a special Q&A session

For those of you who read Grace for the Good Girl with Blair and I, thank you! For those of you who simply followed along via our blog posts and link-ups, thank you! Each one of you helped us remain accountable to something that blessed us immensely. 

In return, we'd like to bless you with a little personal peek into the author's heart. Emily was kind enough to answer some of your questions regarding everything from motherhood to book recs. Be sure to check out the rest of the Q&A over at Blair's blog!

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Q: I think for me, part of giving up that good girl mentality is being more honest and bravely sharing parts of my story instead of just saying "I'm fine." How do you set boundaries in how much to share, especially in this crazy online world? 

-- Lindsey 

A: In some ways, I would say the same thing here as I did to Gretchen above. But you also mentioned the online world, and that's a little different to me than relationships face to face.

Brene Brown has a lot to say about the difference between intimacy and vulnerability. She says she is willing to be vulnerable in front of groups - honestly relate in a way that she is not hiding behind masks or walls. But she is not willing to be intimate. That is reserved for those closest to her in her real life. 

Online, I think that is something I keep in mind. It's important for me to be honest and authentic, but that doesn't mean sharing my deepest darkest with everyone. That isn't necessary or helpful. I share a lot about my fears as it relates to writing and even sometimes relational fears. But I don't go into details about my marriage or friendships. I don't share personal stories about my kids very often. I don't use my blog as a journal.

My writing is personal in that I hope it always is somehow saying to the reader, Me too. But I also want to always point the reader to something more and say, There's hope.

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Q: I've so enjoyed your book, Emily! I can tell each page was a labor of love and the journey it is taking me on is priceless! I've already purchased a copy for one of my dearest friends to read as well. Thank you for taking time to dialogue with us! In addition, I'd love to hear your recommendations for further reading on the topic of grace or other favorites.

--Gretchen

A: Great questions, Gretchen! And thanks for your kind words.

Recommendations for further reading? My favorite topic!

[PARENTING]

Families Where Grace is in Place: Building a Home Free of Manipulation, Legalism, and Shame by Jeff VanVonderen

Loving Our Kids on Purpose: Making a Heart to Heart Connection by Danny Silk

[CHURCH]

Real Church: Does it Exist? Can I Find It? 

by Larry Crabb. Reading this one now.

[CHRISTIAN LIVING]

Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Path to Joy, by Larry Crabb. He takes an in-depth look at the story of Ruth and Naomi. Don't let the title turn you off. This is the real thing, where I think so many believers aren't willing to go. Go there. You won't regret it.

Breaking the Rules: Trading Performance for Intimacy With God, by Fil Anderson, a family friend. He has a deep understanding of the love of God and the cycle of performance based acceptance (and what it takes to get out of it).

Grace Works: Letting God Rescue You From Empty Religion, by Dudley Hall. Especially key in my understanding of my good girl-ness. Focuses on the Pharisees specifically.

The Christians Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith. Written in 1875 (there are newer versions out with cheesy covers... ignore those - this book is a CLASSIC). It's shocking the depth of insight and relevancy this book has to our daily life even now. This one is a great read if you struggle with living out of your feelings, rather than truth.

[FOR MEN]

The Silence of Adam: Becoming Men of Courage in a World of Chaos, by Larry Crabb. An in-depth look at what really happened in the Garden. Love this book.

We're still hashing out the details of what the next project looks like, so stay tuned.