If you know me, you know I always have a bracelet on… if not multiple bracelets on. I love everything about bracelets- I like the way they look, I like that they are different, and I like that I always feel put together if I have a bracelet on. To me, bracelets are a small part of a bigger story. Their journey from creation to my wrist has been wrapped, intertwined and woven in beauty. They come from different places and are intricately made by people with stories. Not only is there a story as to why you wanted the bracelet but also there is a story behind the people who put their time and love into making the bracelets. You see, their stories become our stories and are worn around our wrists showcasing these intricately woven stories with love and beauty.
Let me start with a story.
God has rekindled a high school friendship that I couldn’t be more excited about. I knew Grace when I first moved to Spartanburg and we have always been friends. But after reconnecting at our best friend Jean’s wedding, I think God was just like “okay this is going to be a great friendship that y’all are now ready for.” I adore Grace’s heart she is a beautiful woman of God who seeks to serve and love others well. She is gentle, kind, has the best listening ears, and really has a heart for children. While studying abroad in Paris a couple semesters ago she truly clung to God and His will for her life. Because she was faithful to Him, He was faithful to her. He gave her this vision of a company that would sell stationary and in turn give the proceeds to schools in Africa. Here is a blurb about her company: "There is a harmonious partnership between WritefullyHis and Xchange International. This partnership embodies the mission to provide little ones abroad with the utensils to write, learn and share their own thoughts. With stationery sold in the states, the majority of the proceeds go towards purchasing paper and pencils for children in a small village in Uganda, Africa." See, Grace realizes that a white person can’t just go into another country and expect to change everything, but a white person can go into another country and help equip them. I just can’t tell you how truly amazed I am of her, she has worked so incredibly hard to partner with schools in Africa, to bring knowledge to children, to advertise her company, to brand her company, to extend her company into local boutiques, all while giving glory to God. I truly admire her, her heart, and her passion. If you would, take the time to hear her story and see it unfolded through her
Blog: http://writefullyhis.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/monday-morning-mentions/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WritefullyHis.
Also, check out WritfullyHis awesome stationary that goes to help children in Africa: http://writefullyhis.com/
Okay. On with the story. So, I was at the beach a couple weeks ago with a few of my girl friends for a girl’s long weekend- thanks to my sweet lovely Jean Bean. It was a perfect weekend full of laughter, love and joy. One night I forgot how it came up but we were talking about what I could get in each country that I wouldn’t have to carry in my backpack. We started thinking and pondering and the idea of bracelets came up. Immediately I was like DUHH why didn’t I think of that!? I love bracelets and I won’t have to carry them in my backpack I can just wear them as beautiful adornments around my wrist. So, after this great idea popped up, Grace being the wonderful visionary that she is suggested, “Why not make it into a blog series because you’re going to more than likely know the person you are buying the bracelet from so there will be a story and even how the bracelet was made could be a story.” I was like man WHAT A GREAT IDEA! *Seriously, I’m glad I have friends that have visions because my brain just doesn’t think like that. So then, to even further it, the next morning Grace suggested that I start with a bracelet before I leave for a couple of reasons:
- So I can start the blog series and people can be looking out for each monthly bracelet over the next year
- Because she knew that I still needed about $200 to be fully funded and being the thoughtful person she is said “Would you be offended if I bout the same first bracelet as you to go toward your fundraising and so it can serve as a reminder to pray for you.” —Told y’all she’s great
**To find out about my first bracelet check out the next blog "Weaved with Stories, Adorned with Love pt 2"
