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Jessica Fralin

Jessica Fralin

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Tag: Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2016December 24, 2016

Something Worth Rejoicing Over

“A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new & glorious morn.” O Holy Night has always been my favorite Christmas song, & I've always held that lyric close. But this year, it hits new depths in my soul. Because this year, more than ever before, I’m weary. I’m weary of opinions …

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Grinning like a dang fool because there’s just nothing better than being by the ocean. Also because I never feel more like myself than when I’m dressed like the 90s never left. ✌🏼
“I go down to the shore in the morning and depending on the hour the waves are rolling in or moving out, and I say, oh, I am miserable, what shall— what should I do? And the sea says in its lovely voice: Excuse me, I have work to do.” ————————————————— Poem by Mary Oliver, who I already miss & whose words reminded me this week that the ocean really can heal your heart a little bit. 💛
Am I squinting or screaming in excitement that my best friends brought me to the beach? I’LL NEVER TELL. But gosh, am I ever grateful to know such strong, kind, gracious, hilarious women. As the years go by, I’m finding that I want fewer, but deeper, friendships. It’s the universal lesson of your twenties, I know - but I don’t need everyone to like me these days. Popularity is a shallow substitute for being known and loved by a trusted few. I’d choose depth over reach every time. Being understood, supported, and cheered on is the best gift. When we find people who will give us that gift (and we freely give it back), I bet we’ll find that it’s more than enough.
Hi, Instagram. It’s been a while - but after all this time, it only feels right to drop in on Valentine’s Day to let you know I still love you. 2019, so far, has been one that’s grown me in leaps and bounds. The first six weeks of the year brought me some of the hardest laughs and hardest conversations of my life, some of the sweetest and scariest and most sacred moments I can recall. I’m still searching for words that can hold the weight of it all. When I find them, I’m sure some of them will land on this feed. I’m also sure that many of them won’t. I do love you, Instagram, and I bet part of me always will - but in these weeks of silence, I can’t say I missed you. Processing deeper life with fewer people has been the best thing for my soul. More than ever, I believe some seasons weren’t meant to be shouted about from the rooftops. Sharing is a gift, of course. But silence is a gift, too. Here in the Gulf with my feet rooted in the sand, I don’t know another way to put it, except that heading offline has rooted me in what’s real again. There’s something about life offscreen that’s just better. Easy to say when you’re with your best friends at the beach, I know - but I promise it’s been true on the hard days, too. I’m more aware of being ALIVE (the sweet and bitter parts alike) when I’m not staring at my phone. If you’re in a moment that calls for quiet right now, here’s your permission slip, your freedom to say as little as you want in this space. The internet is a place to post about real life, after all - not to replace it. We’ll all be here waiting when you get back. 💛
This year was not meant for walking on eggshells, for holding our breaths until we break that resolution and hang our heads and resolve to be better again in 361 days’ time. If you attempt perfection in 2019, you’re going to be deeply disappointed. The good news: a calendar flip isn’t the only fresh start. Of course you’ll fail. It’s one of the beautiful side effects of being human. But you can meet that failure with grace. When imperfection strikes again, remember that the sun will rise upon new mercies tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. If it’s not free and light, it’s not the way of Jesus. So lighten up, and don’t give up. 2019’s got a lot to teach us if we’ll learn to listen rather than throw in the towel.
For the first couple decades of my life, I was the only Fralin girl. I loved it, and I knew that one of the boys surrounding me would eventually share our name with someone, that another Fralin girl would exist. I couldn’t imagine what that would be like. Turns out, it’s better than anything I could have imagined. Nicole is kind, hilarious, and a genuine friend to me (for a whole decade now!). Watching her marry Jonathan was one of the happiest days. For the last three years, I’ve been over-the-moon happy to finally have another Fralin girl around. And this year, she became the best mama to the very newest Fralin girl. She shines as a mom. I’m proud to get a front row seat. Happy birthday, Nicole. I’m just really grateful that we’re friends AND family. Best combo around. 💛
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