-Henry Matisse
Why is the first stroke of paint on a canvas the hardest to swipe? The first words in a book to write? The first notes in a song to compose? The first emotions to express in a relationship?
Fear.
Fear is a powerful, invisible foe. It grips our hearts and paralyzes us physically, emotionally and spiritually. Fear to get it wrong... fear that the most intimate parts of our soul will be discarded, ridiculed, or rejected. And so, for several years now, I have let fear of criticism and rejection keep me from blogging.
But no more. As Matisse said, "Creativity takes courage." By God's grace I will be brave enough and strong enough to create without fear. And so now, with outstretched hands, I offer you my heart through my words.
Welcome to The Sparrow's Nest!
Image from AllPosters
24 Thoughtful Comments:
You're back? Really? Hooray! I always loved your blog, especially in the fall. So looking forward to enjoying your peaceful corner of cyberspace again. Welcome back, Mrs. Wilt!
So glad you are back!
Welcome back! :)
Amelia
So glad you're back....really like this post. Can't wait to read more!
I was so happy to see a post pop up from you... Welcome Back!!!
You were one of the first blogs I fell in love with way back when...I'm SO excited to see that you're back! I've honestly and truly missed your sweet blog. Welcome back!
I was surprised and excited to see a post of yours come through on my reader! I look forward to what you have to share!
A warm and hearty welcome back!
Wonderful wonderful wonderful!!!
So glad that you are blogging again! Welcome back!
So good to see you back! I enjoyed your blog for years and hoped you would someday return.
I would have thought that you had more readers who liked and admired what you offered here than criticizers -- but I know the negative sometimes weighs us down more than the positive buoys us up.
Just blog as you feel the Lord leading and don't worry about the criticizers -- even Jesus had those.
Kelli! I'm so happy to see you blogging again. The Sparrow's Nest was always a favorite and I hoped in time you would return. No pressure here....just enjoy yourself blogging.
Yay! Yes, you are courageous. And, welcome back friend.
I'm so glad you're back.You were greatly missed!
Yay! You're back!
I am so very glad that you are blogging again! I have really missed seeing your projects and reading your words of wisdom and encouragement.
Welcome back! I missed you. :-)
Just remember that this is YOUR blog and that little delete key can come in very handy. ;-) I had someone once leave hateful comments. It just took a few days of deleting everything she said with no response from me. She got bored and moved on. :-)
Welcome back to one of my favorite bloggers! I am SO glad you are back!
I am so excited to be able to join yur blog, Kelli! I just posted a poem about fear...did you see it? Fear has kept me from doing soooo much! I am DONE with being afraid! You Go Girl!
Welcome back to the world of blogging! :)
So very glad to see you back in the blogging world!
It's wonderful news that you are blogging again. You have a gift for creating beauty all around you that is very inspiring. I look forward to reading your future posts.
Kate (in Oz)
You have been missed.
Good to see you back!
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