Rachel Hollis is
In your face
Real
Relevant
Author Rachel Hollis’ story is a rags to riches narrative, the heroine moving from Weedpatch (actual name!), California, to luxurious Bel Air, near Hollywood. Her book, published by Thomas Nelson in 2018, is also a memoir of sorts: edgy Christian lifestyle guru struggling through life as we all do with glitches, traumatic events–and triumphs. An entrepreneur who began as a blogger, she founded Chic Media, now a burgeoning enterprise.
Rachel is of a younger generation than I, a Millennial, most likely. Curious about her point of view and because I needed a break from heavier non-fiction, like G. K. Chesterton’s essay collection, I picked up her book at the library. You can read my review here.
Her “take” on creativity in the writing life intrigued me; it’s one I can identify with. Here is a passage I bookmarked with the text printed below the snapshot:
Writing—for me—is its own kind of worship.
The definition of worship is the “feeling of expression or reverence for a deity.” Creating is the greatest expression of reverence I can think of because I recognize that the desire to make something as a gift from God. The freedom to carve out the time and have a safe place to create that art is a blessing of the highest level in a world where so many people are unable to have either. Every time I indulge in the art of creation without worrying about what the public will think of it is craft in its purest form—and craft can be any old thing at all. For me it’s writing. For you it might be painting, making quilts, or take a Thursday-night ballet class. Whether or not something is good or worthy is up for interpretation, and if you’re unconcerned about other people’s interpretations, then everything you make is fantastic.
I hope you’ll remember this in your own life, and I hope you’ll create for yourself. Do it in celebration of your ability to do so.
~ Rachel Hollis in Girl, Wash Your Face
***
Till I come, give attention to reading. ~ I Timothy 4:13, New King Jams Version
Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.” ~ Habakkuk 2:2, New KJV
You are invited to a book signing at San Marco Books and More
When: Saturday, August 29, 2020
Time: 2-4 pm
Featuring: Autographed copies of Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl along with other local authors
An outdoor event. Directions in this link.
Who/What stirs your creative juices?
Do you think of writing as a kind of worship?
What books, poetry or prose, have provided you with inspiration?
I love this: “The freedom to carve out the time and have a safe place to create that art is a blessing of the highest level …” I count that as a blessing every day. Thank you, Marian. Good luck with the book signing.
I’m glad this post resonated with you. You know from personal experience how it is with blogging! The book signing is an outdoor event, with others authors wearing masks, I assume, as it’s mandatory in Florida right now. Thanks for being First Poster today, Arlene!
Good Luck with the book signing, Marian…You picked a lovely passage from Rachels book…a lovely share 🙂 x
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Carol. Thanks!
Good morning, Marian! Thank you for sharing–and good luck with your book signing!
The book signing is an outdoor event – should have noted that. As we are all wearing masks, contact will be minimal. Probably the more serious threat is from possibly stormy weather. Thanks for the good wishes, Merril.
I hope you have good weather.
🙂
Oh yes, writing is definitely a form of worship. I write for Him, and to honor the gift He’s given me. Enjoy the book signing.
Love that. Jill!
Jill, I’m chiming in with Linda Marie, affirming that writing for me too is a type of worship. My constant companion near my desk is a framed quote: Soli Deo Gloria! 🙂
I don’t express worship with writing, but I love to read what you write Marian. I do, however, think that the creative things that God gives us can also be expressed as worship because He designed us to enjoy them, in turn, He finds pleasure when we express our creative gifts. Gardening and cooking (don’t do too much of that anymore) would be the two ways that energize my creative juices and can be considered a form of worship, honoring Him who designed these gifts in me for Him & others.
“For all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.” Col. 1:16
I’m going to add two more gifts that I’ve noticed in our 30+ years knowing each other: the gift of friendship and the gift of engaging conversation. You are accomplished at both, Carolyn.
Thanks too for the quotation from the book of Colossians, so true. It’s wonderful to be reminded in these perilous times that He holds all things together! 😀
Marian, you have such thought-provoking posts! What a great excerpt. I think any exercise of a gift or talent is an act of worship. I can’t help thinking of this quote by Olympic medalist Eric Liddell, “I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” I feel HIs pleasure when I do whatever He calls me to do, even when I don’t want to do it or struggle through the doing.
Yay for your book signing! 🤩
L. Marie, I have a faint memory of this quote, so I looked it up and found it on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com › quotes › 802465.Eric_Liddell
Thanks for the good wishes. It’s an outdoor event, so I pray for good weather for me and other local authors. 🙂
Marian — I love the quote that you extracted from GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE, and shared. I resonate strongly with it. Like so many of your other readers, I, too, count “The freedom to carve out the time and have a safe place to create…” as a daily blessing. Best wishes at your book signing!
Laurie, you are often quick to comment here and always ready to share. I saw your tweet early this morning. Thank you for your good wishes too. The book signing is a masked, outdoor event – hoping for good weather. 🙂
This sounds like a great read! Young people can be so astute. I think we should always be thankful for the talents we have been given. Enjoy your book signing. xo
I’m guessing in your recent language-immersion adventure you interacted with different age groups.
As we age, interacting with younger generations is a must, I have discovered. That’s one reason I’m glad we don’t yet live in a retirement community. Thanks for the good wishes, Darlene. 🙂
I love the excerpt and quotations from scripture thanks Marian. My brain is a bit befuddled right now so I can’t answer your provocative questions. Procrastination dogs my every move. But I do remember an author Wilbur Smith saying about writing that it’s ‘1% inspiration, 99% perspiration’.
Have fun at your book signing!
Susan, you are sweet to reply here, whatever your state of mind. The questions are always a la carte, take them or leave them – ha! I definitely identify with the Wilbur Smith quote, which makes writing in Florida during this season extra challenging. 😀
“Stop believing the lies about who you are so you can become who you were meant to be.” Love the subtitle.
Right-o! Eleanor Roosevelt was dogged by self-doubt; yet that didn’t hold her down. (Yes, I just watched Ken Burns’ The Roosevelts, a fantastic documentary.) Thanks, Janet.
(As I mentioned in comments on your blog, the book signing is an outdoor, masked affair, probably should have noted in the post.)
I definitely think of writing as a kind of worship. I treat my ability to write as a gift from above and treasure it, but not in a serious heavy-handed way– in a meant to be me way. I read an interview with RH and immediately loved her. I need to read her book!
Ally, your readers line up around the block to comment on your posts. Why? You have a fresh, off-hand style which readers eat up, certainly not heavy-handed.
I’ve read only one of RH’s books. She has another in pre-order status, and I think her husband has also gotten into the publishing game. You may know, she has 3 sons and a daughter at home. Oh, well, she’s young!
😉
Had never thought of writing as an act of worship, but I know now that’s what I’ve been doing all my life. I have a shelf full of diaries to attest to that. One diary is a complete study of the Psalms and my reactions to them! I recently went back to it to prepare a sermon on the Psalms, so of course…! Thanks for an insightful blog post again, Marian!
Elfrieda, I knew my memoir and my gratitude book were/are an act of worship, but a diary? Thanks for the new thought: Diaries show that we are still alive and have thoughts, some probably more insightful than others. 😀
And a sermon from diary entries on the book of Psalms? A divine provision, as I see it. Thanks, once again, for the encouraging comment.
Cheers to a great book signing for you and Mennonite Daughter, Marian! <3 xo
Thank you, Bette. It looks to be a sweltering afternoon, with storms possibly. But I’m not complaining; instead, praying for those in the path of hurricane Laura along the Gulf Coast..
And, best wishes to you as you promote your poetry collection, My Maine, and other books! 🙂
I loved this post Marian. This line was key for me: ” if you’re unconcerned about other people’s interpretations, then everything you make is fantastic.” I hope your book signing was nice and busy for you. 🙂 x
I like your choice of quote from Rachel’s book. Living with wild abandon is usually more enjoyable than always “coloring inside the lines.” I hope you and hubby are doing well in Toronto. These are such crazy times.
Thanks for this and for the good wishes. The book signing is scheduled for this Saturday. Because it’s with other authors, there won’t be much of a lull even wearing masks and several feet apart in an outdoor venue. ((( )))
Oh, my bad, would you believe I thought Aug 29th was last week? Talk about losing the days! Well, I wish you lots of book sales <3
Debby, we’re all a little upside-down in our thinking, so no worries. A few days ago I saw a Facebook posting: I’m not buying a 2021 planner until I see the trailer. Funny – ha? 🙂
Lol, I posted that same meme on my page. Truer words! 🙂
HaHa!
Hi Marian!
I’m so glad to see you have a book signing coming up. And, so nice that it’s a group event with other authors. I wish I was nearer to you right now! I hope it will be a fun and successful event this weekend.
My mind is always spinning and my life is always interesting – to me – so writing comes easy, in diaries, books, or blogs. 🙂
I too wish you could come to the book signing, Liesbet. These events are usually feast or famine, but at least it’s a chance to market here at home base instead of virtually, which can be pretty tiresome.
Your blog coordinates still say Newburyport, but I believe you are taking side trips. Maine was one destination, I believe. Like you, I like my mind to have free rein. . . . Blog posts and book manuscripts, though sometimes tedious, give us a break from pandemic restrictions and sad news ever-present these days.
Give my best to Mark and and extra treat to Maya. Okay? ((( )))
You are right, Marian. We are still in Newburyport, but no side trips anymore. I’m hoping to post an update on my blog tomorrow. Busy months! Today was the first time in weeks that I took 2.5 hours off to have a fun, extensive walk with Maya. The weather was perfect: 75 degrees. Maya – more exhausted than usual – sends you a wag and a kiss! 🙂
I know how intense this part of “booking” is like; I’m glad you had some down time with your special doggie daughter. 🙂
I think the only time I have thought of writing as worship or worshipful is when I have done poetry. I wonder why that is. Good question to ponder as I move forward. Hope you have some traffic at the signing, and I too think that no matter what happens, people notice the book, and perhaps engage in some conversation with you. At least I hope that happens! I have not personally been in a bookstore in the last 6 months, buying only online, but I DO miss browsing among the stacks. I have picked up books at Gift N Thrift though.
Poetry distills the essence of thought, so I’m not surprised that you feel worshipful writing in this form. Perhaps a bit like prayer.
Truthfully, with few exceptions like when my book launched last year, lots of foot traffic is rare at book signings. I will be with other authors in an outdoor setting (masked, of course), so it may be different. It probably depends on the weather more than anything else. Independent book sellers have a tough time of it during these past months and have to be inventive.
Thanks for the good wishes, Melodie! 🙂
Thank you Dear Marian for all the time, effort and love you put into your well-crafted posts. Even your husband enjoys them!
Well, thank you, dear. It’s a surprise to see you here, but then you are always full of surprises, generally good ones. Here’s my chance to thank you again for proofing my posts, even if they don’t always catch your fancy. xox
Fascinating thoughts and questions here Marian. I don’t think I’ve ever thought of writing as worship. But definitely a necessity to explore and understand the soul. Without writing, I would not be as centered and spiritual and joyful as I am. Isn’t that weird? But I think writing does bring us to the spirit within us. So there you go. Perhaps it is a type of worship. Thank you for this and for the wonderful review. 🙏💜
Well, Pam, I didn’t think of writing as worship until Rachel here posed the thought. I have definitely thought of writing as therapy, especially memoir, and thus a spiritual and soulful experience.
Ah, you also read the review. Thanks for all this – and that too! 😉
Hi Marian – I have been meaning to read Girl, Wash Your Face. My friend (a milennial) recommended it to me. Glad you’re able to do a socially distant book event. Take care!
For me, it was a refreshing change from books written by middle-aged women, not that such reading isn’t a good thing. Thanks for the good wishes, Barbara!
Writing is my craft and reading is how I fuel my expression . I think all the books I’ve ever read are inspiration for how I write .
So glad you are back to book signing . We really do have to move in our uncertain world but safely …do enjoy your self . I hope the event includes plenty of tea and cake .😁💕
Cherryx
You are an expert writer with a unique voice, all your own, so special.
The book signing today threatens to be rained out with storms and high winds. The national booksellers “legislated” the date, which the local shop wasn’t very excited about. If it’s stormy and the signing is postponed, I won’t be too disappointed. It was an outdoor event anyway, and even with clear weather, very hot and humid here in August. We’ll see. Thanks so much for the good wishes, dear Cherry! ((( )))
Wonderful! You’re getting ready for a book signing as I write this–or you’re having to cancel because of a storm. An outdoors event in FL in August sounds chancy. I’ll find out what happened later, but we’re all getting used to delays and I know you’ll handle it well.
Meanwhile, back to your blog, I love this perspective and it’s the only one that works for me now. I may be boring people with my Monarch stories and photos, but the butterflies are my way of loving and giving thanks at a stay-at-home moment. Hospice volunteering is still on hold and other activities, so I’m home, walking in the forest and watching the fall wildflowers start to bloom, growing vegetables, writing short reflections, and tending the last 40-50 Monarchs who are either large caterpillars or chrysalises now. Three little prayers eclosed this morning and will leave my nursery today. What a gift it is to be able to do this and take part in their transformation.
I, for one, am not tired of your stories of gardening and nurturing monarchs. I see the transformation happening to you and to the flying wonders you “midwife,” making this odd time not only palatable but productive for you – Brava!
Well, storms were predicted this afternoon, so I had low expectations for the signing. However, early morning brought a slight breeze which gave me a smidgeon of hope. Temps were way above 90, but I wore a sun visor and could set up under an awning. Even the storms held off, thank God! Fortunately, I was stationed beside a retired UNF professor who has a dog massage business. (Yes, you heard that right!) She says her work is as stress-relieving for her as it is for the dogs. The star character in her children’s book about bullying is a dachshund named Millie.
Then, another happy surprise! A woman who bought my book shared her restrictive upbringing, much like mine. Elaine, if you saw the two of us you would think we had nothing in common: she was very glamorous, half my age, and mahogany-skin-toned. We were so excited sharing stories that we took off our masks for a photo, but I’ll hold off on posting it publicly. Another stroke of good fortune: The rain held off until I could pack up and leave.
Thanks for letting me ramble, Elaine. You can tell I don’t get out much these days – ha! And thanks for sharing your life on the Finger Lakes. My wish: Continued good health for you and your own doggies and other natural wonders.
((( )))
I want to see those photos. Maybe someday. The best part of a group reading is meeting the other writers.
Ha! Ha! I’m still holding off posting because I am a good girl and failed to wear a mask for the photo!. ;-(
I agree; I enjoyed seeing in public those people, like me, who do their work in private, mostly in solitude. Thanks, Elaine!
Love the thought of celebration oneself and our abilities!
I celebrate you and your ability to manage so many tasks. Thanks for showing up here in spite of your busy schedule. Love the close up of your doggie this week! 🙂
This sounds really good. I love to read about people who followed their passion and it worked. I hope the book signing went well!
You amaze me, Jacqui, launching a book and juggling so much these days. Thanks for stopping by today with a comment.
The book signing went well: I sold a few books and met several interesting patrons as well as other authors. I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you, and continued blessings on your book promotion. 😀
Marian, happy that you have given time to share your thoughts on Rachel Hollis and her writing. I’ve been wondering just what a book title like hers is holding in wait for me. The quote you shared is rich and I’ve copied it to a collection of quotes I maintain for future reference. And I’ll be searching for Rachel’s book! Thank you!
Hi, there, Sherrey. I have just become aware of her recent publication, out just a week or so ago titled I Didn’t See That Coming, which would pair well with your recent post about hope. Good to see you here, and here’s hoping air quality keeps improving in Portland. Huge hugs! ((( )))