Hey, friends, and welcome to the messy table, an ordinary space for real women, imperfect stories, and the

God who's always at work in our mess. And that is a very good thing because we all have good

messes and hard messes. Good messes like flour all over your kitchen because it's Thanksgiving

week y'all and hard messes like missing that special someone because it's Thanksgiving week, y'all, and hard messes, like missing that special someone

because it's Thanksgiving week. And whether you end up listening to this exact episode right

as it airs on Thanksgiving week or sometime in the future, know that we here at the messy table

are so ridiculously thankful for you, not just the collective you, but you, you who is listening

to this right now, who is taking time to show up, who is choosing to broaden your

own perspective by hearing someone else's story, who is expecting the designer,

creator, sustainer of this world to meet you, even here. You, who is insanely loved by that very same God,

even when you don't even know it. So through all of those highs and lows and awkward tensions and

messy complexities and unanswered questions that we all face, we are certain God is good,

and we are just so glad you're here.

Well, if we haven't yet had the chance to meet, my name is Jen Joel, and I consider it such a joy to host this faith-fueled conversation-style podcast, which aims to be a place,

even if just for a moment, where you can take a deep breath of truth and encouragement.

And this podcast happens to release a brand new story of

hope into your world, your speakers every other Tuesday. Guys, back with me today as my co-host

is my dear friend, who's really pretty amazing, the Cindy Beale. And y'all, we are partnered with

the women of our church, Life Church, where we are also massive

fans of the U-Version Bible app, God's Word literally, in our back pockets, or free, wherever we go.

And I'm sure you already have it.

If not, you've been hiding under a rock.

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