Right now I’m at my parent’s house… sorting through old photos; completely nostalgiac (& just a tad freaked out) about turning 29.
I’m sure many of you much more mature adults are rolling your eyes… but hey. Cut a girl some slack. Try to remember when you turned 29… weren’t you just a LITTLE bothered? Coming in on a number so close to 30? Don’t lie.
Ask anyone who is close to me how this past month has gone & they will roll THEIR eyes. Here’s a little dialogue:
Self: “Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh!!!!”
Whomever: “WHAT’S THE MATTER!?!?!?!”
Self: “I’m turning 29. Ughhhhhh. And not even an INKLING closer to being married OR a New York Times Best-Selling Author.”
Whomever: “Holly Strother. You’re not dead yet.”
Self: LOL… Except I actually laughed-out-loud 😉
***
I really love some of these pictures I’m finding. Wow. I was really thin, kind of ridiculous, with terrible terrible hair in high school & college. Oh, and let us NOT forget the ‘boy-cuts’ Donya Strother forced on me ALL through childhood – thanks again, Mom. And going back even further, I’m finding a VERY little Holly, with HUGE eyes and a bright smile… even on operating tables or struggling to stand up with my ‘push’… or rolling walker.
Amazing. What an amazing life I have led. What amazing memories I have made. What amazing people I have known. What an amazing struggle I have been gifted with.
I say gift, because I see this little girl who knew how to turn every head in a room just by walking through the door. I see this. And even today, walking into the Corner Bakery after church I am CERTAIN I caught a few stares shifting.
What a gift. To be able to do that by just breathing. By just walking. By just trying to be like everyone else… but I’m not. And I’m glad.
And tomorrow, I will still be that girl. Until the day I die… I will still be a girl who commands attention in every room. I only hope I continue to have huge eyes & a bright smile. I only hope I continue to walk in this with dignity & grace… always crediting the one who strengthens me to do so.
***
So ok, maybe I am still single. Maybe I am still a social worker, only writing because I love to & only published by a humble website designed by Gene Strother… and only receiving reviews from those who love me most.
The truth is, I am lucky to be loved & I am thankful to be me.
But the truest thing I know after 29 years: Christ is the love of my life & ultimately he is the one I write for.
Sincerely,
Holly
Beautiful – Just like you 🙂
Holly, you continue to inspire me, and you are definitely a gif to all who have the pleasure of knowing you. Happy 29th – you wear it well. But of course, I’d expect no less!!
Dear Holly, YOU are a tremendous BLESSING and INSPIRATION to all who cross your path! We are thankful that you trust the Lord completely for your future. Lean on Him and then lean a little harder…He will not fall!! Happy Birthday beautiful young lady!! love, Janet & Farrell
Holly, You are only 29, and you are so mature in Christ. …Wow, wow!!
Holly, you truly are a remarkable young lady! You do turn a lot of heads, but I’m sure hat plenty would be amazed by your stunning beauty!
God bless, I’m really proud to have you as a friend and sister!
I’m glad that you’re so stinkin’ awesome. You’ll be fine. I promise. 30 didn’t/doesn’t actually hurt (although I took it awfully hard). You are thoroughly entitled to freak out, but don’t over-do it. 😉