Emptying and Filling; Filling out Forms; Bookshelf; and More
What emptying and spring teach us; Launching a book in the world
Welcome to Belonging and the Human Experience! I write about belonging, loneliness, culture, migration, faith, race, and community. I’m so happy you’re here! You’re receiving this email because you signed up when you received a free resource or some other way. (Please make sure you move these to your primary inbox if you’re viewing via email.)
Emptying–and Filling
I love the scent of hyacinths filling up a room. It’s a riotous scent, really, the perfume is that beautiful. It’s post-Easter, and I’m thinking of emptiness and filling, of how something has to be empty to be filled. The aroma of a hyacinth couldn’t fill a room if there were another scent already taking up invisible space.
And the message of Easter, an empty tomb,is representative of resurrection, of death and living, and spring is representative of new life after the dullness of gray winter skies. A crocus is peeping out of the ground this morning, and the daffodils are revealing a sliver of gold. They will bloom soon. After moving to the Midwest and finding myself immersed in a wintry world (which lasts longer than I think is really necessary), spring means more to me than I can imagine. I wait expectantly for signs of spring, for the greening of trees, for the world to burst open and reveal its delight in living. I wait for the bloom.
The bloom doesn’t happen without the death, without the dormancy. The delight isn’t possible without the death. How much would I prefer the delight without the death! But I’m not in charge of the order of these things.
The mystery and beauty of new life appears after the darkness, after the emptying, after the death. And that’s what a hyacinth teaches me…how much of myself I need to let go, how much I need to empty (and consistently so), and fill with the good and true. How much I need the message of spring and its joy and rejuvenation.
In our socially disconnected world, nature restores me. I find connection, meaning, hope, beauty, lessons, delight. What restores you? Are you finding moments to be connected to the bigger story, the bigger picture, to the universe—to a story much bigger than your own? What in your life needs to be emptied so it can be filled—be filled with something better, wiser, more beautiful, more true? Share with a friend—and invite them to share with you.
Filling Out Those Forms
You know those forms we all have to fill out at some time or another which collect demographics? Like our age, gender, race?
Just this past week, I saw an article about a new directive that would require forms to have many more options under the “Asian” category (such as Chinese, Asian Indian, Japanese, Korean, Pakistani, Hmong, etc.) In addition, federal agencies will be encouraged to have a “write-in” box. So now, this better data collection will lead to better understanding the needs of each group and improved policy formation.
What’s amazing about this news is that I wrote in my book about filling out those forms. I wrote about the questions I had about how to fill them out and how the boxes didn’t fit. I didn’t know how to answer, and how Asian really isn’t the right answer–but it was the “best choice” among all the multiple choice options.
But now, future folks filling out these forms will have more specific choices. Amazing, huh?
Bookshelf
What are you reading now? Here are a few I’ve read since January:
Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis
Just released; an amazing debut novel, a story of magical realism and a woman’s difficult choice.The Surface of Water by Cynthia Beach
Releasing soon! I was honored to read an early copy of this novel and offer an endorsement. This novel is about spiritual abuse, mega pastors, power dynamics and vulnerability, and the whole establishment. Worth reading!
How Far to the Promised Land by Esau McCaulley
I very much enjoyed this memoir. I grew up in Alabama also and it was great for me to learn about another part of ALStart with Welcome by Bri Stensrud
What does it mean to welcome the stranger? This book is an essential read, especially if you are wrestling with questions of immigrationYellowface by R.F. Kuang
This book is a wild ride! Get ready. I have so many thoughts on this book. I need to discuss and decompress. Have you read it? Whew! Book discussion, anyone?Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
This book was hilarious. I listened to the audio version and I adored it. Well-written, clever, delightful, light-hearted. Fun read. Recommend.
What I’m Reading Now
The Daughters of Maduai by Rajasree Variyar
I’m halfway through (reading for a book club), and the verdict still out for me on what I think. It’s a heartbreaking issue (female infanticide) and deals with issues of patriarchy, which are important issues.Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair by Christian Wiman
Really beautiful.The language is gorgeous, and the content is deep and thoughtful. I’m about 20-30 pages in, and am greatly enjoying it.
Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves by Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes
I mentioned this book in my last newsletter. I'm halfway through this one and I really like it.
What have you been reading? I’d love your book recommendations!
Book News and Updates
I had the joy and privilege of attending InterVarsity Press offices recently to share with the BIPOC staff. It was a lovely time of sharing. And afterwards, I had my very first book signing!! Here are a few photos. : )
Book Launch Beginnings
If you’re a regular reader, you know that I am now gearing up for the book launch. Some of you signed up for the book launch team–thank you–and which gets going today! It’s just 2 weeks and one day until Beyond Ethnic Loneliness releases in the world!
Preorder from Amazon or wherever books are sold–and preorders receive a preorder bonus gift of my chai recipe card delivered to their mailbox! (U.S. addresses only)! If you are out of the U.S., I can send a pdf version. And if you are on Goodreads, would you add it to your “to read” list? This would help immensely!
Last week, I shared some upcoming events (in “Upcoming Events”), most of which I’ve only shared with subscribers. In the next few weeks, I’ll have more book news and updates–such as podcasts—coming.
It’s going to be an exciting ride, and I can’t express how thankful I am you are here sharing it with me! I’m immensely grateful for your kindness, friendship, and support. Thank you for reading my words here—and my book.
Peace,
I'm finishing up, Start With Welcome! For some reason I haven't been able to finish book as fast I was last year.