ollowing the release of my book, Quivering Daughters: Hope and Healing for the Daughters of Patriarchy, I've felt myriad emotions...joy, of course, overwhelming floods of joy; exhaustion, as though I've given birth to something precious that I've carried for so long; drained in some ways as this journey has been very intense; hopeful, exuberant, full, ~ and many others that I still sift through while I catch up on email and comments. At this moment, everything I want to say is cradled in the pages of this humble book. The part of me that has focused so intently on writing it asks, "Now what?" And I want to ask you, my readers: what would you like to see in the future on this blog? I've written articles up to now that pertain to the scope of my book and I know that there will always be new angles to address and different issues will arise...but what would be helpful for you? What would you find of interest? What has helped you the most? I look forward to hearing from you ~ your thoughts, your feedback (good and bad). Part of me thinks that the journey is just beginning. I can't wait to see what God has planned next...and I look forward to sharing it with you! Feel free to email at hillary (at) quiveringdaughters (dot) com. You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook and hiding in the shadow of His wings.
I also want to say thank you. Thank you to all of you who have held this book and its writer in prayer ~ these are simple words, but heartfelt. I ask humbly: please continue to pray, as you are led, for those who will read this book. For all the quivering daughters.
To God be the glory.
7 Reflections:
Ah, Hillary, you HAVE just given birth to the first child of your heart. A woman's whole being (whether she wills it or not) turns over to the work of gestating and birthing of a child. As you have done until now with your book. You have "eaten right, exercised, and followed the advice of the best midwives" and now you deserve the rest before the work of mothering starts.
God has given you this book as a gift to give to the world, much as every child birthed is a child of God more than a child of her mother. And he will show you how to manage the next steps as this ministry grows--website, blog, personal mentoring, speaking, further books. Right now you can have no idea how the child of your heart will grow up, how God will use what you have brought to birth.
So, this long metaphor is to say--rest now, don't try to hard to find the next direction. Just as God gave you this book to write, he will make it clear how to take the next steps. But you need to rest and recoup your body, spirit and mind.
Medically, that 40 days of Old Testament "uncleanliness" that kept the new mother isolated in the tent of women is good advice--six weeks is really a necessary rest period that is ignored by modern moms at great cost.
I would bet that you could use six weeks as well to sit quietly with a cup of coffee, reacquaint yourself with your husband, your friends, and all those things you didn't get to do while you were so busy.
Much love!
{{Sandra}} Sending you a message.
My thinking is really along the same lines as Sandra. Rest.
When you have been working on something so long...the adrenalin gets going. When you are out the other side...your body needs to just rest...as well as your heart and emotions.
My thoughts for you would be for you to just rest...seek His presence and the presence of your family and friends.
I am sure that people will be reading and responding to what you wrote. That will give you something to focus on in your writing...but, other than that...rest in Him.
Sending you lots of love in Yeshua,
Abigail
I can serve as your would-be dulah, too, Hillary.
(I actually have a standing offer to train formally as a dulah from the woman who certified me in labor and delivery pain management for home births. If I get in over my head, I have expert help at my disposal!)
God called you to write, and to share, and you have. So glad you are taking time now to rest. May He fill you w/ Himself and continue to give you emotional strength and shower His love upon you. Praying your book will get in the hands of many...
a. ann
I second (or is it third?) the suggestion of rest. :-) I've been learning that hard way that rest is necessary. :-P
As for what to write about next, I don't currently have any ideas. But if I think of any, I'll let you know!
Yeah, you need some much needed rest! It's also understandable that you are riding on the wave of the high of writing this. I like that question tho "Now What?". Not sure but will let you know if anything comes to mind!
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