Well, hey, friend, welcome back to the messy table.

That's right, an ordinary space where we can show up

as we are and take a deep breath of truth and encouragement while daring to remember

God is still at work in our mess. Well, I'm Jen Jewel and I consider a tremendous privilege

to host this faith-fueled conversation-style podcast. And with me today is my lovely co-host who shared

her powerful story back on episode 11, my good friend Cindy Beal. Y'all, we are partnered with

women of our church, like church, where, if we're honest, we also love locking arms with women

from all over the global church because we're actually on one team,

worshiping one name. So whether you're joining us from Texas or New Zealand or Missouri or

South Africa, we are truly so glad you're here. And if you've frequently met us here at the

messy table, you know we typically release a brand new episode into your earbuds every other Tuesday.

However, we are airing this timely conversation a few days early as we venture into Mother's Day weekend.

And hey, we absolutely celebrate the moms in our lives, biological moms, adoptive moms, foster moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, spiritual mothers.

The selfless sacrifice, those unseen moments, the unconditional love.

But also, sometimes Mother's Day hurts.

In fact, it can be overwhelmingly hard for so many women, for so many reasons.

I mean, maybe your own mom is no longer here,

or emotionally, she was never there.

Maybe you've struggled for years and years to conceive,

or have had miscarriage after miscarriage.

Maybe you're a foster mom who just aches

to protect the child in your care.

...