WHAT IS THE “BEHIND THE SCENES” LINK UP?
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner.
“Behind the Scenes” is a fun link up where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it. Read more here!
The Photo:
The Story:
I didn’t think I would be one of those people. The kind who gets tongue-tied and nervous around someone they admire. I’ve met my share of high ranking, impressively titled individuals without so much as a tremor in my voice or a shake in my hand.
But when you put me in a room full of several hundred people for a weekend, I start to get a little overwhelmed. And when I get overwhelmed, I get nervous. And when I get nervous and force myself to go say “hello” to someone I admire greatly, I act like a nerd. One who loses all knowledge of the English language, who has eyes that suddenly tear up at the smallest kind word, and yes…the one who pulls out the camera phone for a quick photo.
Why is it that I can give a presentation to a CEO but I lose brain cells when I meet someone like Lisa-Jo?
She matters.
Those other fancy-shmancy people were awesome and I loved meeting them. But they didn’t impact my heart. They didn’t take time to encourage me. They likely wouldn’t have responded to a Tweet, or paid attention to my comment on a blog post. This photo? I get a little emotional when I look at it, because at first glance I see two friends. And my heart loves that thought. To think that this was the first time we’d met, and to see now how God ordained our paths to cross – to look at how I’ve been mentored, cheered, prayed for, raised up by this amazing sister in Christ? It’s more than my heart can handle.
There are a lot of conferences coming up. Declare (which I’ll be writing more about Wednesday!) is just a few weeks away. Allume, just a few months. Maybe I’ll meet you there … and quite likely I’ll forget how to speak, I’ll probably forget your name, and unless you wear the same outfit all weekend, I might even forget that I just had dinner with you the night before. But under it all? It’s because you matter to me. The sweet friendships I’ve made online, the women who have held my family in prayer when I had no words, the ones who check in and stay and commit and believe in me and my words. So, in case I forget to say it when we meet?
Thank you.
Alright friends! It’s your turn to link up. Now, remember the number one rule of a fun linky- make sure you visit the person who linked up before you & leave them a little love on their post! (even if you just say “hey! great photo – stopping over from Crystal Stine’s blog!…it’s ok..you can copy/paste that. I won’t tell.)
Three words (ok, four): I *TOTALLY* GET THIS. I am still working on not feeling silly about introducing myself and holding a conversation without losing my brain.
Thank you for hosting this lovely link-up. I won’t be able to attend any of those conferences but I look forward to reading about them in your blog. 🙂
Speaking of crying..um..I feel like I might be “that girl” when we’re all together this weekend. My heart belongs to (in)courage 🙂 … also..funny thing about Jon Acuff. I met him at the National Youth Workers Convention several years ago, before I knew who he was. I just went to his session because it sounded fun – got a “booty God booty” button and everything. Had no idea I should have been excited to meet him..woops…
well, my #startexp friend, I think you’ll be just fine 😉
It’s going to be so fun this year I think, we’ll both know WAY more people 🙂
we did?! that’s awesome! the only thing i remember about that dinner is trying not to cry like a fool after Ann’s keynote 😉
I so totally get this!! You probably don’t remember me, but we sat at the same dinner table the last night at Allume. I was to embarrassed to say anything to you then…but I won’t be this year!
Oh, dear friend! I can NOT wait to hug your neck again at Allume! You have encouraged me so and cheered me on!! I never even worked up the nerve to say more than a “HI” and “thank you so much for Five Minute Friday” to Lisa Jo!! So glad for you that you got the picture… and more importantly a deeper friendship! 🙂
I smiled big at this story. I feel the same way. (I felt nervous the first time I e-mailed you not that long ago–thankfully any dorkiness was on this side of the computer-ha!) Love that you’re so real. And when I’m at Allume this year for the first time, I think I’ll be the one forgetting how to say hello! 🙂
I would love to join you at Declare. I leave for Guatemala oh so soon!! 🙂 And will then be off to visit my son who is stationed in San Diego. It’s been far too long since I’ve hugged him. It’s a busy summer but I’m praying for the chance to attend a conference in 2014. (((hugs)))
We dorks must unite!! I met Ann Voskamp in the hallway at Allume and we had such a sweet moment – and everyone asked me why I didn’t take a picture…because, silly, that wasn’t in my brain at the moment!! Can’t wait to meet you! 🙂 I think I probably saw you last year but our paths didn’t cross… 🙁
Ohhhhh, Crystal…me too. I’ve met plenty impressive people. But the ones I cry when meeting? Are all bloggers who have changed my heart and my life. It is SO embarrassing. (And don’t even get me started on the heart attack I just about had when meeting Jon Acuff. But that is another story altogether.) ANYWAY. I hear you. And I can’t wait to see you in person in just a few days!!!
Haha!! I totally would have if I hadn’t been sitting in my car!! Lisa-Jo is who introduced me to all my amazing friends – and I am forever grateful!!!
It’s like a dream come true when it happens 🙂 If only my brain would function properly..lol..
I’m so excited to meet you at Allume 🙂
I would LOVE to meet you…Declare is super affordable and I really think you should go..hint..hint..
Yes! Those nerves cause some crazy stuff to happen don’t they? Silly cotton balls 😉
lol oh my…guess I’ll plan to bring a few extra shirts in case of snot….lol…
lol ok so I’ll do the same (drop my phone) and then we’ll be those girls who crack their heads together when we try to pick them up at the same time. yep. it’s going to be awesome 😉
“the sheep”…lol..i’m totally going to remember that – mine does the same! and what IS IT with the carpet sneaking up to trip me at the most embarrassing moments? every. time.
If it would just be cute, nice tears I’d be ok but it suddenly morphs into the crazy ugly cry, including sniffles and bright red face..ah..i’m a joy to meet in real life 😉
hehe…Vanessa, try not to fall out of your chair 😉
You both are the crazy sauce and Vanessa I am now HEADING OVER TO YOUR BLOG STAT!!!
I have felt totally the same way, Crystal. It is exciting to meet people that you have gotten to know in some other way and have enjoyed so much. Thanks for helping us see that the empty is not just about meeting someone well-known but is really about our heart connection with that person!
This is great! I’m attending Allume, and I am so nervous! I’m an introvert and people that matter make me a little clumsy. I hope i don’t stumble over my words too much! LOL
Love the picture of you and Lisa-Jo. Beautiful!
Crystal, I love your heart and I love how you share of how greatly your online friendships have had an impact on your life. It’s amazing isn’t it how God brings us together to love and encourage each other through a computer screen? I’m quite sure I’d find myself much like you if I were to meet someone I’ve come to admire greatly. I’m quite sure if I ever make my way to one of these conference (oh please God…I really want to go!) I would completely forget how to speak. Thank you for this beautiful link up and for your heart. Thank you for allowing me to share an older post. It’s one of my favorites. Much love, Beth.
Love this story! If it makes you feel better, when I get nervous my mouth feels like it is filled with cotton balls. That is how dry it gets & everything sticks. I can’t move my tongue or my mouth or lips. It is terrible! But this is such a sweet post as it shows how much online friends can impact us & mean to us BEFORE we ever meet face to face. Just precious!
Have a great day!
Joanne
Oh I love this post… AND I can relate. I remember meeting Ann Voskamp for the first time… I’m fairly certain I snotted all over her shirt – I was a blubbering, tongue tied and sopping wet mess!! And you’re right it’s because she mattered – God used her words to settle deep in places that were cracked and dry and came at a time in my life when giving up and walking away from my faith was a very real possibility. Eventually I pulled myself together enough to get my name out… UGH!!! But I think that I am going to be exactly the same at Allume this year… when I meet you and all the others who have impacted my life so deeply and richly over the last year… Love you friend!
Hugs to you, sweet friend…so excited to meet you at Allume! And I love this story of how God built a beautiful friendship between the two of you. And just so you know, I’m totally the type to get all tongue-tied and probably drop my iPhone as I pull it out for a pic. Gotta have those memories! 😉 Hope you have a wonderful day, Crystal!
Oh Sister! I so get this~ I often refer to the tremble in my voice as the ‘sheep’ its terrible. I’m hoping and praying to make it to Allume this year but in the end I know if it isn’t in the cards you all continue to hold my family in prayer. That warms my heart. Im pretty sure if I met Lisa-Jo, Sarah Mae, Sally Clarkson, you 🙂 and my list goes on I would probably fall off the edge of my seat or trip on an imaginary carpet out of shear delight. Have a blessed day Crystal! ~Jenny
This would so be me! I couldn’t help but smile when you said your eyes would tear up at the smallest kind word! Oh, tears would be streaming down my cheeks! I just can’t control my tears! Lol! Love that you have developed such special friendships!!
This BTS made me smile and chuckle 🙂 I know I would act the same way if I ever met Lisa-Jo. Heck, I’d probably be so giddy and fall out of my chair if she were to ever even visit my blog and leave me a comment. To actually meet her? Or any of the other amazing writers who have inspired me? Wow. You have no idea how much I dream of getting to meet my online family, my friends, these women who lift me up and pray for me and hold me close even without knowing all my baggage and my scars. I am amazed at the connection I have to women thousands of miles away, and all I wish I could do is reach out and hug them to say thank you.
Thanks, Crystal, for being an amazing encourager, mentor, and friend! 🙂