Last week, as my plane touched down in the Atlanta International Airport, I finished Hannah Brencher’s second book, Come Matter Here – fitting, as this is the city where her writing magic happens.
And yes, I absolutely mean magic. For HB, she is a wizard with words.
It’s hard to put into writing what Hannah’s words do for the heart, mind, and soul.
Here’s what the official book blurb says:
Life is scary. Adulting is hard. When faced with the challenges of building a life of your own, it’s all too easy to stake your hope and happiness in “someday.” But what if the dotted lines on the map at your feet today mattered just as much as the destination you dream of?
Hannah Brencher, viral TED Talk speaker and founder of The World Needs More Love Letters, thought Atlanta was her destination. Yet even after she arrived, she found herself int he same old chase for the next best thing…somewhere else. And it left her in a state of anxiety and deep depression.
Our hyperconnected era has led us to believe that life should be a highlight reel – where what matters most is perfect beauty, instant success, and ready applause. Yet, as Hannah learned, nothing about faith relationships, or character is instant. So she took up a new mantra: Be where your feet are. Come matter here.
Whether you need to make a brave U-turn, take a bold step forward, or summon the energy for the next lap, find fuel and inspiration for the journey right here.
Here’s what I’ll tell you:
This book is like having a conversation with your best gal pal, and yourself. Hannah has an uncanny ability to put words to a person’s inner most thoughts – hopes, dreams, fears, joys. She illuminates all moments of life – the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between with words that seep into your bones and stick to your soul.
Much of this book speaks to Hannah’s battle with depression, and although it may sound depressing, I assure you it is quite the opposite – it’s the steady beat of a drum that reminds you that you can beat the darkness.
I once battled with a depression. And I wish I had a book like this to hold in my hands. Because, sometimes, when being around people feels like it’s too much for your heart, words are the way back to them. And Hannah’s words are like armor for those who feel like they’re drowning in the darkness and have forgotten what it feels like to stand in the light.
Depression isn’t a cry for attention. It’s not fun. It’s actually a hellish ordeal. It’s that bone sadness that you cannot shake. The kind that seeps beyond the tears and into your heart and into your heart and your bones and you’d just give anything to just make it stop. You become tired. You are past the point of sadness. Sleep is what you crave, sleep is what you need. Sleep is welcome. Sleep is a savior.
Depression is like this black abyss that just takes you in. It clings to you. It covers you in its think blankets and does not want you to come up for air.
But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I promise you, that at one point, that thick blanket starts to thin, and streams of light start coming through. When that blanket starts to smother you, let those that love you lie next to you. Let them be your shoulder to lean on, let them catch the tears that fall, and yes, the tears will fall.
But it’s okay; I promise it’s okay.
There are people there who love you. There are people that will bring you up. Know that you do not deserve the pain; you do not deserve the darkness.
You deserve the love. All of it. Every single piece of it.
Promise me you’ll never apologize for the depression. Promise. I know that you’re not doing it for attention, you’re not doing with intention…you can’t control it. You wouldn’t wish the cold numbness on your worst enemy.
It’s easy to think you can face a fight alone, to not want to speak the hurt aloud and lay it on the hearts of those who love you – but promise me you’ll take the hands that come to help. Promise me you’ll lean so that you don’t fall. Promise me you’ll cry, so that you may begin to heal.
And, as Hannah so eloquently puts it – “…look for the people who understand you. Don’t stop until you find them. And when you find them. Take care of them. Always keep thanking them Always keep them close. Let them buy plane tickets to see you. Let them talk crazy. Let them go. When they need to go out there in the world and see what it has for them, let them go. Commit their birthdays to memory. Show up with soup. celebrate them on their biggest and worst days. Keep an open invitation always on the table that simple says, You are welcome on my couch, you and all your issues, at any time. Push them. Spur them on. Believe in them on the day they come to you and whisper, “I don’t know what I want.”
You can purchase your own copy here.
Happy Reading!
Live, Love, Learn,