For the Love Launch Day & Giveaway!

Well friends, I didn't write a book. Maybe someday. Actually, scratch that. Someday. 

Let me tell you what I did do. Gather round, ducklings. 

First of all, you need to know that there are some badass women doing some badass things for Jesus right now. They don't think Christianity and social justice are mutually exclusive, and they act on it. They write the truth, they speak the truth, they live the truth. They are smart - word wise and world wise. They are brave. They are real. They are funny. Good things are happening in minds and hearts and houses and around the world because of it. 

One of these women is Jen Hatmaker. 

I've been following, reading, loving her for awhile now. My latest roommate Callie was a huge fan of Jen since they both have a special place in their hearts for adoption, specifically adopted kids in their lives who come from Ethiopia. This turned into my interest growing and Callie and I casually referring to Jen and her family members as if we hung out with the Hatmakers on a regular basis. 

Because Jen's kind of like that. She has a wide following of self-proclaimed fangirls. Just watch a video of her and you'll be soon endeared to her Lorelai Gilmore-esque quick wit and clever mind. 

Early this spring Jen Hatmaker posted an application to be part of the "launch team" for the book she was about to release. I quickly filled one out and held my breath. 

Who even knew? Out of five THOUSAND entries five hundred were chosen. 

I'm still not really sure why me. I clearly am not faithful about writing. Marketing isn't really my thing. I don't know that many people. But I wasn't about to turn myself in.  

I quickly started reading the digital version of For the Love, my fancy schmancy unedited advance edition came soon after. I laughed. I snorted. I cried. I felt known and loved and understood and seen. This collection of essays holds truth. About how people and selves should be loved. Some things about life and culture and even Christians just suck, but it'll be okay. What fashions should stay out of style. And various other topics upon which light must be shed. 

I walked away refreshed, enlightened, hopeful. And with several new terms and quotes. For example... maxi skirts = crotchless yoga pants. I die. 

Being part of #the500 has been nothing short of amazing. I have 499 friends around the world. Seriously. We call and text and talk about hard things. We send embarrassing selfies. We meet up in all kinds of crazy places and ways to have coffee and share a hug. Technology isn't all bad after all, because these relationships being built are real. I know them. Their hurts, humor, kids, yet unannounced pregnancies, miscarriages, money running out... nothing is off the table and it is such a sacred group. 

I was in need of community. I had left a church in Dallas a year prior, and never really found a place to settle after. It was too big for this introvert. I needed grandmas and babies who knew me, not more lights and people and glitz. It's just me, and that's okay. I've only just started to accept that. I moved from my darling little Dallas home into my aunt and uncle's house in Coppell in March. I work in Arlington. So I'm just... scattered. Unsettled. Not quite sure what or where or when is next. I basically have to commute to hang out with friends. So to have these girls and the #bandoffour (those brave men) has been so so good for me. I've exhaled and I'm learning to embrace life in transition. 

I want everyone to read this book, be gifted its message (subtitled "fighting for grace in a world of impossible standards"), and experience the tribe it has given me. Yet is another reasoning marketing/sales isn't for me, because I probably would just give everything to everyone every time. I can't buy all the books, but I can give you my strong recommendation. 

I am, however, giving one! And probably something else exciting along with it because I don't want the book to be lonely in the USPS truck, and I like cute things. And giving. And wrapping. Focus, Liesie. 

Enter the Rafflecopter below and I will draw on Sunday, August 23rd! PS I learned, yet again, that technology is hard - apparently just clicking isn't enough for the Rafflecopter gods. Like Jen's Facebook page to enter the raffle! And you should probably sign up for her email list just because it's sunshine in your inbox. 

You should probably just buy one for yourself now anywhere books are sold and if you happen to win the extra copy would be a great gift, for say, anyone ever. 

I hope you feel loved today. You are. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway