Since I’m super sensitive and have a super sensitive Tish, folks are often surprised when they hear me say to her:
Be strong, Tish. Be strong. I say it a lot. Be strong, baby.
And I hear this sometimes, from wise, thoughtful parents:
Why do we have to tell our kids to be strong? Isn’t it okay to be weak? I thought we were supposed to embrace sensitivity.
And I say: hoooooold on a minute.
Strong and sensitive are not opposites. Sensitive and insensitive are opposites. Strong and weak are not opposites. Strong and fake are opposites.
If you feel weak and you are honest about that weakness even in the face of criticism – that’s strength to me. If you refuse to hide who you are by lashing out at others, by snarking all the time, by deflecting and judging and knocking others down to mask your own insecurity – if you just come out and say, “You know what? I’m weak a lot. I’m a little lost and confused and sensitive and insecure sometimes and that’s all right with me because I’m pretty sure that’s just what it means to be HUMAN.” That’s my kind of STRONG. None of this fake bravado, please. Be real. You don’t need to be SuperHuman – Just Be human.
That’s what I want for my sensitive Tish, and for me. For us, strong isn’t about hardening up our insides – it’s about keeping them soft no matter what other people think. No matter what’s said, what criticism comes, what the world decides about who we should be – we’re gonna go ahead and just be who we are. We love our extra soft selves because we believe in soft power. Soft power is water that over time, wears down the mightiest boulder. So we’re just going to be strong enough to stay sensitive in this world. That’s what it means to have tough skin and a soft heart.
Strength, for us, is a fierce determination to say soft. To stay weak. Our “weakness” – our sensitivity – is not something we “haven’t gotten over yet.” It’s something we’re recommitted to every day. It’s our PLAN. It’s our strategy to heal ourselves and heal others.
So when I say, “Be strong, Tish” what I’m really saying is “Be Tish, Tish.” No matter what they do, what they say . . . Be Tish. Be Tish. Always Be Tish. Be strong enough to stay sensitive, baby.
Be you.
Stay Weak,
Glennon and Tishy
Author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller LOVE WARRIOR — ORDER HERE
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76 Comments
How do get your teeth so white? Are they that way naturally? (They are pretty) I have gotten mine whitened at the dentist but it doesn’t last. Is there are permanent way you do this? I guess I could just google this rather than ask you. What am I doing? Never mind. (I feel so close to you like you are my best friend or something…)
Dear Glennon,
I want to thank you for writing this. You are the first person I have ever heard say that it’s okay to be sensitive. Last week was called out in the middle of a staff meeting in front of all my coworkers and boss for being “too sensitive.” This assessment is not unfamiliar to me (although it’s the first time it has ever come up in a work setting, and in such a wildly inappropriate and unprofessional way) but it’s the first time I thought, “hey wait a sec, being sensitive is my strength and it’s something I don’t need to apologize for ever again.” My mom called me a “spirited-sensitive” child, often in an exasperated, what-do-I-do-about-Annie way. I grew up thinking I was too much – too much of all the negative stuff and not enough of whatever made everyone else around me less of a problem. Thank you for helping me see, for the first time in all my 45 years, that my sensitivity to the world and the people in it are a gift and a strength, not a liability and a weakness. I have three daughters and have always done my best to make sure their softness and sensitivity are nurtured and cared for but forgot to do the same for myself. I cannot tell you how far along the path of self acceptance you got me just by writing this post. Thank you so very, very much.
With much love, Annie
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Yes! Robert Jordan talks about this in his “Wheel of Time” fantasy series. He says that HARD is like the Oak, trying to stand against the wind, that is shattered when the wind blows too hard: STRONG is like the Willow, that bends but does not break, that accepts the wind blowing on it and flows with it, rather than try to fight against it. That is how I think of strong 🙂
Oh, perfectly said yet again.
I had made a comment on Facebook a few months ago, saying something to the effects that I’m too sensitive (as I have always been told). My aunt commented back, “No such thing as “too,” hun. If only more people were like you…. think of the world we could live in.”
It changed my perspective immediately. Sensitivity suddenly didn’t seem like a bad thing. And now I try (it’s not always easy) to embrace it.
Thank you, Glennon, I needed this today.
I’m reminding myself to stay tender and “be Cara”
Being strong, to me, means being authentic in who you are. If that is sad right now, then, that is how you feel and embracing and understanding it instead of trying to change it IS strong. Strong means facing whatever that is in the moment and not putting on a mask and making it something it isn’t or shouldn’t even be.
Amen! <3
I showed up at a funeral today. My friends daughter in law OD’d. I have a heavy heart and just came here to be reminded that we belong to eachother. Thank you for the love and light you put out into the world. It’s a beautiful thing when people focus energy on telling their truth.
I LOVE that your Christmas tree is still up!
I have a question for you all and for Glennen as well. I will be co-leading a small group for 8 weeks at our church on “Carry on Warrior” beginning Feb. 9. Has anyone ever led a group on this book and if so do you have any ideas for us? I’ve led lots of small groups but not on this book. I’m open for any suggestions. If you were going to participate in such a group how would you wish it would run. I hope it’s ok for me to ask this here! Thank you!
yes our vulnerable and sensitive and tender parts are the good stuff…and I have a daughter who knows only how to love, not hate. the world hasn’t done that to her yet. taught her that. I pray she stays soft, and kind and loving and believes in the goodness of others. we really have to look long and hard for it these days. as some of your “haters” have shown me in the past few days.
Amen, sister! I’m in that little sensitivity club and learning to embrace it instead of fight it. We are who we are for a reason.
My son is a sensitive soul, as am I. My husband doesn’t quite understand him sometimes and it breaks my heart 🙁 Boys can be strong and sensitive too! I pray he stays sweetly sensitive. I will use this post as reinforcement to encourage him to be uniquely himself. Strong and weak are NOT opposites! Thank you, G.
G, love your truth. I have sensitive boys (and I am too), my oldest we work on figuring out the waves to ride as the emotions flood in. I was just talking about this today. I am so proud of him for being real. It’s tough for an 8 year old boy to be sensitive when this world tells them otherwise. For all of my boys. He is SO incredibly strong. He feels so much. I don’t want to change that. It’s the same thing that makes him worry about the homeless man we see on the street or stop to hang back with a friend that is left out. He gets life at 8, he always has. It’s beautiful as you know. The sensitive souls are the first people run to when the real stuff happens in this world.
Our sweet sensitive boys will make great hubby one day!
I’m married to one of those guys! And he is pretty great!
Me, too!! I married a guy with a BIG heart and who is very sensitive. He sees an animal who has been hit/killed by the side of the road when he’s out running, he comes home, gets a box and goes back to get them. Brings them home, gives them a proper burial. We both cry like a baby. Would NOT change him or trade him for the world! Been 15 years, and here’s hoping we get at LEAST another 15 years together – God willing.
So true! My oldest son is one of those sensitive boys. Earlier in the school year he was having a tough time adjusting. After a particular rough week filled with tears and tummy aches the director of our preschool pulled me aside and said, “I heard your son is having a very tough time this week.” I stiffened up right away expecting, well, I don’t know what….some kind of remark about how he’ll “get there” or “he’ll toughen up” and replied with a short, “Yes, he is.” To which she responded, “You know, boys like him grow up to be the BEST husbands and fathers.” I mean, I just didn’t even know how to respond! I just smiled, tried not to cry in front of her, and told her thank you very much for saying that! It’s hard sometimes to be a sensitive mama with a sensitive child, a boy, in particular because of all those “boys will be boys” stereotypes. But, it was so lovely and kind of this woman to say those words to me. And, it is so true! 🙂
Yep, your little guy is going to be a fabulous hubby & father! 🙂
My son’s teacher told me the other day- What doesn’t serve him well as a little boy will serve him wonderfully as a man. It made me feel better. He is 7 and is so sensitive and the sweetest soul I have ever known. Sometimes I will think about how to handle a situation or a person who has upset me and I wonder how he would handle it and I know that it is the best most pure way.
Love this post… it is such an important life lesson! Being sensitive isn’t bad, to me it’s a desirable trait.
Glennon, how do you read minds? And so many at once? Really, it’s amazing! I so needed to hear this today. I was told all my life to harden up because the people around me didn’t know another way. And so I did. And now at 40 I fully embrace my sensitivity. I won’t compromise it ever again. It makes me a great listener, a great friend and able to be fully present to other people’s pain in my job. It is the greatest privilege I could have been given. But today I was feeling a bit alone because being sensitive can be la lonely place, and I haven’t had a chance to check in with my inner guidance, so seeing your post I will take as a sign from that inner guidance that indeed no! I am not alone. Thank you. I have an extra sensitive almost to school girl and we known that tears are good for our soul, we know that cuddles hold us together, and we know that sensitives have a big, strong role to play in the recovery of love in the world. Blessings to you and this Monkee family.
As with anything, life requires balance. As a grown up, I just had a day where being ok with feeling weak just won’t work. As little kids, yes, be who you are, I get the beauty in that message. But you do have to teach your kids at some point how to be strong. Strength is important. We have to teach it. Be strong In what you believe in, especially when it is believing in yourself. That is my lesson today.
Having had a daughter who was very sensitive, as well as a son, who was that way also but not quite as bad, I have to agree with Lara. Balance is needed. Both of them were diagnosed in their teens with anxiety disorders. It took ALOT of therapy and a very good therapist to get my daughter to where she is today. She is married to a husband who understands that sensitivity. Both are in jobs involving public service and it’s tough dealing daily with rude people when you try so hard to please. Yet, both are managing.
I hear ya. And it’s hard. Thank you for this.
I’m 48 and it took me so many years to realize it’s okay to be sensitive. I loved my dear momma so very much and she was a good woman and a lady and kind of a rebel. But she didn’t have patience for sensitive. I was made to feel like my sensitivity was a terrible trait to have. Good for you, Glennon, for allowing your kids to be who they are born to be.
Awesome of all awesomeness. YES!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for following your weakness, G. It never fails to inspire!
Thank you. I needed that pep talk today. Feeling super sensitive and my tears are free flowing. Old tapes are plying in my head, criticizing and belittling …. Going to turn the tape player off and going to be strong and stay soft. You blessed my soul.
Glennon,
I cam across your blog by accident one day and I happen to receive your book for Christmas. I finished it a few days ago and I am still pondering about how you have embraced grace, love and hope in your life so freely, openly and with all your heart! Your words, your stories are slowly transforming my way of thinking and giving me hope that has been much needed. I am a single mom in recovery. I was a christian, but still believe in Jesus. I am a teacher too. I just wanted to express my gratitude for your honesty. I have been blogging for quite some time but kept it secret. Telling of my stories, my struggles as a single mom and struggling with christianity. I just don’t feel brave enough to share. It seems that when I do get honest, people become afraid and don’t want anything to do with me anymore. Needless to say I have been on a similar journey like yours.
Thank you for letting me know I am not alone in my struggles, my honesty, my hunger for real authentic love! Thank you for saying to write even though I am not that good… yet. Thank you for giving me the perspective that LOVE and HOPE fill me up too much that there is no room for shame and guilt. My worst enemies. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Carry on Warrior!
singlemotherhoodroxanne.blogspot.com
Welcome to the party, Roxanne!
Glennon, don’t listen to those negative comments! Oftentimes, having other people’s approval and praise is what keeps us doing good deeds! This also allows others to help you or participate in whatever good you’re doing! Whether someone chooses to share their good deeds with others, or keep everything to themselves, should not be the focus. The point is, GOOD THINGS are getting done. YOU have made this world a better place! BOO on negative people!
Glennon,
Please keep writing despite the horrible people that exist in this world. I need to hear your beautiful, kind words. There are more people like me, too. We need your wisdom, your perspective, your love.
Thanks!
This is me and my beautiful sweet 7 year old girl. Just like us. Thank you.
Dear Glennon,
How do you stand strong after the online lashings? I usually don’t read blog comments but have been reading them a lot lately, and I am amazed at the way people turn something on its head, attack a writer (or commenter) personally and think it’s completely acceptable behavior. Do they think this is love? Do they think it’s respect? Do they think it’s the only way? It is so vicious online. I’m a journalist who never got used to the attacks, never could grow that “thick skin” they told me I should. How do you, another sensitive, do it?
I think you’re fabulous, by the way.
I know you posed this question to Glennon, not the Monkee masses, but I feel compelled to reply. I am a writer, too. I wrote a piece that I considered pro-adoption above all else. I sent it to my husband before submitting it to my editor and he surprised me by saying, “Wow, you are brave.” His fear–that many would take it to be pro-life and blast me, despite my careful wording of this clearly labeled OPINION PIECE, came true,
But something else happened too. There was a private “email the author” function on the site and a dozen women wrote to me that way to say they agreed with me and they were printing the piece out so they could share it with their daughters. What did I do? I stopped reading the “hate mail” and re-read the positive messages. I am sensitive, too, but I survived the lashing.
Thank you, Kathleen. I write, too and have posted much on my blog about the ways God has been moving our family to take Jesus seriously when he said, “Let the little children come to me.” Usually my stuff isn’t greatly controversial, but, apparently, a piece I wrote a month or so ago was, and I’m starting to get some hate mail and personal attacks on myself and the people my children are predicted to be. I’m not used to it so much anymore, I guess (I used to work politics and such and got out because the stress and hatemail caused me to get shingles at 24.). I produce a newspaper for The United Methodist Church (my day job), so I don’t get much backlash for what’s written there. 🙂
We always feel stronger knowing we’re not alone.
Rachel, I’m SOO not surprised to find you here! Your writing and speaking have moved me to tears, from the front row at Cedar Creek UMC. You remind me so much of Glennon, a naturally introverted deep thinker who has so much to share. Keep truth-telling, my Monkee friend. Not only are you not alone, you have warrior backers. In the best beatitudes sense.
Thank you, Sue! It’s a small world, for sure! So very good to know I have people in my corner. I love community.
Sensitivity does require strength. Thank you for this.
“Maybe strong is what you’ve got left, after you’ve used up your weak.”
(sure, it comes from an ad, but it resonates with me here)
Our family struggles with words this way also. How we definite certain values sometimes differs with other parents. Communication is hard. Lots of things are a daily choice, a daily commitment to improving communication with my husband and children is one of those choices.
Also, to the comment section, it’s not mandatory to comment so it’s okay to just close the tab. You’re actually not required to leave vitriol if the post is not for you. There are far more readers than comments so the enthusiastic reviews are a small percentage so it’s okay to just move on and let other people be inspired or not. Really. =)
“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” Be strong – stay soft.
Stay weak has become my new mantra since you first wrote it. I read this post to my little Charlotte. She said she was going to say “Be Tish” when she needed to remind herself to be herself because saying “Be Charlotte” was too long. So yeah. Betish.
I respectuflly disagree with Lynn. She offers great food for thought, as we can all benefit from considering what we’re putting out in the world, for what purposes, and with what consequences.
But, dear Glennon, I need you to keep singing your song so that I can better hear my own when outside forces and my own self-doubt turn down the volume so low I think it’s on mute. I’m new to acknowledging and embracing this whole super sensitive thing (fought and fought and fought it for years, build defense after defense around my heart).
I am so thoroughly grateful for you, Glennon, and for the content you produce on this website, for your book, for your TEDx talk. I hope you never feel regret for what you post or that if you do you know how to readjust. Just don’t go quiet and feel the need to only give to the people immediately around you. You are giving so much simply by sharing some words on the internet.
I deeply understand this choice. I’m committed to being real and open about the ups and downs of life, and I’ve found so much peace after making this change.
I’m surrounded by people who call it “over sharing” or want me to be more “positive”. I’m telling you, I did that for 35 years, and I was heartbroken the entire time because I felt distanced from myself and isolated from the people who surrounded me every day. And really, there wasn’t any pay-off for my silence. None of my silent needs were met. The people who are asking me to be silent in my difficulties aren’t asking this for my benefit. It’s so THEY don’t have to be bothered by them.
Watching the people around me react to this change has been an eye-opening experience for me. Shines a huge light on the quality of a person’s relationships, I tell you.
So thanks for this, Glennon (& Tish). It’s wonderful to hear your perspective on this. And Happy Friday!
Lynn,
Your newfound humility shines as an example to us all. Keep spreading that compassion and kindness.
That’s wonderful. How do you deal with feeling weak when everyone expects you to be strong?
I’m going through a huge life altering experience right now and everyone expects me to be the strong one, do all the work, keep it together.
I am not sure I can, but I feel I will disappoint everyone if I ask or help.
How do I let my sensitive side out?
That’s a tough one. I don’t know your situation, so it’s hard to know exactly what to say.
But I think you should be honest. Maybe start with talking to one person you trust – maybe your partner? sibling? And just express how you’re feeling, starting with the physical sensation. E.g. “I feel a heavy weight in my chest and it’s making it hard to breathe.” Then maybe say what you think or need. “I think it’s because I’m feeling a lot of pressure around this ____ situation. I don’t want to disappoint anyone, but I need some help doing ______”.
This is kind of a variation on what I learned in marital therapy which tremendously helped the communication between me and my husband (it’s based on the book “Conscious Loving”). The idea is to be honest with your feelings first, thoughts can come later.
I’ve found that when I’m honest with my feelings on that level, without coming up with projections or blame, people respond empathetically. And then it’s possible to co-create solutions.
Best of luck to you. Remember to be strong, be Anna!
The is great advice. I second it.
Again, I don’t know your situation, but the following is advice I’ve received from wise friends. I found it helped (most of the time).
When you are in the hardest times, just remember to do the next best thing that is required in that moment, and then the next after that. I know it can feel impossible, but somehow give yourself permission to not carry future worries with you all of the time Try to pick them up only when you need to make a choice about them and then set them down again to do that next best thing that is needed right now.
Some days will be harder and some will be like “you’ve got this!”. I found that taking each day as it comes helps it to feel like less of an unpredictable roller coaster. Makes it easier to keep moving forward (even a tiny bit).
I wish you the very best.
Melissa,
What a beautiful reply. You have inspired me to check out Conscious Loving. It is too late for marriage, but maybe it will help my relationship with my Wasband (the father of my children). Thank you so much.
Melissa, who is the author of that, please?
The book “Conscious Loving” is by Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks. It has lots of different exercises you can do alone or with your partner.
Hi Anne,
I don’t have any answers for you, but I know exactly what you mean and I want to cry with you. I still haven’t recovered from that period of my life and it was 5 years ago.
One of the things that helped me was the book “changes that heal” by Dr. Cloud. Maybe it will help you too?
Hugs,
Lara
Seriously, Glennon? You false humility is masking self absorption. Over sharing your life is one thing, but over sharing your husband’s and kids’ lives? Different ball game. I challenge you to go through 48 hours thinking about other people in your life and not yourself. If you start to think about yourself, reject that thought and ask how you can serve others. Not to do it and then post about how wonderful you are at serving. Not only do I challenge you to serve others, I challenge you to keep it a secret. Don’t play the martyr and tell them how much you are serving them, don’t write about it here, don’t tell your sister, bestie, anyone. Give. Give until you think you are empty and then beg God to fill you back up so you can give some more. I used to love your blog, but I can barely read it anymore because it seems so self indulgent and everyone has to agree with you and blow sunshine and skittles up your butt or they are a hateful naysayers and how dare they pick on little old Glennon? Do you know how I see it? Because until recently I was self absorbed and practiced false humility too. I thought being miserable with no self esteem meant I was humble. No, it meant I was focused on myself, my misery, my insecurity, my my my feelings, and sucking the life out of the very people I love the most. No one here is going to fulfill that void in you, Glennon. Your husband and your kids deserve more than being props in the Glennon show, whether you think it’s for the greater good or not, it’s not your choice to make. You don’t have to be fake to b exercise discretion. Show some maturity, practice restraint.
I don’t know you but I honestly feel sorry for you. If you can barely read this blog anymore because of its self indulgent content then you should get off the internet, quit insulting people that you only know online and go live your non self absorbed giving life. Give. Give until you think you are empty. The people that enjoy this blog and come here for friendship and motivation don’t need to see your negativity.
Lynn
How can you be so sure she isn’t doing all of those humble, unselfish things you challenge her to do over the next 48 hours? All we know of Glennon is what she writes – there is more to anyone in the public eye that we don’t see. She is very open and raw in her writing, and her willingness to be bare is what helps so many to look into themselves in order to spray love and help outside, BUT what we see on these pages is only a glimpse into who she is. For someone who is coming out of a phase of self absorption, you sound awfully judgy. I wonder if you have really really been following her blog…
I won’t be ugly like you chose to be but if you don’t like reading her blog then why are you even here. That seems a little silly to me.
Lynn I think you need to reconsider all that giving you are doing. Giving is suppose to fill you up with joy and bring you peace and contentment. I feel a deep bitterness in your response. I think your misery is still alive and well. I hope you find what works for you and in the meantime try to understand that Glennon and her blog works for a TON of us! You are not one of “us” – that’s ok! Quit reading her blog and get to work finding something that does – you need it!
maybe you need to find a new blog to read?
Hi Lynn,
Glennon inspires many of us everyday. If she no longer inspires you, perhaps it is time to move on. It sounds like you are powering through a process that gives results that you like, but that might be based on self loathing. According to “The Dark Side of the Light Chasers”, it is completely normal and expected for you to feel compelled to berate Glennon for all the things your reject in yourself. Perhaps consider being kinder to the parts of you that you dislike. To be human is to have the potential for all light and all darkness. Whatever we try to stuff, hide, and silence can come back to bite us in really painful ways. It is a really good book, Monkees. Sending love and light to all of your dark parts (mine included!)
Dearest Lynn,
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (I Corinthians 13:3) I know people who talk exactly like you, Lynn. I sometimes catch myself talking like you. It’s always when I’m most miserable and insecure and scared. I am praying that God will shower you with His grace so that you might become a fountain of that grace to others. Glennon showers me with grace in every one of her posts. She showered me with grace when I met her at a book signing. And I have no doubt that she will give you grace also – even if you have wounded her with your harsh words. We Monkees try our best to “blow sunshine and skittles” up each other’s butts. That’s called grace and we all are in desperate need of grace. Grace wins. Love wins. Every time.
@Colleen–
I gratefully accept your blown sunshine and skittles and send it right back to you.
Lynn,
Have you ever taken advice from a stranger who had nothing but mean things to say about you ?
Yeah. Me neither.
And-pretty hilarious to tell someone else they should practice restraint right after you’ve ranted about how self-centered they are. Maybe you should take your own advice, huh?
Hi, Lynn
A lot of people are responding to you. All I wanted to say was that I feel like you probably do give a ton to those around you. And you probably don’t get much in return because the world can be like that. When you give and get nothing back, it can be so frustrating to watch someone else give (like Glennon) and get so much back in return. So I hope you do start getting something back. And I hope with all my heart this doesn’t sound sarcastic because it isn’t…I just feel like maybe you aren’t being truly heard in your own life so it’s awful to watch Glennon be heard in hers. Lots of love to you.
This comment makes me want to find someone and give them a big hug 🙂
This is fairly clearly a troll, because the comment makes no sense, veering from oversharing to self-absorption with little logic. And Lynn writes that she(?) knows all about Glennon because she too was until recently “miserable with no self esteem.” I don’t think anything in this post suggests Glennon is “miserable with no self esteem,” so maybe Lynn doesn’t understand her as well as she thinks she does.
Lynn,
You are taking some bashing here that is not particularly fair. I think you were kind and empathetic in your advice. If folks want to use this blog to hero-worship rather than self-reflect, I suppose there are worse altars. But no offense should be taken with your noting that the employing of children in Glennon’s “self-talk to the universe” is a bit discomforting. That said, if she did only what you suggested, there would be nothing to read and perhaps inspire others. Thanks for taking the time to provide something to read, and perhaps inspire.
Lynn,
Are you sure you’re responding to the right post? You accuse Glennon of oversharing her kids’ lives, but seriously, the ONLY thing she said about her daughter in this post is that Tish has a sensitive heart. That’s it. No long-winded stories to illustrate just how sensitive Tish is. No embarrassing anecdotes that will bring shame on her in her teen years. Nothing for Tish’s future therapist to help her work through. I’ve been following this blog for years and I just found out YESTERDAY that Chase is a little actor, and then only because he BEGGED Glennon to post a video he made on her FB wall. I don’t see Glennon oversharing the details of her kids’ lives at all. To be honest, I wish she would share more. But only because I consider her a friend, and I’m curious about my friends’ lives.
Also, this post doesn’t reek of self-absorption, as you claim. It’s mostly counsel to OTHERS who might be soft and sensitive as Glennon and Tish are.
Wow, I don’t agree with anything Lynn had to say, but I do appreciate that the people (person?) who censor this blog let her say it. Dissent is good, I think, and I know some of my dissenting comments have been blocked. Perhaps this one even…we’ll see.
I can’t even find a nice way to respond. I am honestly floored at the crap you just spewed. Have you been called to share your inner self to a bunch of strangers week after week? Don’t blast those who are. Glennon has shared things that have helped many people through hard things. This is her platform. I hope she never keeps it secret.
I needed to hear Glennon’s post. Having a sensitive heart my whole life and being told not to feel, I have felt like it is my fault. Reading posts like this one help me know that this is something others struggle with, just like anything we bond together over discussing in life. Especially when our kids go through the same thing. It’s painful to know they feel so much and hard to not be able to or want to change that yet still protect them from this sometimes cruel world (ahem).
Putting one’s highly sensitive self out there to be open to criticism is actually the very definition of humility. If Glennon was thinking of herself she’d keep quiet. It’s like C.S. Lewis said, Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. So even if just one person needed to hear this, then it was worth it. Well I did. Hmm, I would say that’s exactly what she’s done, but then again I would also guess you aren’t a sensitive soul.
While it is brave to share your thoughts here in the comments – tha annonymity of the comment section makes it easier for people to be unkind.
Lynn and anyone else- I will hold you out in compassion and love – those who are unkind in their words. And I hope that rather then passing on the meanness, one would simply leave the blog community to those of us who feel graced and blessed by this family of strangers
‘We belong to each other’.
‘When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That’s the message he is sending’
Thich Nhat Hanh
be you. be you. be you. be you.
love you 🙂
I LOVE this!!!! I too am super sensitive and have one susper sensitive child this just makes my heart smile! Thank you for your words!