Friday, February 15, 2013

Show Your Real: A big idea

When I started writing about the idea of “show your real” it was just some messy pictures of my house, and attempts to share some honest snippets of what motherhood looks like for me. But the more I started thinking about it, the more the concept of authenticity, of lowered barriers, of communities built around being real with one another began to resonate with me, and grow within my heart. It stopped being a fun feature I wanted to occasionally include, and started feeling like part of what my mission should be for this space I call Bowdenisms.
So much of blogging is self centered. Look at me. Listen to me. Praise me. But when done right- it can become a forum to connect the opposite way. To minister into people's lives. To open a door and let love and wisdom pour out. But not just my wisdom (Thank God). Show Your Real is expanding, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this idea with you...

You know you have a good idea when you feel proud. You're puffed up and happy and can't wait to share.
But you know you have a Godly idea when you're humbled. You're stunned and honored and can't wait to be used.

Now, I've had my fair share of good ideas in my time, but I'm not always first with the Godly ones.
A few years back, a relative stranger told me after a five minute phone conversation that I was "obviously a prayerful woman". To this day, Dustin and I laugh about it, knowing the only thing that comment proved was how obviously little he knew me. Spiritually isn't my strong suit. Blessings don't flow out of me on the regular. But they say even a blind squirrel gets a nut once in a while, and I'm blessed to know that my God doesn’t see me as a blind squirrel- in fact- He sees me as a creature worthy of being used in His plan. So I'm going to do something completely out of character: get out of the way, so He can move.

So the idea- this big Godly idea- is the Show Your Real series. I envisioned a regular feature of guest posts here, where women (and maybe the occasional guy or two!) from all different stages of life can speak their truth and inspire us with their real.


When formulating the concept for a series, and thinking about who to include, God put on my heart some of my very best friends...and some girls I only barely know...and some women I have absolutely no business emailing. Picture an eight grade trumpet player inviting the senior prom queen to her birthday party. That’s pretty much what I was doing...

*My real: I actually did play the trumpet in eighth grade. But that’s another story for another time.
But I put my insecurities aside, and I wrote. I shared my idea, my goals, and my heart. And I asked them to be a part of this vision. And to my delight, they responded. And a ton of them said YES. (even the prom queens!)

(I may not have all the wisdom in the world, but if it is a talent to recognize truth in others, then I could be a contender. Just saying...)

I could not be more thrilled for the series we have lined up...

Can I say that again? I COULD NOT be more thrilled. I mean that with my whole heart. Truly, there were nights I couldn’t even sleep because I was so geeked about this. I don’t know exactly what will unfold over the next few months. I don’t know what each post will hold, or what each writer will share.

But I know, I KNOW you are going to be blessed. I am going to be blessed.

Please come back on Tuesday for the official launch of the series. It's gonna be real.

Oh- and this:

3 comments :

  1. looking forward to it. and well, that screen shot at the end was just the best closer ever. like ever.
    love to you. can't wait to get real

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  2. Courtney, I really love your Show Your Real series. I just came over via Jami Nato's blog. Just wanted to say that it is a beautiful series and what the blog world needs more of. LOTS more of ;)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Leslie! Thank you so much. I think we're all in need of a big does of "real". So happy you found us!

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