6 Years
Happy 6th Birthday,
A Vessel For Him!
As I think about where I started six years ago, I can’t help but be grateful to God for how faithful He has been in this journey. This platform has grown so much over the years and while it’s still a small platform, it is still bigger than what I imagined it to be when I first began.
I started writing because of a creative writing class I took in the 8th grade. I started with writing poetry, which I became really interested in, and in undergrad took more creative English classes that led me to more poetry, and even writing stories. Over those years, I realized how much I enjoyed expression with words. I’ve always loved how when you read, you can form images in your head because of the author’s descriptions. I’ve loved being able to experience the feels when reading books, poetry, blog posts, and works alike. I’ve realized how powerful words can be, even through conversation. People say that wars can begin and end because of conversation, and it’s true. So much drama in reality shows happen because of words said (or maybe even not said). Compliments can give us that warm, fuzzy feeling. Insults can tear us down and live in our minds rent free. The Bible constantly reminds us of how words can have an effect on our daily lives. There is death and life in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), kind words are like honey (Proverbs 16:24), the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18), whoever guards his mouth preserves his life (Proverbs 13:3), and more.
Even though my writing journey did not begin with the intentions of beginning a blog, I’m so glad that it got me here. It’s funny how when you begin something with God, He can show us how small-thinking we are. Even the “big” dreams we have are still small in comparison to where He can take them. And while this thought can be scary at times, the fact that He is with me as He elevates me is something I take comfort in. As long as I continue to trust His leadership, I know that I cannot fall because He won’t let go of my hand. And this experience helps me to never lose the “awe” of God. That is one of my biggest desires from Him! He continues to work in a way that always results in me being so amazed by Him, never getting bored or used to the miraculous moves He makes.
When I thought about six years, my education brain caused me to think of Erikson’s Stages of Development. When someone gets to 6 years, they enter a stage called Industry vs Inferiority. In this stage, a child is expanding their social world and school is a key part of that. When done well, “children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities.” Positive interactions, positive results in work, and strong support of those around them lead to a strong perception of self.
As I reflect on this last year, I can’t help but think about the growth of the platform. While it’s felt like I haven’t done as much as I had in the past, I have noticed that the things I have been able to do, have yielded positive results, great conversations with new and previous followers, and support from those around me. While there are moments when I’m still shy to speak about AVFH, in the last year I’ve been more able to speak about this platform and be proud of the journey. The ups, the downs, and everything in between.
When I consider what has been built so far, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. I can’t wait to continue building and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Thanks so much for being here whether you are new to the site, have been here since August of 2016, or anywhere in between. My prayer is that as you (continue to) go through this website that you leave with something to hold onto. I hope you find something you can relate to, something that makes you think, something that you needed, something that makes you laugh, something that encourages you in your situation, and most importantly I hope that you see Jesus here.
May God bless you in all things.
Much love always and especially today,
Kumam 💛
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