Hey, hey, everybody, and welcome to the messy table, which happens to be an ordinary space for real

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

Well, I'm Jen Jewel, the host of this faith-fueled-fueled conversation-style podcast, which

unleashes a brand new episode into your earbuds every other Tuesday.

And I love every other Tuesday because even though I'm obviously there for the

recordings, it's different to show up as a true listener without the production distractions

and just be ready for God to speak to my heart through each and every guest. Y'all, we are

partnered with the women of my church, Life Church, as well as the bold and courageous

ladies from all over who willingly offer a piece of their own unique story so that we might

remember what matters most. We all need a place to come as we are, kick off our shoes, and take

a deep breath of truth and encouragement. We all need those day after day after day reminders that God is good,

God is sovereign, and he really is so much bigger and better than we can even begin to fathom.

So you've probably heard an overly popular verse from Proverbs 31. It says, charm is deceptive

and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

So maybe it's hand-lettered on your wall or coffee cup or scribbled onto your bathroom mirror.

Hey, I'll be the first to admit. Verses like this one deemed pink can start to become white noise.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we got it. But it's from God's

word and I think it deserves a closer look. And let me just point out there is superficial

beauty and there's true beauty. There's superficial faith and there's true faith. Guys,

there is a difference and we get to choose what we are all about.

So listen, get ready, because here to chat with me about our culturally addictive obsession

with people pleasing, performing for approval, and the endless and empty pursuit of perfection

...