Famously asked at a formal debate by 1992 vice-presidential candidate Admiral James Stockdale, the seemingly ridiculous questions “Who am I? Why am I here?” have stuck with me. I often repeat the phrase when I find myself in a room but can’t remember why I went there—do you know the feeling? But the questions are also apropos for my opening blog post, and this season of life.
For the past 6 years I have been writing full-time as senior copywriter for the marketing department of a medical education company, while supporting my husband as he battles stage 4 cancer, and raising a remarkable and gifted teenage daughter. My very busy life has made it hard to keep my head above water, let alone maintain my own personal website and blog. Now, freelancing between full-time jobs, I have a moment to catch my breath and write from my own perspective.
So, who am I, and why am I blogging? For many people, there has to be a hook, a qualifying attribute that makes a writer or a speaker worth listening to. I am learning that we all have a valuable perspective. We don’t need a schtick, a title, or an empire to be relevant. At the same time, I am in a unique position, standing in the midst of both blessings and prolonged hardship, to be receptive to insights I did not have when life was more carefree. I’d like to write a bit about what I’ve learned from my husband’s cancer battle, how our family copes, and what gives me hope and inspiration.
This is one side of “who I am and why I’m here.” But what about the larger questions? When dealing with a series of challenges, I’ve found myself asking, “what is this all about?” and “what lasting good do I achieve by conquering the tests and trials of the day?” and, “what about when I fail?”
Discovering the answers is a process, and it’s personal. But I choose to believe there is a purpose; there must be hope. I intend to share my insights and discoveries as I go. I hope you’ll journey with me as I ponder what it means to be here in the present moment, no matter who you are, or how you got here.
Congrats on the new website, Cynthia. You’re an inspiration. Seeing you get your site up and running makes me believe I can begin, too!
Thank you so much, Kathleen! I believe in you, and can’t wait to read your work.
You have hooked me in with”blessings and hardship”. Certainly so many people living into their own 60’s-70’s and some younger will be brought into your experience and wisdom with humility. I anticipate entering into a depth that will be enriching.
I look forward to following your blog even though I am not one who generally takes the time to do so.
The print is too small for me… just for your input.
Thanks Karen, for that feedback and encouragement!
‘receptive to insights’ is a mouthful and for the Christian community worldwide is a tonic that would begin to eradicate our spiritual stupor. Love your boldness Cynthia. I support you and look forward to the journey!
Aww, thanks, Chris!
Looking forward to reading more, friend, as you journey out loud
Nice CT, very nice <3 Will continue to read as time permits. You have something to say.
Thanks, my friend!
I’ve always enjoyed your writing, and am glad I’ll now be able to follow your blog!
Thanks, Cuz!
There’s no fail. There’s a try and perhaps a “miss the mark”, but not a fail. Nope. No fail.
Is this like Yoda’s “There is no try, only do”? Ha ha! Thanks, Teresa!
As I pass through the gates from Mexico to the USA Today I read your posting and thought how lucky I am to even to be to here to read your blogs .
Difficult day on mission photo shoot work
Thanks, Gary. I hope you weren’t in danger!
Can’t wait to read more
(I’ll be the richer for it, Cynthia!)
Thanks, Sarah!
Thanks for starting this Cynthia. You and Timm have been in my prayers. Now you are giving us more insight on what God has in your life.
Thank you, Louis!
I wish I had something fabulous, interesting or thoughtful to say, but all I can muster is: Very nice, Cynthia.
Reading your thoughts here is like sitting with you in conversation, sharing things that are common to our human experience but so rarely are we able to share them with each other. It’s like opening the mind and heart with a good friend in a safe space, and somehow feeling uplifted and understood… and, as if that good space is a little larger for have been shared with another soul.
Well, that WAS very thoughtful, Kitty Kat. Thank you!
Ahhh, I just exhaled a sweet sigh of joy.. you have many wonderful wheel-houses, this is definitely a gift God has given you; communicating truthfully emotionally, and with such clarity & wisdom.. I’ve always seen you as a strong stoic soul, yet filled with emotion, compassion, and determination, yet it’s your respect towards life’s journey, and reverence to our utmost highest that always hooks me in.. I’m so honored to call you friend, proudly, Merrrrtle
Thanks, Timmer!