life beyond the well…


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Book Review: Freefall to Fly- A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning

As a person who struggles to deal with change, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of Rebekah Lyons’ book “Freefall to Fly- A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning”.  In this book, Lyons’ details how she encountered and overcame challenges associated with major changes in her life (such as a family move from Atlanta, Georgia to New York City due to her husband’s job).

While I could identify with some of the challenges Lyons faced as a result of major life changes, there were times that I really struggled to get into the book just because the story itself didn’t seem to flow that well.  However, I did appreciate the transparency that she displayed in telling her story.  While I would question the handling of her mental illness, I do feel that she addressed issues that women frequently face in regards to finding (and rediscovering) their purpose after getting married and having children.

Through many telling life experiences, Lyons encourages women to continue to seek God for their purpose, and then pursue that.  I believe that it is important for women to continue to go after the desires God places in their heart, after marriage and children, and while Lyons’ struggles with that, her book shows that it is possible for women to overcome.

I’m not sure how much I would recommend this book; however, if I did, it would be to women who have struggled with finding and pursuing their purpose because of how life can sometimes get in the way.  Despite struggling at times to get into the book, it was a fairly easy read, and it may be something that I revisit later in life.

Author’s Note: I received this book for free from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own. 


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Make Marriage Look Good

It’s hard to believe, but in a few days (like 8), Preacherman and I will have been married for six months.  This first half-year of our marriage has flown by, and it’s been an incredible experience learning and growing together.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to visit two places that I haven’t been in a while- my old high school and my former job.  Both were filled with people who haven’t seen me since Preacherman and I got married.  While it was great to catch up with people and see people who I haven’t seen in a bit, I heard variations of the following comments frequently:

“You look so happy!  Marriage really agrees with you!”

“It’s so good to see you!  You look great!  Marriage is treating you well!”

Now, I just smiled and said thank you, because I do agree that marriage agrees with me and is treating me well.  And while I am no marriage expert, I am happily married.  But I was so surprised that so many people were surprised that I look (and am) happily married.

Seriously.  What is this about?  Was I supposed to get married and just fall off?  Was I supposed to get married and become unhappy?  I’m so confused.

Not only am I confused, but I’m also sad that people have associated marriage with unhappiness (both in terms of looks and emotions).  Marriage isn’t supposed to be that way, and I don’t think that anyone enters marriage expecting to be unhappy.  No one agrees to be with someone for the rest of their life with the expectation that it will be horrible.

For those of you who are married, engaged, seriously dating, or plan to be married at SOME point- please do me a favor: MAKE MARRIAGE LOOK GOOD. Be happy.  Enjoy your spouse.  LIKE (and love) your spouse.  Be their FRIEND.  Speak well of them to others.  Do the work that it requires.  Remember and remind them why you love them.  Let us each do our part in promoting marriage as wonderful, fulfilling, engaging, lifelong relationship; instead of something that leads people down the path of despair.

Be encouraged!  Peace and blessings!