Houston Texas Lifestyle Photographer

I don’t know if it’s my introverted soul.

Or because my parents always stepped in as my listening ears.

But, whatever the reason, it has taken me a very long time to be okay with opening up to others outside of my parents and my husband, to go out on a limb and give them my deepest darkest and know that I would be loved anyway.

It took the kindness, persistence and loyalty of a college roommate turned lifelong friend, Melissa (not pictured), to start that process of learning to really trust others.

And because of that relationship I have since allowed myself to show my heart, little by little, embracing vulnerability one struggle at a time.

And you know what I have found?

That being in community with others in an intimate, vulnerable way allows for healing. Allows Jesus to enter into that cavity in my chest and fill the holes up with the warmth, peace, encouragement, joy, and love that I receive from others.

So here’s to you, my people. You have my heart, you treat it well. I pray that I can give each of you the same amount of nourishment, peace, joy, grace, and encouragement that has been so freely lavished onto me.

And because this post got WAY more feel-y then I had ever intended, I’ll leave you with this image of the beautiful, strong, and brave Kate. You wear that white coat well 😉

The women pictured above are some of my dearest friends this side of adulthood (you know, the graduated, married, working part) – Emily, Julie, and Kate. All the hugs to you. Thanks for embracing my deep dark.

 Thanks to the good ol’ state capital, Austin, for hosting us for a lovely get away. Thanks to Glennon Doyle Melton of the blog Momastery for speaking truth to a large group of women last Thursday night in Austin, and inspiring us all to embrace this “brutiful” life. And thanks to Josephine House for giving this little group of ladies a warm place to eat brunch.

Coffee and heart,

HK