I haven’t written all week.
It’s Friday, August 8th, and I am sitting at my usual morning writing spot with my coffee on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. I was up this morning just after 6 AM, alone. Joal is in California visiting his Granny, who is 99 and getting ready to meet God, plus he has the opportunity to spend time with his other Grandmother, for fun.
It’s a blessing that he is there, but equally strange for me here at home, because this is the first time in our new, beautiful 15th-floor condo that I am alone. Don’t get it twisted, I do love my alone time, but I’ve noticed the energetic difference.
So here I am, ready to write.
Next to me is the book Permission to Offend, written by my friend Rachel Luna.
Next to me is the book Permission to Offend, written by my friend Rachel Luna.
Rachel died on Monday.
After I wrote that, I had to pause.
I said a prayer.
I said a prayer.
I said hello to Rachel and felt reverence for our friendship and gratitude for the multitude of ways her presence and her ability to be bold, deeply faithful, and audaciously obedient, no matter the external circumstances she encountered, changed my life.
Rachel and I met after connecting online, being in similar spaces, and having mutual friends. I was immediately drawn to her energy, her voice, and her conviction, like so many others were during her beautiful time with us in the world.
She had this gift.
The gift of seeing others in a way that allows you to be fully revealed, while feeling deeply supported. Open and seen and heard by her, no matter if she was giving the tough love you needed to hear that no one else was willing to give or simply being her curious self and asking you questions.
She listened deeply.
She lived completely.
She shared her faith boldly.
She lived completely.
She shared her faith boldly.
Several years ago, I supported her by attending and bringing friends to her signature event, Confidence Activated. My intention going to the event was to be a supporter for Rachel. I left the event forever changed. I shared this with Rachel afterward. This is a picture of Rachel and I on that day.
When she wrote her book in 2023, she had a book signing in Miami that launched the Spanish version of Permission to Offend, and I brought a group of women to support her. It was so much fun.
Sitting here now, with her book on the table next to me. (Let’s be honest, I’ve been carrying it with me all week, but have yet to open it!) And, when I finally opened the book after writing this, I realized she signed my copy of her book that day, and I had completely forgotten.
She wrote this:
“To my dear friend, Carmen.
Words can’t express my gratitude for all your love and support.
I am forever at your service.
Let them see you.
RISK YOUR REPUTATION.
Love, Rachel. 7.12.23”
Words can’t express my gratitude for all your love and support.
I am forever at your service.
Let them see you.
RISK YOUR REPUTATION.
Love, Rachel. 7.12.23”
The deep reverence and gratitude I feel for the time I was blessed to spend with Rachel is immeasurable. God brought Rachel to me so that I would come back home to myself and be closer to Him. So I would stop dulling the gifts that he had placed within me, and I would be okay with risking my reputation because I would finally “let them see me.”
My life, and the lives of the individuals I meet and serve, have been forever changed because of Rachel.
Rachel blazed the path for us.
Rachel opened the doors.
Rachel set the table, and if you were bold enough, audacious enough to act, she would gladly have a seat for you at the table.
On page 246 of Permission to Offend, she said this:
“Doing this work has helped me and so many others discover that the coveted seats at the table we once thought we wanted to dine at are actually filled with people we don’t even want to associate with. As a result, we are now setting our own tables, and the guest list is almost all-inclusive. Our sole requirement is that when you join us, you do so in the full embodiment of your identity. Come, all who are empathetic, patient, compassionate, loving, and understanding. Your opinions are welcome. Your truth is heard. Should we disagree, we will do so with a commitment to seek understanding and a mutual respect for the belief that two truths can coexist.
Be daring.
You. Get. To. Have. It. All.”
Thank you, Rachel.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 NIV
Comment below and share a memory, thought, or feeling that is on your heart to share about Rachel, and I’ll pick a handful of you who reply to send a copy of her book to directly.
If you want to hear more from Rachel, listen to Episode #129 of the Amplified Life Podcast.