33 Comments
Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I have many friends here in Kentucky from Ireland and they bring that compassion with them everywhere they go. They convinced me to spend two weeks there several years ago and it changed my whole perspective on life and who your neighbor is (basically, everybody, remember?). My then 65-year-old mother accompanied me and became lost as a dog in tall weeds one day while out wandering the countryside alone, long before cell phones. I panicked and could not fathom why no one was concerned. She showed up later in the day after being dropped off by a few folks who took her to lunch and showed her a lovely view of the River Shannon. It was her favorite day there. If only the whole world had that kindness...

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

GA seems manic depressive in its weather. Early this week it was near 70, and yet each night it drops to the 30s. Winter in the morning, late spring in the afternoon. As a displaced Midwesterner, this always messes with my psyche, even though I’ve lived here 15 years! Some may say I’m crazy for not liking it, and I don’t hate it, but I like my seasons clearly delineated.

My husband and I are carrying what’s going on in Ukraine around like a weighted blanket, but not in the anxiety-relieving way it operates. Our life has been one hard thing after another since November 2018, and we are fundamentally changed by the wave upon wave. It meant more than I can express that you just mentioned that your faith is a bit “blurry” right now. That one sentence made me feel less alone.

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Feb 28, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

Sometimes I have to read your writing in bits and pieces so that I can let all of it sink in slowly. Today was one of those times. "..my feet left dents in their good earth." What an incredibly powerful visual.

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I'm just reading this at the end of a dreary day and am feeling weary so I don't have a lot of words, BUT I so appreciate all of the words you just shared. Love being part of this community!

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I look so forward to hearing all the words you choose to share with us here or over on IG! Hearing of that precious 12 yr old made me realize just how often I want answers instead of simply holding space for the emotions that come, what a beautiful lesson in a tragic circumstance.

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I wish I had a friend like you in my real life. Reading your words make me feel calm and also a little seen, because I often feel similarly to you. I’m side eyeing religion (not Jesus!) hard lately too, especially the American version and really only my husband gets my frustrations and sadness surrounding it all. Maybe I’ll check out your book suggestion. It’s definitely not spring where I am yet. It’s cold and blustery and hasn’t gotten above freezing for the last week. I’m over it. I need daffodils. Stat.

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Mar 1, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

The pure humanity of the incident in Ireland was what struck me. Early Monday morning, my phone awakened me with an Amber Alert. A child was abducted when the idling car he was in at 3:50 am was stolen. The news release said that the mother left him in there while unloading groceries. My mind didn't go to praying for the lost boy, instead it wasted energy trying to understand why anyone was getting groceries in the middle of the night and so on...

I wish I could say that I've learned. When my father was falsely charged with sexual abuse, I can count on one hand the number of questioning comments or negative responses that were said to any of us. Pure mercy! Yet, here I stand in my flawed mind and body, still trying, failing, and learning.

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Feb 27, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I always love your articles...and your books!! I'm so excited about your new one! Thanks for your open-hearted sharing!

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Feb 26, 2022·edited Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I'm a new reader, who is newly devouring all these words that you're sharing here. And, I'm a fellow type drawn to all the versions of incomplete paintings. Thank you for reminding us of all the beauty that incomplete art holds. <3

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

So many things jumped out at me! First, I see myself as that unfinished painting - or maybe I mean not yet finished. One thing God has been working on me, through you, is the concept of loving my actual neighbors. And who that is has pretty drastically changed recently as my husband & I just moved from a very blue county to a very red one. I’m trying to let God show me individuals who are just as beloved by Him as me, and not a group of “them”. Second, I grew up in western KS where the sweet elementary school cooks served us delicious home cooked meals every day and treated us often to either apple or cherry kuchen. Now I have to try your recipe!!

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

Such a wonderful read. Thank you.

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“A new vision for complexity.” Yes. It’s ever evolving and widening. And I need to go to Ireland asap. But maybe I’ll just make that sour cream kutchen today and dream. Loving all the things.

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

Glad you had a good trip and that you got daffodils and snowdrops. Also good that you got home before Storm Eunice hit. 🌧🌧🌧

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

Thank you again for sharing from your heart. My father said he was Irish decent. He passed away in 1991. Wishing now I would have pursued it with him as little is known about my ancestry. Can't go back, but as Paul says I'm striving to press toward the mark forgetting what is behind. Praising God for my Daddy's death bed conversion and when I pass over all will be left on this earth. Even though I'm curious it is of no significance.

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I have been off of socials for the month of February, and I think your writings are something I miss the most. I had missed your whole trip! Happy to be reading about it here. We recently moved, and in our new place the feelings of discomfort rise up each day, and I think about you quite a bit. Thank you for paving the way for so many of us.

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Feb 26, 2022Liked by Shannan Martin

I loved reading this. Grateful to know you, Shannan. And I’m glad to be a new Soup member.

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