It has been almost a year since I began as Submissions Editor for SheLoves Magazine. Last fall, when Idelette first asked me to consider taking on the role, Megan Gahan and I met for coffee halfway between our two homes. (You can and should read more from Megan in this post here.) As we sunk deep into the squishy armchairs, hands cupped around steaming mugs and relishing our few (child-free!) hours together, she gave me this beautiful piece of advice: Every submission is a gift.
Over the past year, I have read 219 of these gifts from women all over the world. Along with the rest of the editorial team, I read every word we receive and acknowledge the courage it takes to open yourself up to us. We know the time it takes and the emotional cost of sharing your vulnerability. So, if you have ever written us with your story, from the bottom of our hearts, Thank you.
As we look back over the year, we asked the Daily Editors to pick two pieces that are still sticking with them all these months later.
Leslie Verner, Our Monday Editor
There Is a Burning Bush Inside of Me, by Tasha Burgoyne
I’m a Lady Preacher, Called and Qualified, by Abby Norman
Leah Abraham, Our Tuesday Editor
Drinking Vodka Out of Frozen Turkeys, by Kathy Escobar
Ponder and Protest (Like Mother Mary), by Kelley Nikondeha
Idelette McVicker, Our Wednesday Editor
When I Claim All of My Space, by Nichole Forbes
She Rises: An Eighth Grade Gathering, by Carrie Kuba
Holly Grantham, Our Thursday Editor
This is a Love Story, by Bethany Suckrow
Nothing Worse than Being Ordinary? by Shelbi Anderson Gesch
Claire Colvin, Our Friday Editor
How Galaxies are Born, by Holly Grantham
Out Here on the Brink of Eternity, by Diana Trautwein
5 Other Posts We Think Everyone Should Read:
Jazz Hands and All the Way I Feel Powerful, by Heather Caliri
Because We Belong Together, by Naomi Pattison-Williams
An Ocean Loud Enough to Hear my Grief, by Sheli Massie
The Prophetic Period, by Leah Abraham
The Sacrament of Ordinary Work, by Claire Colvin
Thank you to each of you for reading along with us. Thank you for holding these stories so gently, for commenting, sharing and submitting. Thank you for bookmarking and printing and copying words into your journals.
Thank you for making SheLoves,
Kathleen
I was born and raised on the West Coast of Canada, but half my heart lives in Brittany, France. I am happiest with a cuppa tea and a good book and I spend the rest of my time in between the mountains and the beach in Port Moody, BC with my husband and two wee ones.
