This is the first time I've rereleased an episode. I'm interupting our season on teens, social media and sex to rerelease an episode that came out around Christmas time with my friend Billie Jean Johnson. This was a powerful episode. I heard from so many of you that this episode moved you, challenged you, and made you think that you might want something more or different from your life. Billie Jean was facing one of the hardest challenges of her life, and she lost. At least, here on Earth.

On Thursday February 13th, Billie Jean took her last breath. Now she is probably healthier and happier than I've ever seen her. Which is saying something, because I'm pretty sure Billie Jean was happy 99% of the time. If you're looking at Earthly standards then I guess Billie Jean lost. If you're looking at what cancer wins and what people lose, then she lost. If you're anything like me, her husband, or her kids you know she didn't lose. She won everything she was fighting for.

To remember Billie Jean Johnson, I'm rereleasing this episode. I'm going to miss Billie Jean. I'm going to take with me lessons that she taught me when we sat face to face towards the end of her life. If you haven't listened to this episode, here's your chance. Think about this family this week. We’ll have a service for her this coming Saturday the 22nd. No doubt, it will be packed. She touched so many people. Her work here is done and ours is just beginning. This is for Billie Jean.

Show Notes:

• [07:50] Billy Jean’s go-to meal in Lufkin would be a turkey burger from Mom's Diner.
• [07:57] Friendship means family and being there through the good and the ugly.
• [08:23] Every one Billie Jean knows has risen to this season.
• [09:16] Billie Jean has many roles and the actress who would play her might surprise you.
• [09:47] Billie Jean has always been an optimistic person. She believes that God is good and only gives good gifts.
• [10:22] Her perspective on life is taking care of what God has put her here to do and nothing else matters.
• [11:43] Her family is her greatest testimony, so she's letting them see how she can live and die graciously.
• [14:15] Billie Jean had a great health report from the doctor. Two weeks later they went back to the doctor, and found out that the tumors had grown. There were so many tumors that Billie Jean wouldn't make it through the surgery to remove them.
• [15:20] When Billie Jean and her husband heard this news, they were shocked.
• [16:25] Billie Jean doesn't worry about the fear of dying, it's what she leaves behind that has to wrestle with the pain.
• [17:20] Years ago, Billie Jean dealt with losing her dad from addiction and her sister's addiction. She then took care of her sister's children. The whole experience was an emotional roller coaster for Billie Jean.
• [18:31] She cried out to God, and he took the pain away from her.
• [21:31] She can't complain about cancer or ask God for anymore, because of all the wonderful things he has done for her in this life.
• [22:29] Billie Jean trusts that God's going to help take care of her family. She believes that whatever the reason for all of this is that God's fulfilling his purpose.
• [23:19] Moms want to prepare their children as much as they can, but they don't really know how. We don't know what we're doing, but what we do know is that we're going to be gracious to each other.
• [25:48] Billie Jean's relationship with God is very sweet.
• [25:43] When she is really having a hard day, she listens to worship music and let's her family know she loves them.
• [27:39] God's love is so rich. If your emotions aren't benefiting, you try something else. Don't stop talking to him, and he won't leave you stranded.
• [29:28] Billie Jean used to think that she was introverted and didn't have friends, but the love and support of her community has been overwhelming.
• [29:58] Treat everybody well, because you never know when you'll need to be treated well.
• [31:58] For Billy Jean, material things mean absolutely nothing. Her perspective is shifting from worldly to heavenly. Spiritual awareness and relationships are what matter to her now.
• [35:33] If everybody got to choose how they live, they wouldn't be so overburdened with their schedules. The big things are teaching your children how to deal with everyday life.
• [36:31] Stop and let your children see you for who you really are.
• [39:00] Everything that was once important has shifted.
• [41:26] Billie Jean used to be the girliest girl ever.
• [42:09] Billie Jean shares her favorite uplifting songs and scriptures with us. John 14:27 and Joshua 1:9
• [43:21] Her family is being strong for her, and she knows that it's hard.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

• Podcast Web Page
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• Autographed Copy of Eat Cake. Be Brave.
• Eat Cake. Be Brave. Extended Book Trailer
• Sign Up for Insider Access
• INK Replacing What Stained You With What Can Change You
• The Goodness of God
• Raise A Hallelujah
• Fear Is a Liar
• Way Maker