biggest hug (usually, I do try to ask first). I am ecstatic you are here with me.
Normally this would be the place where other professionals say you should tell your reader a little about yourself. So, I could share several facts about myself that evolved with age, like I wanted to change my name once I turned 18 or I thought I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. But one fact I would definitely like you to know about me that hasn’t changed with time-I am a dreamer.
Yet, five years ago one of my dreams was deferred.
Staring at a blank computer screen, my homework books scrambled on the floor around me, hubby on deployment and four boys who seemed to tag team calling my name, the words would not come out. I could not write. What once filled me with joy now drained me, becoming one more thing on my ever growing to do list. Writing had just become one more area of inadequacy I often felt during this season. I simply could not do it all. I simply could not give it my best. More and more I began to realize my time and energy needed to be poured into supporting my family, finishing my degree, and allowing God to heal broken places of my damaged heart. The cost to push forward was more than I could pay. So five years ago, I deactivated my blog account, stepped away from writing publicly, and became comfortable with being in my hidden season.
God called me to a pause.
Unfortunately, what was meant to only last a season became a stopping point for fear. I allowed a few broken relationships with family and friends to cause doubt in myself, my worth, and my calling. The rejection was eating up my heart. Then another military move to an unknown city without any support fed my feelings of isolation. I was beginning to lose sight of my true identity. For the first time in my life, I questioned my voice and my purpose.
Over time, with the support of my husband and a few friends who would not allow me to take up residence in what was meant to be temporary, I was able to embrace my hidden season and surrender it to God. I cried. Actually, I cried a lot. Sad tears. Happy tears. Angry tears. Hopeful tears. Only to start that process all over again. My prayers were often broken ramblings of the little girl who just wanted to rest in her father’s arms.
Through it all, my on-time and faithful God reminded me I am His.
In my Heavenly Father’s arms I found comfort. I found rest. I found hope. In His gentleness, He reminded me that my voice, my ability, and my talents are His. Listening, I knew I needed to be rooted back into a local church. Right away, I leaned in to faithfully serving and opening my heart to the leadership at my local church. Here I gained a safe place to grow, be loved and receive direction. God expanded the circle of women in my life who saw past my brokenness, embraced me for who I am, and spoke to my potential.
In the midst, God was healing. God was restoring. I could feel dormant places in my heart beginning to stir again. Could it be? Would I dare hope? Then I knew. I did indeed hear God’s clear direction. It was my time to write again.
I would love to say that I jumped right back in, but I didn’t. As my dream was becoming visible again there was still the lingering voice saying, “Who would want to read what you write?” That voice asking, “Are you good enough?”
In spite of the uncertainty, I obeyed God’s direction.
I don't have to know the entire plan. I choose to trust the one who made the plan. Click To TweetNow five years later, un-paused and beginning anew, I am saying yes to a new beginning of creating another space for God to use my voice and my talents. Whether in the classroom as an educator, serving in my local church, or connecting with other women, I strive to create a safe place where other women realize they are not alone. From the joyful, gotta tell everyone moments to the ugly, heartbreaking moments, WE ARE NOT ALONE.
Thank you for joining me today. Hopefully, this is the new beginning of a beautiful friendship. Let’s get ready to do life together.
Much love,
Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash
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Marcia Martin
I’m so excited for you Mamie. What a wonderful start to what I know will be so helpful to so many. Can’t wait to see what God does through you.
Mamie L. Pack
Marcia MartinOh, thank you so much Marcia!
Faith Ladson
I am glad you shared about the pause. There are many of us who are scared to pause thinking pause means stop. Your transparency is refreshing.
Mamie L. Pack
Faith LadsonAbsolutely!!! It’s important to move forward and not get stuck.
Stephanie Lippincott
So beautiful. I love your heart. Welcome back my sweet friend.
Mamie L. Pack
Stephanie LippincottAwwwww!!!! Thank you friend!
Apreyer00@yahoo.com
Beautiful, congratulations on your come back. I’m so happy and proud of you.
Vanessa
This was such a beautiful and genuinely relatable, real life read. Thank you for sharing YOU with us! You bring so much joy to my heart and you are truly an inspirational woman.
Heather Donovan
I’m so excited for you! Be YOU! Keep sharing.
Cynthia
It’s your time to shine!
Virginia Girton
Yes, Mamie!!! What an amazing and beautiful light you bring to everyone around you – and now it’s through your written word again! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read all of your future blogs. Keep going forward in God’s huge plans – they’re even bigger than you can dream as a dreamer!
Bridget (Nutty Hiker)
Welcome back to blogging! I too, did the same thing! Stepped away for several years and finally started back up again in 2014!
Kinunplugged
What a sweet post. And how refreshing a break can be.
Sherry M Lee
God definitely has a way of tugging at the heart and nudging us along on our journeys. We are always being supported by God. Congratulations for listening and following your heart!
Mamie L. Pack
Sherry M LeeThank you so much Sherry!
Life With Sonia
Aww this made me smile. I’m very happy for you. The Lord shall watch over you on your new beginning.
Mamie L. Pack
Life With SoniaThank you for your encouragement!
Flossie
Aww, Mamie, I love this notion you cite here of a “hidden season.” Through all my life’s twists and turns, I often have to remind myself that I don’t need to see the WHOLE road ahead of me – just the next step, and trust God for the rest!