Grounded.

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[Skirt: JCrew Factory (really old) | Striped Tee: Wal-mart | Jacket: LOFT | Scarf / Wrap / Bracelets: Kenya | Cowboy Boots: Thrifted (really old)]

Some of you may or may not know that I volunteer in a prison. (I’ve mentioned it in passing a few times here on the blog). I serve on a team with my church where we go into a women’s prison in our area to hold church services. Typically I’m in a worship leading capacity, but often I’ll help plug things in, set things up, or just spend time fellowshipping with the inmates.

It’s funny how the nights I serve seem to come at times when, honestly, it’s the least convenient for me. However, they almost always end up being the most fulfilling.

Because why? Because it’s not about me. It never is. And I need that reminder. Often. We all do.

It’s just in our nature to get overly consumed with ourselves and our own problems. I’ve been pretty stressed lately and honestly, I was feeling anxious about leaving work early last night (Tuesday) to drive the 40 minutes to the prison, be completely disconnected from everything for 2-3 hours (no cell phone or laptops allowed in prison… obvi.) and then drive the hour home. I feel felt like I have had too much to do and not enough time to do it in.

So, needless to say, I was wrapped up and self-consumed and totally on edge the whole time I was getting ready to leave.

I listened to some Hillsong in the car, and I could feel my blood pressure inching it’s way down.

I got to prison and waited outside the security gatehouse with the team. All the while, thinking about all the things that needed to get done and how I felt like I was wasting time just sitting there. Waiting.

After we got through security and headed toward the auditorium to set up, many of the inmates were out in the yard (it was a gorgeous evening) and they immediately started waving and smiling and thanking us for being there.

We got everything set up, made some last minute changes, I led worship, and the ladies heard the message. And, as usual, the spirit was thick in the room and all of a sudden the things I “had to do” no longer seemed important. Not that they aren’t important at all or that they don’t need to get done, because they do.

It’s just that in that moment when I finally stop being so consumed with my own, well, meaningless crap, and the more I remind myself of being present in what I’m there to do, the more grounded I remain.

And of course, my devotion today just happened to read:

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Alright, I got the message.

I’m really not trying to sound hokey or cheesy or whatever, but I’m telling you, when you spend time watching women behind bars surrender their lives to Christ or raise their hands in worship or just smile and genuinely thank you for being there, it suddenly makes everything else in life seem like it’s gonna be okay. Like there’s no problem too big or difficult to handle.

In the short time I’ve been doing prison ministry (only about 15 months or so…) I’ve learned that whenever I’m starting to feel sorry for myself (which we all have a tendency to do), or whenever I’m starting to think like I have problems that just are too big to handle, I know I need spend time talking to a woman behind bars – because suddenly, my issues don’t seem all that bad. And suddenly my attitude is a whole lot more positive.

So, I’ve tried to figure out ways to continue to keep myself grounded. Humbled. Any way that I can. Whether it be something as simple as wearing my Kenya bracelets (you know, like in the outfit above), or a scarf from Kenya (you know, like in the outfit above), or writing a quote on a post-it and pasting it on my computer at work… it’s all about little reminders.

I know this was probably a whole lot more information than you probably wanted to read juxtaposed with photos of what I wore, but when I came home tonight, I decided to word vomit all over my blog. And I felt better.

It just happens like that sometimes.

Does that happen to you? Any of it, really? The need for grounding? Word vomitting? No? Hopefully not just me.

Anywho.

To lighten things up around these parts, here’s a chimpanzee riding on a segway.

Linked up today with my Wednesday friends: The Pleated Poppy, Rolled Up Pretty, Rae Gun Ramblings, Wardrobe Wednesday, and Transatlantic Blonde.


“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

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81 thoughts on “Grounded.”

  3. Abby

    Well, I feel kinda silly commenting on your fashion after such a meaningful post :) I love the way you mixed the patterns though, and the skirt is fantastic!

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  4. shanna schneider

    You have a special place waiting for you in Heaven. I wish I could do half the things you do in His name!! Those women will never forget you!!! And you continuously look adorable….your posts and outfits get better everyday!!
    shanna schneider recently posted..Girlfriend LandMy Profile

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    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      shanna, you seriously have no idea how much that comment blessed me. often i feel like i don’t do enough and i know i’m not perfect, but i try. and your encouraging word means the WORLD to me. seriously. thank you so much, shanna!

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  7. Jessica

    Molly, I love how openly and beautifully you share about your faith and service in His name… makes me smile every time. My only excuse for not going to church more is because I don’t have the “time”… seriously, I don’t actually have and better things to be doing, I just need some priority shifting. Thanks for the reminder!

    And I love your cute boot self to pieces – this outfit is SO YOU!
    xx
    Here&Now
    Jessica recently posted..style crush: Miranda KerrMy Profile

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  8. Shawn Marie

    First cute outfit as always.

    I know the feeling of needing to be grounded all too well and it is quite humbling and reality checking when we open our eyes and pay attention to those that are in prison (or even just purely less fortunate than ourselves). I think that it is amazing that you take the time to bring the word to these women, but more importantly that you are able to take and learn from those moments that God hands us in our more “selfish” minutes.

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  9. CC

    I definitely feel the need for grounding – frequently. (word vomitting not so much, total introverts rarely do that :) We are currently in a pretty difficult phase in our lives and have been pretty stressed out about it. We recently started serving (hubby is a pastor) at a small church with primarily elderly members who have had really difficult lives. It is so ironic that hearing about other people’s troubles can be such an encouragement. :)
    On a less serious note, I love your outfit! That red skirt and scarf are ‘seriously’ awesome. ;)
    CC recently posted..Retro with Polka DotsMy Profile

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  11. Jen

    Hey! Loved the reminder of being grounded. Yes, it is so easy to get caught up in our seemingly large 1st world problems. Love the Kenya scarf and bracelets. Is your skirt a kanga? (I have no idea if I spelled that correctly) Anyhow, I’ve spent several summers in Kenya on missions trip. Most recently my husband and I took a group of college students over to work in the slums of Nairobi in 2010. We love Kenya and I love seeing fashion statements from there. I’m actually sporting one in my WIWW post too :)
    Jen recently posted..{WIWW} AccessoriesMy Profile

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    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      my skirt isn’t a kanga – but it definitely looks like one! :) that’s awesome that you’ve been to kenya, too. i’ve been twice and i love it so much!! thank you so much, jen!

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  12. Jenny

    I was delighted to read this post, Molly. You do such a fantastic work volunteering! Yes, I think we all need some reality check from time to time. Every time I feel a bit frustrated or don’t know what I’m doing because I’m just consumed by my everyday ‘issues’ I stop and think about all the people that are currently in worst situations and who would do anything to trade places and have the blessings that I have. And don’t worry about writing everything that you feel here in your blog. This is one of the things that I love, besides checking stylish outfits, is knowing that they are ‘real’ people behind all the amazing pictures, and that they are beautiful inside and out.
    And you look super cute in this outfit. I love your scarf and your cowboy boots!

    Jenny
    http://www.jensoutfitjournal.com
    Jenny recently posted..Autumn Colors (Shopping In My Own Closet – Outfit #84)My Profile

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  14. Maggie

    this is an excellent post! i completely agree. ironically, as i read blogs instead of study/do homework (i’m a college student) i was just thinking that i don’t know how i’m going to find the time for Young Life tonight. thank you for this post-and the motivation!

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  16. Sarah Hulbert Style

    I recently read that appx half of all imprisoned women in the US are there because they were “guilty by association”. So, their husband or boyfriend sold the drugs, so they were imprisoned because of knowledge. The most common violent crimes committed by women are in the act of protecting themselves or a loved one. Pretty sad that most of these women probably don’t belong there. But since they are there, I am so glad that God is turning their terrible situations into good thru education, skills training, and ministries like yours. Thanks for being willing to be used to help give these women a second chance. This post really blessed me. Thanks, Molly! ~Sarah
    Sarah Hulbert Style recently posted..Outfit Inspiration: “Anywhere and Everywhere”My Profile

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  17. morgan

    you are so right!
    i didn’t know you were a worship, leader too
    i have always wanted to do this kind of ministry and i might have an opportunity to do it very soon, but you are so right…there’s something about seeing people who are in less-than-ideal situations worship the Lord..it puts things in a totally different light.
    also i love everything about what you’ve posted wardrobe wise, today! that scarf is beautiful. i love prints from that part of the world :)

    morgan
    morgan recently posted..i made a mistake…My Profile

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    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      yeah!! i lead worship a few times a month :) i love it! it’s always been somewhat of a hidden passion of mine.

      and thank you so much for your sweet and encouraging comment, morgan!

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  23. Katie Shannon

    New follower of yours. {Found your blog from Amber at Love On Wings}

    I am in love with your clothes and how you bring it all together!! I’ve always wanted to volunteer at a prison, since I was a teen, I never have. But I will one day!

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  24. Meredith

    I love your posts Molly. You’re such an inspiration, and I feel like we should be friends in real life! :) Thank you for sharing this. Also, I want that skirt. It’s so gorgeous. :)
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com
    Meredith recently posted..A True Fall OutfitMy Profile

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  25. Tracy

    NO word vomit girl, I love it!!! I think it’s perfect to pair your outfit and your perspective on being grounded. It’s still being true to the message that the way you express yourself externally is a reflection of how you are feeling inside!! Again, I love it :)

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  27. Always Maylee

    Molly, I love this post. And you always remind me of the things that I should be doing too. We get so overwhelmed with, well life in general. But everyone once in awhile it’s nice to take a step back. Love your outfit, especially that scarf. And love YOU! :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  28. Sharon

    I think it’s awesome that you volunteer at the prison! During grad school, I interned at a food pantry where many of the people coming in for food were homeless. Without that food, they may not have been able to eat that day. Experiences like that really put your own life in perspective.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  29. Susie

    I find myself needing some grounding sometimes too – I have to take a deep breath and a step back, and get a little perspective. It’s so hard to have perspective sometimes, but when I find it, all the meaningless crap that seemed so important seems that much more meaningless.

    Sea and Swank
    Susie recently posted..Knit-pickingMy Profile

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  30. Lauren

    You are not alone. I find myself getting caught up in, when it really comes down to it, meaningless tasks and the occasional “woe is me” attitude. I think we all need a little perspective check every once in a while to keep us grounded and appreciate all we have.
    Lauren recently posted..Top Five Fashion Pet PeevesMy Profile

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  31. Alicia

    Molly- I absolutely enjoyed this post!! In my eyes, I did not see any word vomit! It was beautifully put! We are human, we get self absorbed at times. And we all need to be reminded 1.) we are not the only people put on this earth and 2.) the purpose for being here. Thank you girl for sharing. Keep doing what you’re doing!!
    Alicia recently posted..Did you miss me??My Profile

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  33. Pidge

    I totally agree that sometimes the thing we feel the least like doing is the most rewarding…..just found your blog…LOVE your style!

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  34. Katie

    i feel that way when I have to go to things like small group of service things – i complain about them or don’t want to go and then once i’m there I’m so glad I went! It shouldn’t be so hard for me to do the important things God calls me too! thanks for the encouragement and what an amazing thing you are part of!
    Katie recently posted..Fall RepeatsMy Profile

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  35. Ashley

    That’s how it always is for me…the second I start feeling like I don’t want to go out and serve is the time that I need it most…and the time that it’s most rewarding.

    Love the jean jacket with the red skirt!!
    Ashley recently posted..Finders KeepersMy Profile

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  36. Annie

    Maybe I need to start volunteering at a prison….that sounds like an awesome revelation Molly. And such a rewarding experience. And on a completely different note – I love your pattern mixing and red skirt :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  38. Jesse

    You are right. Reminding myself of how good I actually have it in life has been something I recently started doing to get through negative experiences and it’s been really helpful to put things in perspective. Something else that has helped me is writing down my short term and long term goals in the notes section of my iPhone to look at often to keep myself grounded and focused on important scheiss in my life. You word vomit like a gangster. I like!

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  39. Rachel

    I really enjoyed reading this Molly and I used to feel the same way when I went to go volunteer at the Sexual Violence Center in Minneapolis. It was a 20 minute drive there after work…. 3-4 hours of working the crisis line and doing admin stuff and then a half hour home. Sometimes I just felt like I couldn’t, but when I went and let go of those thoughts of all the other things I should be doing I felt that same grounding feeling I think you are talking about here. I always try to remember the simple things and realize how fortunate I am and try to help in the ways I can.

    Thanks for sharing this and … I love the outfit of course :)
    Rachel recently posted..Put a Vest on ItMy Profile

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  40. Carly

    Love this! It’s how I feel everyday….I teach in a REALLY rough neighborhood….and no matter what is happening in my life….I feel like it’s this little tap on the shoulder from God….reminding me….that most people have things much worse off than me. I always say that these families teach me more than I ever teach them…..

    This post is AMAZING, so glad you put it up!

    Carly
    Carly recently posted..Loving Lately: A Little Bit Country in the CityMy Profile

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