In Totality with Megan Ashley – Episode 55: Jars of Clay Pt 1 (Ft. Jackie Hill Perry)
Release Date: November 19, 2024
In this compelling episode of "In Totality with Megan Ashley," host Megan Ashley welcomes former Jars of Clay member and renowned speaker Jackie Hill Perry for a deep and honest conversation about faith, friendship, and navigating the challenges of living a life wholly devoted to God. This first part of their discussion delves into Jackie’s personal struggles, the pressures of ministry, and the complexities of maintaining authentic relationships amidst public scrutiny.
1. Introducing Jackie Hill Perry
Megan Ashley opens the episode by reintroducing her close friend and guest, Jackie Hill Perry, highlighting the authenticity and transparency that define their friendship. Jackie brings her unique perspective as someone who has visibly wrestled with her faith and past, offering listeners a relatable and insightful dialogue.
2. Personal Struggles and Spiritual Challenges
Jackie Hill Perry candidly shares her internal battles with indifference and hardened emotions, reflecting on the delicate balance between maintaining a soft heart and not being overly affected by others' opinions.
"I feel challenged because I can be... indifferent and hard in my heart towards stuff where I can be like, I don't care."
— Jackie Hill Perry [01:29]
She emphasizes the inevitability of facing persecution and slander as a follower of Christ, drawing on biblical examples to contextualize her experiences.
"You will be persecuted, you will be slandered, you will be lied on."
— Jackie Hill Perry [02:18]
3. Combating Burnout in Ministry
The conversation shifts to the emotional and spiritual exhaustion Jackie feels from her extensive ministry work. She admits to feeling drained and recognizes the necessity of taking a step back to restore her relationship with God.
"I do feel empty... my relationship with the Lord is... because I've been so drained doing ministry."
— Jackie Hill Perry [10:31]
This honesty serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and spiritual nourishment, even for those deeply invested in ministry.
4. Navigating Friendship and Authenticity
Megan and Jackie explore the dynamics of their friendship, especially under the lens of public scrutiny. Jackie reflects on how their intentional and honest relationship has been vital in withstanding external pressures and misunderstandings.
"When you spend a lot of time with people, that expedites the intimacy."
— Jackie Hill Perry [25:35]
They discuss the skepticism their friendship has faced, particularly due to Jackie’s past and Megan’s public persona, and how they have worked to maintain authenticity amidst judgment.
5. Facing Public Slander and Maintaining Integrity
Jackie opens up about the challenges of being publicly slandered and the emotional toll it takes on her and her family. She addresses the misconceptions people have about her ability to maintain platonic friendships given her history.
"All of this is because we're honest."
— Jackie Hill Perry [33:32]
Jackie stresses the importance of integrity and how false assumptions undermine her genuine efforts to live out her faith authentically.
6. Balancing a Soft Heart with Resilience
One of the core topics is Jackie’s struggle to keep her heart tender without being weighed down by negativity. She shares her late-night research into negative comments about herself as an example of this internal conflict.
"What's the balance between not hardening your heart and also not giving too much energy and attention to what people think about you?"
— Jackie Hill Perry [44:00]
Drawing from Scripture, Jackie explains how embracing Christ’s example of enduring suffering with grace helps her maintain this balance.
"I think in this season I've had to really lean into that. This is what it means to be a Christian... You will be persecuted, you will be slandered, you will be lied on and rejoice. Like, this is what it means to share in Christ's sufferings."
— Jackie Hill Perry [45:13]
7. Emulating Christ Amid Trials
Jackie connects her personal trials to the example of Christ, finding strength in His model of responding to persecution with love and patience rather than vengeance.
"When we're enduring slander and humiliation, it gives you a different respect and reverence for Christ."
— Jackie Hill Perry [48:54]
This emulation serves as both a comfort and a guiding principle for Jackie as she navigates public challenges.
8. Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead to Part 2
As the episode draws to a close, Megan and Jackie express gratitude for their support systems and tease the continuation of their conversation in Part 2. They hint at further discussions on the events leading up to and following the Acts 242 Conference, promising listeners more insights and reflections.
"Next week, Jackie and I will continue our conversation for part two of all the things before, during, and after Acts 242."
— Megan Ashley [49:17]
Notable Quotes:
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"We have the treasure and jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God, not to us."
— Jackie Hill Perry [05:30] -
"I have a mouth. I have to guard my child from videos of people slandering her mother."
— Jackie Hill Perry [20:37] -
"All of this is because we're honest."
— Jackie Hill Perry [33:46]
Conclusion
Episode 55 of "In Totality" offers a raw and honest exploration of Jackie Hill Perry’s journey through faith, friendship, and personal trials. Her vulnerability in discussing burnout, public slander, and the quest for a balanced spiritual life provides listeners with both empathy and inspiration. As Megan and Jackie prepare to delve deeper in the upcoming part, listeners are left with a profound understanding of the complexities involved in living a life devoted to God amidst real-world challenges.
Stay Tuned for Part 2: Don't miss the continuation of this heartfelt conversation as Megan and Jackie further unravel the events and lessons from the Acts 242 Conference. Subscribe to "In Totality" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform to stay updated.