16 Comments
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Kimberly Phinney's avatar

Happy Birthday, beautiful friend. A wondrous essay. I remember wondering and feeling this in my 33rd year, which happened to be the year of my miraculous pregnancy—my only child I would birth, my precious daughter. It felt poetic it would be that year. Thank you for these beautiful images.

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Deidre Braley's avatar

Oh, that is exceptionally beautiful & poetic.

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Matthew Nash's avatar

Such a really thoughtful piece here Deidre. I really liked the thought of Jesus waking up at 2am and praying for the strength to finish what he came to do. Brené Brown says, "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that is the bravest thing we will ever do." You do this so well my friend!

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Deidre Braley's avatar

Thank you, Matt! Yes—I can't help but wonder if Jesus had trouble sleeping some nights, too. The 2 AM wake window is real!

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Deborah Rutherford's avatar

Happy Birthday Deidre. Love your thoughts here. And your pondering. I see Jesus telling you it's going to be okay. Lovely aging. It only gets better, I promise. ❤️

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Deidre Braley's avatar

Thank you Deborah, for the birthday wishes and the encouragement that aging only gets better!

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Edward Holmes's avatar

I wonder if He knew the rain was approaching, not from prophecy, but joints. Sore, sore joints.

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Deidre Braley's avatar

HA! I like to think so.

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Natasha Mila's avatar

Well well well. I actually had no idea Jesus was 33. I, too, will be turning 33 soon after the holidays. Happy birthday ❤️

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Deidre Braley's avatar

Looks like there’s a whole slew of us having our “Jesus birthday” this year! 🥳

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Austin Adamson's avatar

As I approach 33 in the coming months, I know this thought would be on my mind as well. Thank you for the words!

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Deidre Braley's avatar

Yes! We'll have to circle back mid-year to see how everyone's Jesus year is going 😉

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Rosa Lía Gilbert's avatar

Stunning. I only just turned 26, but I choose to be brave, too! <3

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Deidre Braley's avatar

Oh, you are, and I admire that!

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Jessie Anderson's avatar

You are so brave, Deidre, and your bravery encourages me to live a life of courage, too! Happy birthday, the world is so good with you in it!

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Deidre Braley's avatar

This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Jess ❤️

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