When I was around 24 years-old I read a new book called Captivating by John and Stasi Elderdge. In the 16 years since, I have read the book no less than 9 times. They were the ones who taught me that Kathryn Means is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be enjoyed, and so this snapshot of who I am and what I am about will inevitably be woefully inadequate…on purpose. As a person who has struggled with giving too much of herself away, too much of her heart, too many of her dreams, this is an exercise in restraint!
Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, I’ve spent a good portion of my adulthood as a bit of a nomad. 7 1/2 years shared me with Orlando, Florida and Franklin, Tennessee. Big dreams took me away from home both times, but my people eventually won out and I settled back home.
I have a deep capacity to love…words, people, baking, creating, melodies, fall, ellipses, sunrises, Willa (my dog), hosting gatherings that make people feel special, and Jesus, most of all. I identify as an Enneagram 4, and as such, I am a professional dreamer. While this has paid approximately zero of my bills, I am growing more and more confident that the God-sized dreams in my heart will turn into reality, in His time.
For years I lived in the shame of my singleness. I wore it like a bride wears a veil, only there was no celebration, only deep sadness and shame. For years I lived in such a way that communicated my singleness was a problem to be solved and escaped from, and since everywhere I looked the same was communicated to my heart, I believed it. Until the Lord came in and burned that shame to the ground. As I work through the clean up and find the residue of that shame everywhere, it is easier for me to see that veil of shame on those around me.
No matter your marital status, your dating status, or who sleeps in your bed at night, did you know you, alone, are worthy? That you, alone, are enough? If that sentiment falls flat I wonder if you know Jesus. If you don’t, it makes sense to me that you would struggle with that truth. It doesn’t mean it isn’t still true, but I understand why you don’t believe me.
For the Christ Follower who still doesn’t believe me…You, alone, are worthy and enough because HE, who is our all in all, lives inside of you. In Him, you lack no good thing!
Shoulders back, Sweet Friends. Head held high! You have nothing to be ashamed of.
I’m so glad you are here!