Well, hey y'all and welcome to the messy table. What we like to say is an ordinary space for

real women, imperfect stories, and the God who's at work in our mess. Because there's power in

stories, and there's power in telling our stories. And mostly there's power because of the work of God

in our stories. So if we haven't yet had the chance to meet, my name is Jen

Jewel, and I have the honor of hosting this faith-fueled conversation-style podcast, which rolls

out a fresh perspective and a new story of hope every other week, every other Tuesday. And with me today

as my co-host is my longtime friend, who was a guest on the podcast way back

toward the beginning, who's just super fun and wise, the beautiful Christy Ivy.

And y'all, we are both genuinely so glad you're here.

It is a joy to lock arms with you, wherever you are, whatever your story.

And we're also partnered with the women of our church, life church, where we are big time fans of the U-Version Bible app.

God's word literally in our back pockets for free wherever we go.

Because yes, sharing our stories is great, but only because they are a part of the best story on earth, the most epic story in history, which from beginning to end is God's story.

And so as you are well aware, there are big messes in life and small messes in life every single

day. There are good messes like when you're making an amazing meal or starting that new business

or raising kids. And there are hard messes, whether a mess is found you

or you have caused the mess. But regardless of the kinds of challenges we face, even the unexpected

ones, God's mercies are available each and every time. And that is why we are thrilled to

introduce you to our guests for today. Amanda Wright is a darling

wife and Spunky Mama, who on the surface is a cute suburban mama who's working and serving

and running kids from school to sports to all the things. But what you wouldn't know if you were

just meeting her is that her backstory comes with some unexpected twists and unplanned turns.

...