Well, hey, friend, and welcome to the messy table, an ordinary space in our own little corner of the world for

real women, imperfect stories, and the God who's at work in our mess. And today, specifically,

we're talking about the God who's at work in that sacred yet hard, beautiful yet refining thing we like

to call motherhood, which God invented, by the way, with his own brilliant mind,

with his own unlimited resources, and he wants to meet us in the good and meaningful work

of raising up the next generation and teaching them to know him even while we're still growing

ourselves. But before we get to all that, I just want to say we are so glad you're here.

No matter your story, no matter your past, no matter if you're a biological mom, adopted mom,

foster mom, or like a mom to someone special.

The messy table is a place where we can show up, where we are reminded of true things that

are bigger than ourselves.

We're right in the midst of the crazy going on in the world and sometimes the crazy going on

in our own hearts.

We can take an intentional minute to hear someone else's story and learn from their experience.

So I guess I should mention, my name is Jen Jewel and I have the joy of hosting this faith-fueled

conversation-style podcast, which unleashes a fresh story of hope into your world and your speakers

every other Tuesday.

Plus, we are partnered with women of My Church, Life Church, where we're also big-time fans of

the U-Version Bible app.

Guys, an incredible free resource right on our phone that can help us engage in God's Word.

And beyond those things, we just love locking arms with you and with women like you all over the world.

And I might be a little biased, but I think our guest for today is even better

...