Yesterday I applied for a new ministry opportunity. They asked for my bio. I reviewed my most recent bio and I thought, “That’s not me anymore.” The facts hadn’t changed. Everything I said about myself was true. But something didn’t sound right as I read it. It felt like I was trying on an outfit that no longer felt right. Sure I could wear it if I needed to, but it wasn’t comfortable; it wasn’t the real me, any longer.

This revelation caused me to consider what should my current bio say?

I began by working within the framework of how the “professionals” write a bio. That definitely didn’t feel like me.

I am in a very different place than I was at the beginning of 2019. I recently turned 60. Someone close to me went to heaven earlier this year. Life feels different to me now. I don’t want to go back to the way life was. No more hamster wheel. The only boxes I check off now are ones that really matter to me. I do so to discipline myself to make time for what really matters to me. If I’m not intentional, my days will fill up like a leaky boat—and not with what/who is important to me.

Not knowing exactly how to start a my new bio, I did what writers affectionately call “vomit on the page.” Without editing or overthinking, I wrote what was in my heart as honestly as I could. What I wrote is below:

Me at 60.

I’m more passionate about my family than ever. These relationships, these people—I’m their only wife, mom, mom-in-law, and Nana. I want to love them as only I can. I want them to know how cherished they are, not just by me, but by God. I want to give them all I can to help them fully be all God made them to be.

I am more and more aware that I don’t have unlimited days on earth with my family. I want to make each one count. At 60 I am doing my best to follow God and enjoy life with those I love.

So at 60 what’s important to me?

~Knowing God better and resting in His peace and presence more.

~Loving on my family and close friends. I want them to know how much they each mean to me.

~Taking care of the body God has given me to live this life. I don’t want to miss something important in my life because I couldn’t be there because I didn’t take care of myself.

That’s pretty much it.

~And then along the way I want to share my journey with you. Not for you to compare yours with mine, but as an encouragement to you to know God better and find joy and love in everyday life and relationships.

Don’t go look at my website to see if I changed my bio. I haven’t—yet. I know this bio is not website ready. I will work on it to get it that way. But I won’t try to squeeze the real me into an outfit that no longer suits who I am.

When you have a minute, vomit on your page. Who is the real you today? How have you changed from the past experiences of this year? How are you different from your last birthday? What doesn’t quite fit you any longer? What/who do you want to be there for now? Who/what do you want to get the best of you?

I’d love to hear from you.

 

 

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.