Come belong here

A few years ago, I sat down with a mentor and pored over a list of 100 core values that Brené Brown compiled. Ambition. Adaptability. Cooperation. Courage. Generosity. Openness. Optimism. Simplicity. The list went on and on and on. There were so many beautiful words, but as we slowly worked through the alphabet, my heart kept coming home to the word “belonging.”

Belonging is at the very heart of being human, and it’s a word that I’ve come back to time and time again since that exercise with my mentor. In the changes of states and careers and last names in the two years since I graduated college, I’ve longed to belong. As I’ve said goodbyes and hellos, tried new jobs and showed up to yet another random bulletin board event, I’ve longed to belong.

Belong to people. Belong to something that matters. Belong to something bigger than myself.

And with that heart of invitation, I invite you into three ways to “belong” to the Wordsmith Services crew.

1.   With great joy and excitement, I announce the partnership of Wordsmith Services and International Justice Mission. IJM is a tremendous organization whose mission is to “partner with local justice systems around the world to build safe communities, where all are protected from violence and slavery.”

I have committed that a portion of Wordsmith income every single month will further their efforts to send rescue and protection to the vulnerable of our world. As you work with me—and refer others who need a writer, editor, or communication coach—you are belonging to a bigger purpose: to bring freedom and dignity. Join in!

2.  Starting on June 4^th  I am launching a free beta cohort to teach donor care and partner communication skills to missionaries in the US and worldwide. We’ll meet for one hour each month and practice creative communication skills to steward partner relationships well. Want to belong to our group? Here’s a bit more information!

3. A COOKBOOK CLUB! (I am THRILLED to announce each of these, but this is perhaps the most fun!!) I have promised myself that I will write a cookbook before I turn thirty, and I want to invite you to belong to this fun project! I am looking for recipe testers who would be willing to give feedback 1-2 times a month. If you’re interested to test recipes and give me some feedback, enter your email in this form. I’ll be in touch soon!

I’d love to invite you to belong to these bigger things with me: a nonprofit whose work ends modern-day slavery, a free cohort to train missionaries to communicate well, and a COOKBOOK CLUB.

Thanks for belonging to this community.

Until next time,

Emily M

P.S. Curious to see the list of 100 core values? It’s pretty interesting! I’d love to hear what words resonate with you.