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Sharon L. Spano's avatar

Beautifully written, Julie. It gives me great joy to see how you've transitioned forward. It was a journey, but to your point, that is always the way of the Lord. He holds us in our brokeness (whether it feels that way or not), and when we're willing to do the work, as you have done with such diligent and consistent effort, we are transformed. I wish you and your family many blessings in the years to come. You were made for greatness, and I know that God will continue to use you in powerful ways.

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Julie Chenell's avatar

Thank you Sharon. And thank you for being such an important part of my journey. Blessings!

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Karen F Worstell's avatar

So true! The dysfunctional families of the Hebrew Scriptures must be viewed as part of the broader narrative of redemption. God doesn't ask for perfection - He made us human, after all! He asks us to repent - to literally turn around - and seek His redemption, doing the hard work of becoming more holy. That would mean nothing if we were perfect to begin with. Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful, messy, human story - it was what drew me to you when I first heard you almost 10 years ago.

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Julie Chenell's avatar

yes, it's so true. Once it becomes clear it's a relationship with God that is the most important thing, and His lovingkindness is never-ending, it feels like there is peace that transcends anything you could possibly worry about!

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Chrissy Lynn's avatar

Love this Julie ❤️ you said “That gap of the calling and the belief that you’re ready for it.” So many of us are there or have been there. When we sit in the gap we can look around and ask who else is with me? Who else is scared and afraid? Who else feels guilt and shame?

I wonder what that gap feels like, looks like, and sounds like for you? Who or what keeps you in the gap?

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Julie Chenell's avatar

That’s a great question, will need to reflect on the answer ❤️

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susan's avatar

Thank you again for sharing. We have so very many examples in Scripture of how God blesses and uses all sorts of people with all sorts of issues. What you said here is so good and so true: "God is far bigger and more gracious and merciful than any of us can understand, and He doesn’t stand idly by."

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Julie Chenell's avatar

yes yes yes. xo

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susan's avatar

xo!

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Sharon L. Spano's avatar

And, you, an equally part of mine.

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Raymond Eckstein's avatar

Nothing less than powerful and beautiful. Thanks for sharing your insights, Julie!

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Julie Chenell's avatar

Thank you!

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Susan Jones's avatar

"He rushes into the mess to redeem us… our job is to let Him."

THIS. It's all this.

So many think WE have to do the work of holiness. But the freeing message of the gospel is that GOD does the work in, through and for us - if we let him.

Thank you for sharing Julie.

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Angela Brooks's avatar

Great post. I hear you and can relate. I am so glad to see you in Substack

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