THE REAL MEANING

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."   Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

I “discovered” this verse during a time when I found myself down on my knees crawling and scraping through a desolate place of life as my husband Kevin marched into what became a 7½ year battle with the demon cancer.  At that time, the last sentence of the verse spoke to my heart.  I held on to it and leaned into God’s promise to be with me and make a way though the pain, fear and uncertainty of my wilderness and to provide streams of mercy in the harsh, dry wastelands. 

On December 7, 2013 Kevin died.  Our lives had been joined for over 33 years.  With his death our paths parted and I had to learn to walk without him by my side.

It hasn’t been easy.  I’ve made plenty of mistakes, attempted to avoid pain and control the journey, and frankly – I’ve fallen flat on my face.  And God never left me.  Over time, He has opened my eyes to the first part of the verse - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

God has gently been at work, creating the newness of life that He promised.  As He has carried me, held me, and pieced my brokenness back together, His beauty and sparkles of new life and grace have burrowed into my heart. 

So I’ve begun this website to share my findings.  To use words to paint stories about discovering life.  About remembering the past and sifting out the pieces that ultimately bonded together and created the foundation of my life.  About opening my eyes to the present and uncovering newness.  About learning to be real, transparent, and honest.  To share my heart and experiences that have deepened my faith and hope.  To bring forth laughter, love and peace.  To celebrate our perfectly imperfect lives and remember we are not alone. 

Like the wall in this photo, our lives are covered with barren vines of the past, leaves that are drying up and yet tenaciously hold on and vines sporting newness in varied stages and sizes.  All are beautiful and together they form a picture of life. 

Perhaps my stories are not unlike your own.  I invite you to comment, question, laugh, celebrate, cry, rejoice and – if you choose -- to be in relationship with me and with others as you walk your own journey and learn life lessons.  Above all else I pray you are blessed by the site and enjoy watching it grow and change. 

I want to thank my friend, Mark Schaffer, for granting me permission to use his photos in my website.  His eye for beauty displayed through the lens of a camera touches my heart, inspires me and gives depth to my stories.  I hope you, too, will find joy in their beauty. 

Photos obtained from other people or collections will be individually acknowledged as appropriate. 

Shalom –    Becky Real

THE REAL WOMAN -

I've been writing since I was a teen but didn’t pursue using it for anything other than my personal pleasure until recently.  As I journey into uncharted territory, I've returned to my roots and use writing as a spiritual experience and integral part of my healing and self-discovery. 

I write from my heart and pray that others find comfort, joy, hope and encouragement through my stories.
A Mom, Grandma, Human Resource professional and published author, I am also happily adopted by my dog and two cats in our home in Minnesota.

Photo taken by Life In Full Photography, LLC