“Write to find out your name and who you are.”
–Marlena Graves
My blog, Writing True North, helped me make sense of how I ended up where I was and where I might go in the future. I will always be “Writing My Way to the Authentic,” but in some ways, writing my way there was a personal thing. I created the blog before I understood why I write, for whom I write, and what the responsibility of having an audience entails.
“You are not just one name. Many names make an identity.” –Sandy Sasso
I created my blog, RevDrMom, when I thought I had myself and my future all figured out. I thought the identity crisis between my roles as pastor and writer was resolved. And then I entered seminary and I was more confused than ever.
“As a writer, do not make up your mind that you are only one thing.” —Gertrude Stein
Now I’m faced with a choice. Which blog? Do I blog at all? Where do I talk about writing? Ministry? What do I do when they overlap? What if I don’t end being what I think I’m going to be?
“Write and offer your gift to the world.” –Marlena Graves
I’ve discovered there are many things that make me who I am. Writing allows me to stretch my understanding of myself and others. It allows freedom where I otherwise may feel boxed in. I read some of my early writing and blush with embarrassment. So much of it seems clunky, obtuse, and raw. Despite this, along the way people reached out and said that my writing meant something to them.
There are several bloggers who speak to my life. I can only hope I may do the same for others. So, despite my past inconsistency blogging, I’m going to continue. But this time, I’m not trying to write into only one identity. I’m retiring Writing True North and Rev Dr. Mom. I’m just going to be me, a writer with a free spirit and affection for taking the unconventional path. I hope you’ll join me for the journey here at theamandaedwards.com. Sign up to receive email notifications of new posts–it will make it easy to sojourn with me! Thank you for your dedication and following.
–Amanda
Amanda Edwards 