I wrote these words hoping to post them with the above picture. I let perfectionism, pride, and fear stop me. Instead, I quickly wrote a short caption that pushed the depths of my feelings and thoughts to the side.

I can’t change that post. I can however, share those original words here; in a space with no word limit.

Attempting to finish up the second bedroom/office this week and finding a place for this print is at the top of the priority list. ⠀⠀

These words are from another time – but the motivation that sparked them is sadly all too relevant. Conviction and inspiration and deep moments of ponder are what I would call ‘equal opportunity offenders’ and these words have stayed with me since I heard them. They have sat on the back of my mind and applied pressure to my heart. They carry weight – powerful words not spoken lightly. ⠀⠀

Lately, I’ve been surrounding myself with movies, shows, books, and conversations filled with words that are constantly challenging me – that make me uncomfortable. Even posting on social media pushes me out of my comfort zone. Words these days are far more permanent than they used to be – and one person’s opinion or question or thought can start a feud no one bargained for – and a fight that people rarely actually want. ⠀⠀

I’ve always been one to believe that if you’re going to talk – you should be saying something. ⠀⠀

Maybe it’s why I don’t talk very often (granted I talk more than I once did). I tend to stay quiet with my thoughts. I voice my opinions to the person in the mirror and move on with my day; sometimes hoping someone will offer me a penny along the way. ⠀⠀

I believe that our voices have been severely attacked by the enemy, and in finding a taste of freedom, a warped perception of truth has snuck into the mix. In a generation and time when people have all begun to speak – words have been shot out with an air of domineering entitlement rather than the humble authority we were born to speak with. ⠀⠀

Our words seem to be thrown around like participation trophies and we are being saturated and overwhelmed with never knowing what’s real gold and what’s just painted metal.⠀⠀

Oh, how I desperately want to be real gold. Not flaky nor easily chipped. Not too shiny. Just pure, unarguable, simple gold. ⠀⠀

But real gold means fire and hammers and sanctification and then most likely – more fire. It means time and patience and pain – something rarely found in a one-click, just swipe, do what feels good society. ⠀⠀

Real gold means I’ve got to start somewhere. ⠀⠀

So I’m starting here. With words that challenge me to do and be better; that remind me to say something when I talk. I’m starting here; with a post that in my head, has no resolution. ⠀⠀

It just is what it is; a messy process of life painted pretty in a square photo.