Bring it on, FIFTY! This belle ain’t skeered!

The other day my author friend prefaced what she was about to say to me by telling me it would make me laugh. Duly warned, I was prepared for a chuckle but her next comment gave me the kind of belly laugh that I dearly love. Author Friend said I was “the sanest person she knew.” If you are a friend, family member, or long-time reader you will need a moment to compose yourself. You might also be briefly preoccupied with concern over said author’s inner circle, but I’m going to move on. Catch up when you can, ‘k?

So, here’s the context for that little funny. I am turning FIFTY today and I’m stinking excited about it! I don’t know this for sure but I’m thinking my level of enthusiasm for this milestone birthday could be rare and some might even think a tad cray. (I understand the cool kids say cray instead of crazy but I just typed it and my spell check isn’t at all pleased. My spell check is apparently a dinosaur.)

I was already looking forward to turning fifty when that same author friend emailed me with a story that sent my enthusiasm off the charts. She had told her preteen daughter that I was turning 50 and her baby girl said, “She should have a Jubilee!” The young girl went on to explain to her mother that it was one of her vocabulary words and it meant a celebration.

Well now, after reading that email– and seeing the Scripture links my friend included where Jubilee is mentioned in the Word, I went on my own Scriptural treasure hunt and came out plum slap happy! As I type these words, I’m bursting with excitement about what I believe the Lord is showing me about this upcoming year. I share them with y’all, my lovely readers, to invite you to come with me and share the journey.

I intend to write to you more about Jubilee in the coming year. What I want to share with you right now will be a very simplistic explanation of the Biblical Jubilee. First mentioned in the Old Testament, the year of Jubilee was a once every 50 year celebration. It was a time of freedom, joy, and festivity ordained by God Himself when offenses were forgiven, debts were cancelled, and slaves were set free.  That’s good, but it only got better.

Centuries later, Messiah would open the scroll to Isaiah and read these words aloud to those listening in the temple, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Because He hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

According to the translation, that last line in your Bible might read “to proclaim the favorable of the Lord”, or “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Regardless of how it is translated, however, it is widely accepted that Jesus was proclaiming Jubilee! Oh, but friends, lean in a tad closer and hear Him announcing what I would call Jubilee on steroids. For when our sweet Jesus handed the scroll back and said, “This day this scripture is fulfilled in your ears,” He was saying, “I am here and I am Jubilee!”

Okay, so if you’re wondering what this Jubilee has to do with my turning fifty today, I understand. I’m getting there in my round-a-bout this is how we like our stories down here way.

What some of you may not know is that the book I’ve been working on, the one that I just today finished working my way through my edits, is my first “Faith” release. Oh, it has humor in it because that’s how He wired me, but it’s my first opportunity to talk straight to y’all, my darling readers, about my faith. (I would tell you the title but we haven’t decided on one. I think we’re going to let y’all help us choose one from our list of favorites soon!)

In short, I believe this will be my year of Jubilee. It will be my privilege to be allowed to speak words of hope, healing, and freedom to those who are broken, hurt, and bound. And THAT’S why I’m saying, “Bring it on, Fifty!”

Now, to celebrate the kickoff of my Jubilee, I want to turn this birthday thing around and give gifts to y’all! Please leave your pretty please if you’d like a signed copy of my last book, “Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy!”

Wait– I’m not through! I’m also going to be giving away a couple of ATS “Keep Calm and Bless Their Hearts” t-shirts, too! So, do get those names in.

By the time this post publishes in the morning, I’ll probably be on beautiful Lake Providence in my kayak! Afterwards, I’m going out of town with my BFF (that’s her beyoutiful daughter modeling those t-shirts!) for some girl shopping/eating/talking– lots of talking. Then my sweet daughter-in-law will be serving birthday supper to me and the beloved hubby. So….sometime Wednesday I’ll draw four winners! Have a great big day and I’ll talk to y’all later.

Hugs, Shellie

JUBILEE!!!!!!!!!!  Bring it on, FIFTY! This belle ain’t skeered!