← WHOA That's Good Podcast
WHOA That's Good Podcast
For the Girl Who's Tired of Striving | Sadie Robertson Huff & Morgan Krueger
01:05:28
Loading summary
Transcript77 lines
- [00:00]
A
I'm in a season of life where life is full. Toddlers, babies, work, travel, all the things. And if food feels complicated, then I am out. And that's why I love Hungryroot. It truly simplifies my life in the best way. Hungry helps me plan meals and shop for groceries. They literally fill my cart for me and deliver everything I need right to the door, y'. All. That is so easy. They work with my preferences, goals and budget and get the shopping done for me. It takes a mental load completely off my plate, which honestly feels like such a gift these days. What I love is the variety. They've got over 50,000 chef curated products, recipes to inspire you, and more than a thousand grocery options like snacks, smoothies, kids options, ready to eat meals, basically everything to keep everyone in the house happy. They also screen out over 200 additives and they only source quality meats and seafoods with no hormones or antibiotics. It's food that you can feel good about serving to your family. I don't like complicated food because right now it's like there's too much going on in my life. But I also don't want to, you know, get fast food that's not good for us. And so this is the perfect balance. You're going to love hungry as much as we do. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box. Plus get a free item in every box for life. Go to hungryroot.com whoo. And use the code whoa. That's hungryroot.com whoo. With the code whoa. To get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life. What's up everybody? Happy Wednesday. I hope you're having a great week. It's about to get so much better. We actually have a sweet friend and OG in the house, y'. All. This, this girl and I started so many things that we're doing now, like it's crazy podcast, Ello, sister conference, blog, app, everything. Like we did it together. And now she's back on the podcast. She's done so many amazing things since she's worked here, written a couple of books she has made to magnify out now. And not only that, but she actually just wrote our next low local study guide which I'm so excited about based off of this book. If you haven't ever heard of lo local, we'll talk about that a little bit later. But Morgan, thank you for coming back to West Monroe to be on this podcast. It's such a joy.
- [02:09]
B
Thanks for having me. It's so full circle. And I was thinking, I have so many funny and just, like, sweet memories to share. But I was telling the girls before we started, like, one of my favorite memories is kind of years ago, like, there was the studio. What you see for everyone watching, like, was not here. Sadie didn't even live here. And I have this memory of us all road tripping it to Auburn. You and Christian were in Auburn?
- [02:32]
A
Yes.
- [02:32]
B
And you were like, I really want to do just like a team podcast. We're like, let's it do do it. We'd never done that before. And we show up and we're in your bedroom. You, Christian, had just gotten married. We're like, in your bedroom, I think, sitting on your bed.
- [02:44]
A
Didn't think about all crisscross. I was on.
- [02:46]
B
And she's like, okay, pull out your phones. And then it was like, we were in middle school, but in the best way. And I guess Steph was like, okay, on the count of three, everybody hit record. And so we're all. And I'm like, nervous, and it's. She's kind of like, don't mess it up. And I'm like, I would be the
- [03:01]
A
one to mess it up.
- [03:02]
B
And so it was like, 1, 2, 3, record. Because that's how we did it. And we used our phones and it was you. You know, we called ourselves young, young and scrappy. And there was a reason for that. We were scrappy, and we were just like, but our heart for the Lord and your heart to reach people and what's really cool, to sit in the studio. It's like, my first time seeing it. But what's so cool is, like, the heart of the podcast has stayed the exact same. And I think that's a testament to you. And, like, just from the beginning, to be a sister and a friend, but also to bring hope to a hurting world and to remind people that following Jesus is fun. Like, yes, it's hard. Yes, there will be trials, but it's fun. And I think that's the heart of this podcast. And it's been that since day, so
- [03:40]
A
just want to encourage you.
- [03:41]
B
I'm honored to see it.
- [03:42]
A
Okay. That is hilarious. I literally forgot about that. But that took me right back. I still remember that. And people ask all the time, like, how do I start a podcast? How do we get started? I'm always like, start where you're at with what you have. And I always tell people, we didn't have a studio for years. Like, we did it wherever we were. And so that's so true. And it was sweet whenever you saw our picture up there, because I still have the picture of, like, the young and scrappy, and I have that here because I always want to remember, like, how it started and how fun it was to just, like. And we still. Gosh, we are, what, 10 years into doing things like this, and we're learning every single day, and every new thing comes with new challenges and, you know, a spirit of young and scrappiness. We're.
- [04:21]
B
We're.
- [04:21]
A
We always say we'll never graduate to the mature and have it all together team, but we. We're young and scrappy, for sure. But still, to think back to how it started and how God met us and, like, we had so much faith. Like, I don't want to lose that faith that we had when we were young. I think there's, like, a faith that comes with youth that's like. I mean, of course there is. Jesus says, unless you have faith like a child. And I feel like back in the day, we just had so much faith that, like, if we believed it and God put it in our heart, we could do it even if we didn't. We looked around and we didn't have anything that looked, you know, that we could do it with. So it's sweet to remember that and to see what. You know, even whenever you lived here and were working for us, we were praying for you to have a baby. Like, that was that season of your life, and now you're here pregnant with your third. Like, that's crazy. So we're literally walking in answered prayers, living in answered prayers. And none of it was easy. And it wasn't the path that we always thought would be. Like, it wasn't, like, the clearest path. But look at where we're at and look at what God has done. So it's cool.
- [05:23]
B
I'm glad you said that. And maybe this is off topic, but as I was driving here, I had lots of time in the garden to just reminisce and think about just that season of life. And, you know, last night I met a girl at Enterprise and told her I was coming on the podcast. And she said, is Sadie really who, you know, you see online? People want to ask all the time. Like, she's exactly who you see online. And the story that comes to my mind was when we were. This can make me cry. When we were living here, we were really praying for a baby. And I know we didn't wait as long as some people wait. You know, everyone's story is so different. But you know enough to where you're holding your friends babies that started trying to get pregnant after you. And here you are feeling like you're in the same place. And I'll never forget one of those times I think I had shared with you that I was like, I mean, maybe TMI about to start my period, you know? Okay, girl talk. And I just remember that afternoon you were like, hey, are you home? I just have like a little something to drop off. And I thought it was like something for work. Who knows? You show up at this big polka dotted box and you open it up and you said, I just wanted to put things in here to where if you're pregnant, we can celebrate and if you're not, we can grieve. And there was everything from like a really cute little trucker hat to tampons, you know, And I just think back and I'm like, that is a sister and a friend. We mourn with those who mourn and we rejoice with those who rejoice. And you're living that out, friend. And it's just so cool to see that for someone who is kind of a part of the old era, like, so much has changed on the outside, but nothing has changed on the inside. Like, you're still being obedient, you're still following the Lord, and he's still using every single thing. You're always giving what you got. And you might have a little bit more to give now right externally, but you're still just being faithful within.
- [07:05]
A
That means the world. Gosh, that takes.
- [07:07]
B
I'm your hype girl today.
- [07:08]
A
You are my hype girl. I'm like, oh, my gosh, no, no, no, no. But seriously, like, thank you for saying that. It means a lot. And thinking back to those days, they were special, special days. And when I think about you, I mean, I could hype you up just as much like the sister and the friend that you are and that you've been. And every single person that meets you, by the way, that tells me, oh, I met Morgan. She used to work for you. Like, just adores you because every place you're in, you just bless. And it's true, you are an amazing friend. And whenever I was reading through this book, it reminded me so much of our friendship because you're so honest, so, like, you do not hold back. I was actually smiling reading it. I was like, oh, my gosh, she went there. But it doesn't surprise me because you always go there. And I think a lot of that is because you've lived. You're all in where you're at. And like, I think in college you were all in that. But then when you became a believer, you are all in for Christ. And I'm so excited for girls who are listening to this podcast to have you as an example. I'm also excited for all of our low local girls to read through your study. And it was always your heart to write. And so it's so cool now that you've written books and write and study. It's so cool. So I want to dive into this book made to magnify. Tell us a little bit about your heart behind it.
- [08:20]
B
Yeah, so a couple years ago, I just remember almost being. You know, scripture talks about being tossed to and fro by the waves and. And how, like, that's the kind of the impact that following culture can have on us. And I'll never forget I heard a message by Christine Kane. It might have been a passion, but, you know, in her, like, powerful voice, she's like, what does it take to drift? And she just goes, nothing.
- [08:44]
A
I think about that. That is rent free of my mind.
- [08:47]
B
I mean, I quote that in the book because I just. I think about it constantly. And she just said, do nothing and you will drift. And there was a season in my life where, you know, I didn't quite know what was next for me. And, you know, I was transitioning from jobs, I was transitioning from, you know, praying and wanting to become a mom to becoming a mom. There was so much change going on. And in the midst of all the good gifts that God was giving me, I feel like I was that unanchored person that was just kind of drifting. And what I found in that season is naturally, what do we drift toward? Right? We just drift towards self. That's the story. Since the beginning of time, we were created to drift toward God. We were created to be in union and harmony and oneness with the Lord. But because of our sin, because of our choices, our brokenness, our pride, our fear, our doubt, all the things, we decided to go a different direction. And because of that, since then, our natural direction, like Christine is talking about, is like, it's drifting. It's not drifting to the Lord. It's drifting away from the Lord. And so I just found myself in a season of drift. And because of that, what came the fruit of that was like looking for affirmation from places online or even, you know, people back home when they're like, so what are you up to now? Like, trying to prove myself right. And I Looked for even, just, like, comfort in some of the wrong places, like, relationships that are really good, some friendships, marriage, like, is given as a good gift. But I was trying to seek my identity in them, and I was trying to seek comfort above the Lord in those places. And I remember Ryan. I kind of opened up to my husband, Ryan, and I just, like, I feel so distant from the Lord right now. And he's like, okay, well, how's your relationship with the Lord? Like, let's. Let's go there, let's talk about it. And I don't know what I said out loud, but I remember thinking in that split second, it's not there right now. And what I mean by that is not that, like, God is far from me. He is faithful. And I thank you, Lord, that his faithfulness and love for us is not contingent on our ability to show up every day. Just like marriage, like, Ryan's going nowhere whether I show up or not. But the joy and the life lived as God designed, it flourishes when we show up, when we. When we come to him, when we wrestle, not away from him, with him. And so it was a couple years ago I just started that wrestle, and it was messy and it was painful. And it took me, you know, having to go back to some hard parts in my life and my past and my childhood. But it made me realize, like, we don't have to accept the drift. We don't have to wake up every day and live for the kingdom of one. Like, there's a better way and it's the Jesus way, right? That's what you've given your life to. It's what I've given my life to. And so that's kind of what Magnify, like, made to magnify came out of. And Obviously in Luke 1, one of my favorite stories. And I feel like as a mom now, both of us, like, we relate to this of just mar. Um, you know, she had a lot of cultural. I mean, we can't relate to all of this, man. She was in a very unique position. But by the world standards, Mary was about to be put in the hardest place she could ever be in her life. And instead of saying, woe is me, instead of taking. Needing to take cover and take care of just self, she lifted her eyes upward instead. And after Elizabeth, her cousin, prophesied just this beautiful prayer over her and her son Jesus, she just cries out to the Lord, she says, my soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices. Is in God my Savior, and the Word Magnified just means to make great. So she's like, my soul makes great the name of Jesus, not myself. And so that really inspired me.
- [12:05]
A
That's good.
- [12:06]
B
That's kind of where the the book was.
- [12:08]
A
That's so cool. Have you ever climbed into bed and thought, why am I sweating but also freezing? And how is that even possible? At the same time, your bedroom temperature makes all the difference in how you sleep. And that's why I'm so happy we switched to miracle made sheets. Their NASA inspired silver infused fabric is temperature regul so that you can sleep perfectly all night long. So whether you sleep hot or cold, even if you're married to the opposite, Miracle made sheets keep you in your comfort zone and they feel like luxury hotel sheets without the five star price tag. And that is a win. Here's the thing. Traditional sheets can hold more bacteria than a toilet seat. That is disgusting. But miracle made sheets Prevent up to 99.7% of bacterial growth. Cleaner sheets, less odor, fewer wash cycles, way less laundry. Yes, us please. We love our miracle made sheets. Whenever we have switched to other sheets in the bed, Christian's like, what did you do? I'm like, sorry, they're washing. So I had to buy more so that we could always have the cycle of miracle made sheets. It really is awesome. I'm like such a cold person at night and he's such a hot person. Somehow it does actually work for both of us, which pretty impressive. So upgrade your sleep or give the gift of better rest to someone else. Go to try miracle.com wo to try miracle made shell sheets. Today you'll save over 40 off. And when you use our promo code. Whoa. You'll get an extra 20 off plus a free three piece towel set. They make an amazing gift and with a 30 day money back guarantee, there's no risk. That's trymiracle.com Whoa. With the code Whoa. At checkout. Thanks to Miracle Made for sponsoring this episode. It's so good. And you go into like some very cultural things. Like you said, we can't relate to all of her things, but there was this painting done and I can't remember what it's called now, but our pastor recently talked about it and it was like done. And I mean it was a long time ago, like hundreds of years ago when it was done. But they basically portrayed the, I guess the story of Jesus being born. But it was like the outfits that Mary was wearing and everything was like more cultural to that time and they were like for the people living in that day it was, like, such an amazing painting because it was like, wow, what would it look like for Jesus to be born, like, a baby to be born in, like, this time in the. This cultural moment? And I was like, man, what would that look like if we redid the nativity scene and it looked more cultural? Like, how would we learn from that? More? How would we really understand what Mary was going through? And so that's so cool to think about that. Like, put yourself in those shoes and, like, how do you magnify Jesus? And we are living in a cultural movement of, like, me, me, me, and build my kingdom. And all the things that you talked about in the book, One of the things I wanted you to talk about was, like, our happiness and where that kind of needs to fall on the priority list in building God's kingdom. I love the conversation. You, Court, who's also a teammate of ours and a friend of ours, would you share a little bit about what you overheard that day?
- [14:57]
B
Yeah, I love this story. Because if you. For those of y' all that don't know, Court, like, she probably cringes at me telling this. She's like, I was not eavesdropping, but however, okay, core, you know, we were kind of meeting up at a coffee shop, and we were working a little bit. We were talking a little bit. We were given, you know, kind of sharing and talking about marriage and motherhood and all the things. And there was a table, like, right behind us. If you've ever been to Franklin Frothy Monkey, like, the tables are stacked, right?
- [15:24]
A
So many good Frothy Monkey memories.
- [15:26]
B
You can't be the porch at Frothy Monkey. So we're sitting there and we're talking, and we just overhear this conversation, and it was, like, impossible not to hear. Okay, they were talking loud. They were talking loud. Okay? I'm like, don't. Don't throw shade away. I'm not trying to eavesdrop. I do like eavesdropping, if I'm honest. I mean, so it's kind of fun. Like an AirPods in be like, it's not on. This was not that moment, though.
- [15:49]
A
Okay?
- [15:50]
B
So they were behind us, and they just were having a girl's night, too. You know, they were talking about their lives, they were talking about their marriage, but their conversation looked a lot different than ours. And one of the girls just pretty much explicitly said, you know, I came into this marriage because he made me happy, and he doesn't make me happy anymore. And so I just don't know why would stay in the marriage. And, you know, I'm kind of like, what's the friend gonna say? Cause I know if a friend came to me, I know, you know, I'd ask more questions, but I'd lean into some truth, right? Hard truth in that moment. And so I'm expecting the friend to say maybe something that would help her process her marriage. And, you know, without skipping a beat, the friend just says, you're absolutely right. If this marriage is not making you happy, then there's no reason. There's absolutely no reason you should stay in a marriage. And she said, I know we've been only married for a year, but better to get out now than stay later. And, you know, and I want to say there was no, like, inkling that there was abuse or things going on. It was just a matter of happiness. And so, you know, I think that the word happiness gets kind of a bad rap. I will say first, I want to preface with this. You know, the word blessed and happy in scripture are interchangeable. So in even Psalm 1:1, where it says, blessed in the man, blessed is the man who delights his law, delights in the law of the Lord. That word also translates as happy. So I feel like people love to say, you know, God doesn't care about happiness. He cares about joy. I just think God is a good father who loves to give good gifts. But I think what happens and when we get in trouble, when we start to place happiness as the end goal of our lives. And a couple years ago, or I guess when Ryan and I were dating, we decided to go through this, like, premarital course. It was super intense. And I remember the first night someone stood up and they just were like, what if God. You know, I think a lot of us have heard this. What if God cares a lot more about our holiness than our happiness? And the whole room's like, whoa, you know, it was like a mic drop moment. And I will say there's a lot of validity to that. But if I could expand on that, I would say, as followers of Jesus, holiness is the goal, but happiness is a really sweet gift. And I think what happens is, if we order correctly of, like, lord, my call as a Jesus follower is to sit at your feet. It's to become more like you. It's to abide in you. It's to be sanctified more into your image and become a holier version that that is in your presence. That's the angle of our lives. And as Jesus followers, that's what magnifies your name. But God, it doesn't mean that we have to live this life of forsaking happiness and blessing and joy. We just don't put our hope in it. Right? So I think hopefully that can add some freedom to people that are just constantly. God doesn't want me to be happy. God wants you to be.
- [18:42]
A
Wants you to be happy. Rejoice in the Lord always.
- [18:44]
B
Yes, but he wants to sanctify us as we come to his feet, as we sit with him, as we meditate on the Word, as we pray in relationship with Him. We can trust he's got our best interests at heart. Doesn't mean every day is going to be full of happiness. But he loves to give us good gifts. We can trust in that.
- [19:03]
A
I love that. I love. I saw someone recently post like, christians can have fun too. And it's like, that's so true. I do think I love how you said that about this podcast, like, showing people that you can have fun. You can laugh, you can joke, you can be a normal person because God made you that way. But you can do all that without the expense of, you know, needing to joke inappropriately or anything that's unmoral or anything that's against holiness or opposite of that. And it's like, I think the world shows you a way of happiness and fun that is against the gospel of Jesus. It's divorcing the husband because you want to be more happy. That's obviously not, like, where the path of righteousness is leading you to, but you can actually follow Jesus wholeheartedly and be holy, set apart from the world and be happy and have fun in life. And that doesn't mean whenever you're not happy and things are hard, that God's not good. God is still. I think that's why that key to, like, rejoice in the Lord always. I'll say it again. Rejoice. It's like, the only way you can rejoice in the Lord always is not because life is always good, but he is always good. And so that's like, the joy of the Lord is my strength. It's not joy. And I always feel joy. It's like I have joy as a strength when things are hard, you know? So, yes, it goes much deeper than that. And I love that. One of the things you talked about, I was like, oh, shoot, this is so good, is the expressive individualism and work and relationships in the world. Talk to us about that.
- [20:27]
B
So that kind of hit me a couple years ago. You know, I was looking for a way to make sense of what we're seeing in our culture of just this, like, idea of self. And I think I heard a sermon on expressive individualism, and I was like, tell me more. Like, could this help us understand what's going on and how this idea seeps into different areas of our life? So expressive individualism is basically this idea that I. My thought, thoughts, my feelings, my mind is the ruler of my life. So if I feel something to be
- [20:55]
A
good, it is good.
- [20:55]
B
If I feel something to be true, it is true. If I feel something to be right, it is right because I deem it correct. And so that, you know, as, like, you mentioned, that plays out in so many different areas of our life. It plays out in our work. We're constantly kind of asking ourselves, are we happy here? Like, that's the end goal, right? A lot of people are just subconsciously, like, okay, does this fit. Fit my interest? And then in our sexuality, I don't know if we're gonna go there today, but it's like, we see a lot of that in our culture right now. If I deem something to be good, to make me feel good, to make me be who I want to be, then it is right. And so I think there is a danger if I could be like, the big sister. I thought you and I are the big sisters today, right? If I could speak to the danger of that. We were created to need something outside of ourselves. That's what happened in Genesis 1. We needed a father. We needed God. We needed to be connected to the source. And in Genesis 3, that was severed and broken because of expressive individualism. You know, this thing, this idea, maybe it has been coined in the past couple hundred years, but it's existed since the beginning of time. And so, you know, I had a couple. I had a car a couple years ago. And this is kind of a funny story. It's embarrassing. Like, not good with life stuff. Sometimes I can keep the main things going, but, like, some I can coexist with chaos. Let me just say that. So I had this car, and I drove it around, and one day the check engine light came on. I was like, I don't want to deal with that. You know, I thought I was so busy, didn't have kids. I don't know what I was doing. I was too busy. So I was just like, I'll deal with that later. Well, maybe two days later, the light went off. And so I was like, did my car just fix itself? Like, oh, my goodness. This is awesome, Mike. Yeah. I'm like, thank you. It Just fixed itself. So over the next couple months with this car, the light would go on, the light would go off. And I neglected to acknowledge the fact that something was wrong, Right? But it's this idea that what is broken cannot fix itself. So I remember I was on a road trip, the car finally gave out, had to get it towed. And he's like, how long has this light been on? I'm like, do you mean consistently? Consistently or total? And he just kind of looked at me, and he was like, if you had brought it in in the beginning, like, we might have been able to fix it, but your car's done. And so it was. It was like, wow, okay. If a car. A car can't magically within itself be fixed, it needs a mechanic, it needs a helper. It needs somebody to come in that knows what it's doing to heal it, to make it function as it is. It's the same with the Lord. If we make expressive individualism the ruler of our lives, we are never within ourselves, our feelings, our. Our thoughts, our mind. We are not going to be able to get to this place where we, in our sin, our brokenness, our are fixed, our whole. But in Christ, when we say Lord, we need something outside of ourselves to come in and rescue us. You know, scripture says that the heart is deceitful above all things. I was listening to, I saw a clip of Christian, and it made me laugh so hard. He was like, you're telling me, what is it? What did he say?
- [24:06]
A
You're telling me, trust this guy, this guy that, like, failed me.
- [24:09]
B
This was on the toilet. Whatever he said, like, basically, like, you're telling me that we, in and of ourselves, like this. This heart, this gut, this body, has the power to do what is best.
- [24:21]
A
Yeah. Bella was like, this guy can't even handle pizza, let alone the decision of my future.
- [24:26]
B
I was like, what a perfect analogy to describe that. But it speaks to that, and there is a beauty. And, friends, it's like, this is. This is good news. We don't have to live in the culture of expressive individualism because we have a higher power, not only that's capable of putting us on the right path.
- [24:41]
A
He.
- [24:41]
B
He's excited. He desires.
- [24:44]
A
He does. It's what he is.
- [24:46]
B
And he finds no greater delight than being a father to us who knows how to direct our path when we don't.
- [24:52]
A
Oh, this is good. Good. Hair days really do just hit different. When my hair feels healthy, it is one less thing to stress about. You gotta love when your hair is just working with you instead of against you. If you're in a postpartum season or just noticing more shedding than you're used to, you know how much that can really affect your confidence. And that is one reason I added Nutrafol to my routine. Nutrafol is the number one dermatologist recommended hair growth supplement brand and the number one hair growth supplement brand personally used by dermatologists. What I love about it, it's not just one size fits all. They have a bunch of formulas for women and men tailored to different life stages and lifestyles so you're getting support that actually fits the season that you're in. Nutriful supplements are peer reviewed, NSF certified for sport and clinically tested to measure improvements, hair growth, quality and strength. It's easy to order online with no prescription needed. And with the subscription you can save up to 20% plus get added perks. I have had so many friends uses that I've seen their transformations and so I had to try it for myself. One mom in particular, she had twins and lost a ton of her hair after childbirth. But it grew back so much healthier and stronger. I saw her at the hair salon one day and I was like, what did you do? She told me neutrophil. And that's why I started trying it for myself. And I love how healthy my hair is right now, even in a postpartum state. So let your hair become one less thing that you think, think about and see thicker, stronger, faster, growing hair with less shedding in just three to six months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month subscription and free shipping when you visit Nutrafold.com and enter the promo code. Whoa. Again, that's Nutrafol.com spelled N u T R-A F o L.com with the promo code. Whoa. This actually happened. Okay, we were talking about the ice storm. I knew this was gonna come up at some point. I point, I'm just telling y', all, I'm gonna preach about this or it's gonna come on a podcast. Because sometimes you just gotta, you gotta tell people who do life with you. Like, you might hear this again. But we were, you know, our neighborhood, everything went out, power goes out, trees are falling down. It was really horrible. But we have a generator. And so our whole house had power. And so I was so excited that we had power to host everybody because I am like always been like the prepper in life. Like, I always am prepared for like worst case scenarios. And I. It's never like. And that's great. And you never want to be needed in worst case scenarios. Cause you don't want to be in the worst case scenario. So no worries that I haven't ever needed to be that person. But I'm always prepared to be that person. So this generator thing was kind of funny because everyone in the family is like, why did you even buy a generator? Like, we don't even have things like this happen. And I'm like, well, just in case. Like, what if. And so we had a generator. Power goes out for a week. Well, the first, like, day, I was telling everybody because everyone was in their house, like, freezing cold and without power. And I was like, hey, guys, like, come over. Like, we have a generator. Like, we'd love to come dinner. And, like, no one was coming. And my dad was like, we all.
- [27:50]
B
All come over here.
- [27:51]
A
I'm making spaghetti. And I was like, okay, but, like, we have a generator. We have power. And they were like, no, like, it's okay. Like, dad's, like, cooking dinner, whatever. So everybody gets out in the freezing cold to go to my parents house. It's pitch black, dark. We can't even see anything. We have dinner together. Okay, that was fun. Like, it was, like, actually kind of fun and exciting. So then the next day, so no one's coming to our house. Well, then I start getting insecure. Like, are we, like, are we, like, annoying or something? Like, do people not want to spend time with us? Like, we literally have power and, like, heat and everything everyone wants, but no one's coming. And so I call my mom, and I'm like, hey, like, what are y' all doing? She's like, oh, we're in my car watching a show, like, with the kids. And I'm like, mom, like, I'm actually offended. Like, at this point, I'm offended. Like, come over to my house. And they were like, oh, we're just like, it's kind of, like, fun, you know, we're in the event. And then finally, like, two days, they come over and they're like, oh, my gosh, y'. All. This whole house dysfunction. Like, I've literally been telling y' all this whole time, I have power. Like, we have water, we have hot water, we have heater. We have everything you need. And from that point on, we hosted my whole family for the rest of the week because they never wanted to go back. And I was like, what a picture of, like, God has, like, everything we need. But sometimes we just think we want to do it on our own. It's better on our own. We're having fun in the world. And then you finally like, give in and you surrender and you go and you're, you're like, what was I doing? Like, what was I thinking? Like, this is so much better. And then they say the whole time, because why would you want to go back? I'm like, what a picture of like, life before God and life with God. And it was funny because I really actually was getting insecure. I was like, why am I so bad that no one even wants to like, get. And I was like, are we too? And they were, they were just having fun. They were like, we kind of enjoyed it for a minute, which isn't that so true with our sin? It's like kind of just enjoy it for a minute. We kind of just have fun with it. And then we see, oh, wow, life's so much better with God. That makes me think of your story because you share a lot about your college years. I remember, like, I think you posted one time, like pictures of your past or something, like who you are now. And it's like so cool to see. It's like a different person. Talk to me a little bit about your testimony because I think so many girls can relate to this, like, thinking it's fun living their life. I'll get my life together one day. But like, what you found in Jesus, just tell a little bit of your testimony.
- [30:05]
B
Yeah, I love that. So in a nutshell, a big part of my story was when I was 15, my dad was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.
- [30:13]
A
Cancer.
- [30:14]
B
Given six months to live that turned into a little less than six weeks that he had. And that season of my life was really painful, right? 15. I like thought I was so old. And I look at a 15 year old now, I'm like, you're a baby. Like, let me just wrap you up, you know? But that kind of carried on just that pain and that belief of abandonment. It's so easy on this side of heaven to transfer to God what we're experiencing here on earth, especially with our earthly fathers. There's just a, there's a correlation, right? And so I just remember thinking, okay, well, my earthly father abandoned me. My heavenly father must have abandoned me. I don't have a safe place anymore with my dad. I must not have a safe place with God. And so that really carried into college. And I, you know, I, I don't say this lightly, but I really became like a textbook case of daddy issues. And whether it's a lost parent or a trauma from your past or maybe this day and age, like really severe bullying in high school. Whatever it is, you know, we transfer that. Like Christine Caine says, the natural way with our pain is to drift. It's not toward God, it's away from God. And so that's what I did. And I kind of lived like that abandoned daughter for years. And in college, I just remember, like, just seeking out anything that the world had to quench this, like, just this pain and this. What John Tyson, he calls a glory deficit, right? So we have pain from our past. We also have a glory deficit. And the way he explains it is we were all created to bear the image of God, which we do, but because of the fall, we have a glory deficit. We were created for glory, but now we are fallen, broken people. And only Jesus can fill that void, right? Because we are not created. The word glory in Greek means doxa, and it literally means, like, weighty, heavy. Like we were not created to bear the weight of glory, but he was. And so he fills that gap. But if we don't let him fill that gap, we're going to try to fill it everywhere else. And so that's what I did in college. I just tried to fill it with guys, with alcohol, with partying, with, um, just anything that I could. And I look back on that season and I don't have a story of, like. And then I finally surrendered. I actually have a story of man. God was faithful man. He just kept pursuing me. And even when I was reaching for lesser loves, even when my glory deficit was, it was like your glory deficit showing, you know, like, it was very clear, okay, if you knew me in college. But the Lord just kept just pursuing me. And what that looked like was in the form of. And that's why I love God's design for community. He has not designed us to go about our life alone. And he will seek us out and he will send those girls, send those guys, send those mentors into our life until we are ready to listen. And he did. And I finally listened and. And a sweet girl. My sorority invited me to. To a campus ministry. And I said yes. And I was so scared. I was so scared to go. I think I got there late, you know, like, tried to, like, scoot up to the top, and I just listened. And. And the director at the time, he just shared the gospel and it was like. I mean, it just shows the holy spir revealer, he is the lifter of the veil of our eyes. And this gospel that I had heard as a little girl. It was like I was hearing it for the first time, but it was also like an old friend. It was crazy. And he just shared this, like, very clear gospel presentation. And it was like my soul was like, I want that. And the way I.
- [33:21]
A
Like.
- [33:21]
B
Like a metaphor that I think can help people just, like, understand this idea. It's kind of silly. Okay. But I think about, like, orange juice. So, you know, a morning, you wake up, whether you're at your parents or you're on a trip with your friends or whatever, and you wake up and you, like, smell bacon. You're like, ooh, somebody's cook downstairs. And you're like, can't wait to get down there, hope it's done. You know, so. But the reality is you haven't had water all night. Like, you're dehydrated. It's been eight hours. Well, for us, probably four and a half, but it's been a long time. Yeah. At some point, you know, you need water first thing in the morning, and our bodies know that we need that. But, you know, so you get downstairs and food's getting put out, and somebody says, like, you know, you want a glass of orange juice? You're like, yes. Like, it just sounds so good. And it makes me think of John 4 when he had that, you know, beautiful interaction with the woman at the well. And he calls himself the living water. Water. And he knows he's using that on purpose because he knows that just as water is what truly quenches our thirst and our bodies, Jesus is what truly quenches our soul's longing to have that glory deficit filled. To have. To have joy, to have all the things that he's destined for us. But oftentimes we're dehydrated and we don't know where to go to quench our thirst. So we take the orange juice. So I think about that. Give me the orange juice. I chug it. And at first, I mean, you know this, Sadie. You love orange juice. It tastes so good. It's refreshing. But the minute you down that orange juice, you're like, where's the water? Right? And I just think about that. Like, Jesus didn't say, I am the living orange juice. He just didn't. Oranges existed. People were probably making orange juice. He didn't say that. He said, I am the living water. I am the one that truly quenches your soul, just as water quenches the body. And so, just going back to college, I finally. It was like, wait, that's the Water. And I've been looking for all the little orange juice cups, anywhere I could find. I'm probably drinking after people's orange juice cups, you know what I mean, at the parties. But, um, that was the night where I feel like the veil was lifted. And I was like, God, have you been there all along? I could cry. Have you been there all along? He had. And will. I would. I say it was easy after that. No, I struggled because going back to the hard places with the Lord is painful, but it's holy work. And we don't go back ourselves to do that work. We don't go back with the enemy. We go back with Jesus. When we go back with the enemy, we just relive it. But when we go back with Jesus, we actually see him redeem it. And that's what he did for me.
- [35:38]
A
So I love that. There was a quote and it said, you said, the messy. The Jesus way is the messy way. And I thought it was, like, really good and really true. It's also like we've talked about, there is happiness in it, there's joy in it, but it also is messy because, you know, if you're going the world way, you can just, like, try to keep trailblazing through and, like, keep drinking the orange juice, like, temporarily, like, numb your mind, scroll on your phone, watch tv, drink it away, like, not think about it. But the Jesus way is, like, calling you to his heart and, like, repentance and surrender. And it sounds really hard and it is hard, but then on the other side of it, there's fullness. And I just think about stories in your life. Like, I remember you, like, driving back places that you didn't want to drive and showing up places you didn't want to show up because you were like, I'm going to show up as my new self. And, like, you were just like. It was amazing to see you not only drink living water, but, like, drink living water and, like, new and, like, live in a new way. It was really cool. And now seeing you, like, totally thrive in that, like, it's, it's, it's. It's crazy to think I knew you at a time where you were, like, embracing that and now, like, you have embraced it like you always were, but in a new way now.
- [36:43]
B
You almost. You almost saw me because you were. I mean, we were doing life on life at that point. We lived same city. And I mean, I was almost in turmoil. I think that's what you saw from me because I was like, lord, I'm scared to Go back. And yes to physical places, but also metaphorical and memories that I was haunted by. Shame was a huge part of my story.
- [37:07]
A
Friends. I can't be the only one who reads grocery labels like I'm studying for a test. Right? I don't want to stress about every single ingredient, but I do want to feel good about what we're putting in our body and what we have in our kitchen. And that's why Taylor Duke's Wellness Protein is such a simple win for me. We are kind of obsessed with Taylor Duke's wellness protein powder around here. I literally had one in my smoothie this morning. It's made from 100% grass fed bone broth and you can't even taste the bone broth at all. All it's just clean, collagen rich protein with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. It's honestly so cool that I can feel good about giving it to my kids too. Actually, Haven drank her smoothie and tried to drink mine this morning. This spring I'm trying to refresh my routine with little habits I can keep up. For me that is just having a smoothie a day or even just putting the protein powder in our muffins in the morning just to get it a little bit more healthy in there, a little bit more protein. I really trust her products because the founder, Taylor Dukes is a functional medicine nurse practitioner and a fellow Christian mom. The whole company is built around intentional pressure free wellness. So I've always been a vanilla girl, keeping it simple, especially when I add it to like muffins and stuff like that. But we just tried the cookies and cream one and it is so good. Honey was loving it and it's dairy free. And for her that is such a win. TDW gave me an exclusive offer too, which I'm stoked about for y'. All. So you can use my link shop.taylor dukeswellness.com Whoa. To save 15 off site, wide and anytime and for the next 48 hours you can also unlock two free gifts with any full size protein purchase. That shop.taylordukeswellness.com.
- [38:40]
B
Yeah, a quick story on that is like you're referencing. I remember one time my hometown was like a big part of that and it just housed a lot of memories. I housed the passing of my father and I know a lot of people can relate to that of just like maybe it's not their hometown but a place that represents really heart moments. And I just remember being like, okay Lord, I heard this whisper from the Holy Spirit of like every area means every area I am willing and ready to redeem as many areas, and it won't all happen at once. Thank you, Lord. I don't need every. Yeah, but he's kind and he's slow with us. And he's like, I'll redeem places, spaces, relationships, memories, trauma, you know, just different things, thought patterns. He'll redeem it if we're willing to go down that journey with him. So I was on the way home and visiting, you know, my family. And there's, like, a road I never kind of drive on when I'm home. And I was going a different way. I'm directly challenged, by the way. So I was like, why am I on this road? I have no idea. And once I realized what road it was, I was like, this is the one I really don't like to be on. It's a road that has my high school. And then if you keep going on the same road, it's where my dad's grave is. And I just remember that every area means every area. So I just start driving. And I remember pulling up to my high school, and I just blared worship music. And it was like for the first time, this place that represented so many hard memories now represented how far God had brought me. That was the first time I ever looked at my high school, said, thank you, Lord. You've brought me so far. You were faithful then, and you're faithful now. Then I kept driving, go to my dad's grave. And for the first time ever, I was celebrating. Celebrating the life he'd been given, that he'd given me, literally, in the place of death, like a graveyard is death. Right? But in Christ, I was celebrated life in that space. And those are redemptive moments. So just to encourage anyone listening, it's like, what are those areas for you? And I will say he won't. We've talked about other areas. He's redeemed. He won't write the same story for you. And thank God, because it will be better. And just like Peter at the charcoal fire. I know we love that story. He hasn't brought me to a charcoal fire, but he's brought me to my high school. He won't write Peter's story. He won't write my story. He's gonna write a beautiful story just for you because he's the God of the Bible. He's the God of our stories, and so, so good. Thanks for sharing that.
- [40:53]
A
That's so beautiful. It's so cool to see just now you not only, like, living that out but like writing that and leading other people to their freedom, it's the coolest thing. You're magnifying Jesus in the most beautiful way. So it talked about Lola Local in our study. So if you've never heard of it, it's really actually sweet that you're doing this because when we first started the Ello sister app and just that whole world of like what this is and ambassadors and whatnot, I feel like we always wanted to see what's really finally starting to happen now. We wanted girls to be able to do Bible studies, live in community with each other, sisters who study the word together. We wanted to give them every resource they could to go and, and really start in their own community. And now we're doing that, which is like so exciting. And we're doing that through our ambassadors who are leading in their cities. We have like over 10 cities I think now of low locals, but also like anyone can start it anywhere you're at. You don't have to be one of our ambassadors to lead a Bible study. That's the whole point of this. You can leave wherever you're at. If you happen to be in one of our cities, we'd love for you to join the studies that are happening. It's the third Thursday of every month when we get gather, we also have a virtual one you can join on. Morgan is a part of the Franklin, Tennessee one, which is so exciting, but everyone is doing the same study. So again, this is like sisters who study the word together. And this time we're going through Morgan's study and she wrote it based off of her book, but it's about rest, like resting in Jesus. It's called a rest that remains, which I'm super excited about. Four week study that we're doing together. So join the community. If you're not a part of it, again, you can look up any that we're having them and join. That way you can join virtually or you can lead your own simply by just getting the study and inviting friends over and leading. And we 100% encourage you to do that. So whether you're in a dorm, you're a mom group, you are, whatever season of life you're in, you can do it. But Morgan, tell us a little bit about the rest to remain and what you wrote in that.
- [42:47]
B
Yeah, so like you said, a part of the book, there's like a part of the book that's like rest versus Hustle and it was super fun to write, but it was super convicting and I think rest for Me, for a long time, time looked a certain way, or I had this, like, view of it and that I had kids, and
- [43:03]
A
then that throws me away.
- [43:04]
B
Okay, so what is rest and what is quiet time? Right? So those two things are not what they used to be. And, yeah, so rest was a big bucket for me that kind of got shaken up. And so I was like, okay, Lord, remind me again what you say about rest. And, you know, there's. There's my favorite verse on rest. Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and. And I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon me and learn from me, for I'm gentle and lowly in heart, and you'll find rest for your soul. So he says rest twice. So we need to be listening for that. And you know what I love is that rest isn't something that just comes from our circumstances. And actually, spiritual rest actually supersedes our circumstances sometimes. And thank God for that, because I know for me, I'm not finding a lot of physical or earthly rest right now. Not that God doesn't care about that. You know, he knows we need our. We need our basic needs met. He gave Elijah what. He's like, here's some bread, water. Go take a nap, right? So we can trust again as a good father. He's going to give us all the rest that we need. But I think there's something beautiful about in the middle of the chaos coming to him and saying, lord, I'm going to give you these next few minutes, and, like, I need you to. I'm asking you for a heart of rest when the world is chaotic around me, that I can be nestled, I can abide. I can find comfort and rest for my soul in a way that looks different than the world around me, you know? And, Sadie, I know you've been traveling so much, and I know that you cling to that rest. You have to, because you're not finding it.
- [44:31]
A
You're talking about that this morning. My voice is growing, like, probably a lot of you guys do, moms out there. And it's like, I'm so tired. My kids didn't sleep. And it's like truly believing that Jesus will give you rest in the midst of the lack of sleep and the lack of. So I love that you're sharing, sharing. This is so true.
- [44:49]
B
So it was fun to write. I feel like, again, I hope you feel like you're at coffee with me and we're talking about the ins and outs of our stories and how Jesus enters in. I think the biggest gift of rest he gives is just his presence, right? It is. And I love when Jesus, you know, when he's on the boat with the disciples, like, he shows us you actually can be postured in rest when there is a storm, a literal storm around you. He was asleep, he was modeling rest. He and the disciples are freaking out. And, you know, he calms the storm, he takes care of it at the right time. And I love that we can trust at the right time. He's gonna still the waters of our seasons, but he also looks at them after, he's like, why were you so afraid? Which means he was calling them to a posture of faith and trust and rest even before he stopped the storm. That's great. So it's. And I would say it's not a solution to be solved, but it is an invitation. Rest is a constant. Day by day, minute by minute, no matter how crazy your season is, it's an invitation to take hold of that living water like we talked about, that does offer rest for our souls.
- [45:53]
A
It's great. Oh, it's so good. I'm so excited for people to read that. I need that. I have been learning that this year, especially not even just as your, just since having kids that like, rest just looks different. And I love how my mentor, one of my mentors had told me, like, find your green zones. Find things that are restful. That doesn't mean you're body has to be still, but it's that your mind is still. And for me, that's like going on walks or playing tennis or playing with. Literally just playing with my kids. So it's like I can be very active, but like my mind is resting and resting in the Lord. And I love that. I love this phrase. Like some. There's like a little print I bought one time and it said storm sleeper. And it was like in reference to Jesus sleeping the storm. Like, learn how to be a storm sleeper. Like, learn how to rest in the midst of the chaos. And I feel like that is so key to like, seasons of life that feel so crazy. You really can feel rest. You really can feel energized. Like you said you went from a night of like, no sleep with your kids to driving all the way here. You're pregnant and you're like, when I got here, I felt like energized. Like the Lord is like waking me up and I feel that all the time. And honestly, like, that whole. When I'm weak, then I'm strong. That is one of the coolest things to Feel because, you know, you're empowered by the spirit. It's like, I'm on E, but spiritually, I'm on fire. Like. Like, I'm so excited. And that's how I've been feeling lately. And it's made me trust God so much more because I'm like, oh, you really do meet me where I'm at. And he's like, don't worry about tomorrow. Don't worry about the rest that you're gonna get. Like, just lead me besides still waters. Like, lead me to the places that I'll rest in you. And so I love that you wrote on that. It's so good because I feel like so many people, like, there's a lot of talks out there about Sabbath and what that looks like. And obviously I'm for Sabbath. Sabbath, because Jesus, I mean, God, that's from the beginning, day seven. Like, he rested and Sabbath is all in the Bible. So I'm not saying don't do that. But sometimes people teach on Sabbath in a way that feels very not practical. And you're like, how could I do that? Like, that would be like, I don't even know how that would look in my life. And so I love how you wrote about it in a way that it's, like, practical with every season of your life, like, inviting Jesus in and yes, prioritizing it, but it doesn't have to look like it looks for something, somebody else. And so that is so good. I love that you're such a good sister and a friend. Real quickly also, I wanted to talk about this because people love a good how did you meet your husband? Story. And I think it is sweet that once you started, you know, being in those places, like, that's how you and Ryan met. Can you take us a little bit to that time in your life? I remember whenever we started low and I had all the what ifs, what if I fail? What if it isn't where I need to be? And looking back, I can see so clearly that God had his hand in the whole thing. Starting something new is exciting, but it's also very scary. And that's why I'm thankful for Shopify. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from massive brands to tiny startups. Team Low starts on Shopify every single day for managing inventory and staying on top of orders. It just works. You can build a beautiful online store with templates that actually match your vibe, and their AI tools are game changers. They help write product descriptions, page headlines, even enhanced product photos. Plus everything's in one place. So inventory, payments, analytics, and they have a 24. 7 customer support. It really feels like you have a built in business partner. I think it's so amazing. For anyone starting out a business, this is the place to do it. Like I said, we do it for low duck Commander does it. It's just honestly very simple and does everything for you. It's time to turn those what ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com Whoa. Go to shopify.com Whoa. Again that shopify.com Whoa.
- [49:38]
B
Yeah. So kind of like I shared in college, the Lord just kept pursuing me. And you know, there were some really big patterns in my life that I struggled to rid myself of. And. And I've learned so much since then. It's because I was trying to almost live like Nike. Just do it. Stop it. You know, like, we're not that simple, right? Again, we can't. We can't fix what's broken within ourselves. And I didn't understand that for a season. And I wasn't at that full surrender place, but in his, in God's kindness. I had a girl in my sorority who was involved in the campus ministry. She said, morgan, I want you to pray about going to East Asia. And I was like, I don't even know where that is. I don't know what you're talking about. And that kind of kick started a season of prayer of God. Are you calling me to go? And you know, that season of my life is really messy. But God did call me to go and I went and I see this. And again, the whole. I love telling stories like this because we love people are almost looking for a strategy, right? Tell me how to get to xyz. Look to God. Like, God's actually the hero of my story. It's not me. It's not that I cracked some code to Christianity. It's that I cracked, right? I broke open and I let him fill the spaces in me with love and his kindness and his mercy. And so in his mercy, he sent me to East Asia. And I love telling this makes me look terrible, makes God look awesome. But it was like, it was as if God as a father, it was almost like a he disciplines those he loves. But like he. This was like a really great discipline. He was like, I'm gonna send you somewhere out of your own culture and I'm gonna make you share the gospel with these girls. Every single day until you finally believe it. What a kind father. You know, so often we' waiting to be qualified for ministry. We're waiting to be qualified for the podcast or waiting to be qualified for the job or the relationship or the marriage. God is like, I am the qualified one. Come to me and you'll find rest. Come to me and all the things that you've been willing yourself to try to change. As you fix your eyes on me, you'll look back one day and be like, I'm not the same person. And so, in his kindness, I just shared the gospel every day with these girls. And I was like, oh, this is real and this is for me, and it's always been. And it was actually overseas that I did meet Ryan. And I, you know, I don't want to be the poster child of, like, just go on a vision trip. You'll meet your husband. God is writing unique story of redemption and beauty for every single girl.
- [52:05]
A
If you show up where God has
- [52:06]
B
you, show up where God has you. Yes. Amen. So I showed up, and I let God do a deep, deep work in me before he did anything through me relationally. But I did meet Ryan over there, and we. Yeah, it was really sweet, just, like, getting to see each other's heart for ministry, and I saw the way that he had a heart for the next generation, how he had a heart for college students, how he wanted to share what God had done in his life and. And. And pass it on. And so I love, even to this day, Sadie, like, we have huge heart for college ministry because that's where we met, and that's where it all started.
- [52:40]
A
And I love that story because even though it's not a code to crack and it's not something that's gonna be, you know, copy and pasted for things, someone else there is like, God does do that, though. It's like, when you're living out the life that God has for you the fullest and somebody else is, too. It's like, you know how they say you look up and you see someone running? The speed you're running, you're like, oh, we should run together. That is true. You know, and y' all do have such a heart for college ministry, and y' all still do that. And so it makes sense that y' all are partnered together and y' all are running together. And I do think sometimes we think like, okay, how can I do this and work for that person? It's like, no, just follow gun God, fully trust in the Lord with all Your heart, lean on your own understanding, you know, and all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight. So trust in the Lord. Do what he calls you to do. He will make your path straight. And if it's meant to be with somebody else on their path, y' all will start running together. And it's, like, really beautiful that you showed up before you felt qualified just because you felt called and God met you there. And that is so true. Like, you are qualified because you are called. You don't get qualified. Somewhere along the road, certificate calls you. You're qualified. And that's, like, my favorite story with Moses, because the whole time, Moses just can't get over how unqualified he is. And God's like, it's not about you. I am who I am. This is a bigger picture. And when you really think about why he chose Moses makes so much sense. Moses was the one in the house that was raised there. It's like, we can see it on the outside, like, God's bigger plan. But, like, our insecurities seem so much bigger in our mind than they really are to anyone else. And it's so cool to see your story. I do want to also end on this because so many girls ask, like, how do you get started in ministry? How do you write a book? How do you do a podcast? And you have written books, and you are, like, doing amazing ministry. But, like, since I met you, you've just had a heart for ministry and said, yes, but what are some of the practical ways that you started, like, writing your books and becoming the author you are? Because you. You mentioned you're like, someone asked what I do, and I said, author, and you're like, oh. And I was like, you are an author. You've written two books. But, I mean, I still feel that way, too. When people ask me what I do, I'm like, I don't know what to say, because it feels like, oh, awkward. And you don't. You're not sure. And you're like, oh, well, this, that, or the other. But, like, how did you get started in what you're doing now? For the girls out there who are like, I'd love to do something like that.
- [54:48]
B
Yeah, that's a really sweet question. And I think it goes back to what you just said about the relationship. Advice is like, be where you're called. And God has opportunities. He has relationships, friendships, future bridesmaids. He has so mentors, so many significant people that will meet you along that path. And I actually go back to, like, Live original. I mean, I. Ryan and I had just gotten married, and we were called to, at the time, youth ministry. Ryan was the youth pastor at our church. And we met Court and Taylor, her now husband, boyfriend at the time. And I just. I'll never forget, you know, we were fresh, fresh newlyweds. I had taken a job in property management, right. Which was really sweet. Provision for that so season. But I was like, like, okay. And he comes home, and he said, I think you're really gonna like Taylor's girlfriend, Courtney. And he said, yeah, she works for Sadie. And. And I was like, I know that name, you know, And. And then I met Kourt. We became friends, and we did, like, little Bible studies together. And then out of nowhere, it was this ripple effect. And y', all. Y', all at the perfect time we're looking for. For a tour pastor, the most beautiful
- [56:01]
A
way to describe a walk with the Lord. It is a ripple effect.
- [56:04]
B
It is.
- [56:05]
A
And also just even saying, you doing that property management job, I've been, like, such on a kick of this, like, because people think, like, when things are born out of, like, necessity, maybe that means, like, God's not in it. And it's like, no, God's in all of that. Like, it might not sound like a miracle story. It might not sound like the most exciting job, but the ripple effect only happens when you start going. Like, if you weren't there, the next thing wouldn't have happened. And so you have to be where you're planted and. And be content in it, you know? And then you never know what's going to happen so you can continue on. But I just thought that was so cool, like, how that all started, because I forget, like, your name on my phone is still Morgan Ello, tour pastor wife. Because I think it's just so funny how it started. I'm like, how did that happen? Yeah, because we needed a tour pastor last minute, and you guys were like.
- [56:49]
B
And God knew that, right? Y' all didn't know that your tour pastor pastor would fall through, but God did, and he connected because he loves his children and he knows to carry out the high calling of being a kingdom worker, we're going to need each other. And I just think back to that season. I didn't know what God was doing, but he knew, and I just stepped one foot in front of the other. Little did y' all know, or I know at the time, you guys were gonna be needing to expand your team or hoping and praying and desiring to expand your team. And so I look Back on that. And I do think it is a really sweet reminder that we are not the author of our story. And thank you, Jesus. We're not the author. Culture might tell us that we are the ones in charge of our destiny. And you hear that a lot right now. I mean, even this idea of, like, girl boss energy, like, I'm late to the game. I'm like a grandma. But I saw that recently. I'm like, man, okay, now I can't unsee it. Everybody's, like, preaching this mantra of girl boss. And. And you can fulfill your destiny. You can make 10, you know, six figures while you're sleeping. I'm like, what are you talking about? It's just. But there's this idea that we can be the author. And I'm like, that sounds like my nightmare. I don't want to be the author. I actually want my good, perfect, sovereign, heavenly father to be the author. And that bleeds into everything I do. And so, you know, I. Maybe part of the cringe of saying I'm an author is like, not to over spiritualize it. But I'm like, gosh, Lord, you wrote that story, that book that's coming out. I didn't write, like, yes, I stepped into it, but, like, who gave me the grace and the ability to step into it? Not me. It was with the Lord.
- [58:14]
A
And you're like, that's not my identity. And that you write about that in the book. It's like. And so many people do find their identity and their title. And, you know, just well, as I do our title shift, things change. So it's like you can't anchor yourself in an identity that might not be true about you always, you know, and if it's not true about you in the next season, that doesn't make you a failure. And you don't lose who you are. You still are who you are. And so I. I actually respect. I respect that so much. And I hear you when you say it, because I know never know what to say when people say that. But it is sweet to go like, okay, look at what God has done. It is so crazy. And the ripple effect that has happened. And I even think about. Actually, whenever I met y', all, I was looking for somewhere to practice speaking, and Court asked y' all if I could come speak at Yalls church to Yalls youth. And that's how I met y'. All. So, like, that was in me trying to figure out how to do these things. And I remember, like, our first college tour was us reaching out to Colleges and inviting ourselves to go speak. Because we were like, we were just trying to figure this out, and we want to do ministry. We weren't getting invited. We were asking if we could come.
- [59:16]
B
When can we come?
- [59:17]
A
Drove us on an rv, not a tour bus. And you were sick. And still it was great. And, like. And you guys were bridesmaids in my wedding. And, like, that's just, like, so cool how God wrote those stories. And so all that to say, yes, your story, for those who are listening, it's not going to be a copy and paste. That doesn't answer the question, like, okay, I'm going to meet with this publisher and do this. No, Live your life. And as you live with each day, God really will provide what you need and he'll lead you in what to do. And don't over complicate it and don't overthink it. And I think the reason why we're over complicating and overthinking it is because we're looking at everyone else's life on social media. How do they do that? How do they do that? And it's like, God did it. God's leading them.
- [59:58]
B
And how do we measure impact? Is impact writing the book or is impact impact? The girl I shared with you, the story. I met a girl at Enterprise last night who loves your podcast and is getting her through the hardest season of her life right now. And I got to pray with her. There's no posting. There's no, like, you know, she was just a girl in the dark that we were trying to get the car started. So how do we measure impact? I would say that moment far outweighs the significance of having a book deal. And so I think for each of us as followers of Jesus, he's inviting us to understand that, you know, we're given the opportunity to be faithful with little, and then we can be faithful with much. But I think the whole irony and beauty of that text, he's saying, I need you to see that the little things of faithfulness aren't little to me. They're a big deal to me. The Enterprise girl is a big. She's a big deal to God, right? And so I think there's a redefining of what impact truly is that leads us to, I don't know, just so much more freedom as we follow him, magnify his greatness.
- [61:02]
A
It's so true. Tell a short story that just happened because I can't stop thinking about it. But we were just in Disney World with the girls and it was really exciting because we were on tour, and we weren't even planning on going. And they were like, hey, we're 45 minutes from Disney World. I was like, what? Oh, my gosh. My girls would freak out because they are, like, in total princess era. And so we were like, we have to go. So we went, and all day long, Haven was so cute. She kept saying, this is my life. And she was saying, best day ever. Best day ever. And so we have been hearing best day ever all day long. So sweet. Well, then we go to have lunch at Be Our Guest, which is, like, Belle's castle. And I'm thinking, like, this is going to be the best day ever, truly, because Haven loves Belle. Her middle name is Belle. This could be great. Well, the Beast comes out, and it's, like, all of a sudden, the worst day ever. Because she's like, get me out of here. She's, like, terrified of the Beast. I'm like, oh, that backfired. So I'm like, okay, I'll just, like, go outside with Haven. And so me and Haven were outside while Honey and Christian, two Mama, and Kit finished their lunch. And we're just hanging out, and Haven's, like, very, you know, mesmerized by the lizards outside. So we're having a fine time. Well, then this lady, she was working as, like, a Disney cast member, and she, like, comes over. She's like, do you want to go back inside? I'm like, well, you know, the Beast is a little scary, so we're totally fine out here. And I saw her name tag, said she's from Haiti. And I was like, oh, I've been to your country few times. And she was like, no way. Like, why were you on mission? I was like, yeah, we were on mission, and we were doing some things. I told her what we were doing. She like, oh, that's so cool. And then she was like, I'm really struggling because I have kids now, and, like, they've never seen my country, and I want to bring them there, but what's going on is, like, so horrible. And I was like, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine. And I said, can. Can I pray over you? Because she said while she was talking about Haiti, she said, it's something only God has power to do. I was like, amen. I was like, can I pray for you? So we pray for her. And to be completely honest, it was nothing crazy. It was two minutes long. Bless her, spoke life over her, asked for the Lord to make a way for them to go to Haiti and for the country as a whole, said Amen. And when I said amen, she had tears in her eyes. And she said, she said, this was the best day ever because you prayed for me. And it just like, really hit me because I had been hearing best day ever all day from my two kids who were living like a dream, like they were at the castle and seeing princesses and all this stuff. And yet this lady is on a normal work day. At noon, I pray over her for two minutes and she's like, this is the best day ever. And one, it made me, like, realize, like, wow, she has faith, like a kind of faith that, like, I hope to have that, like, when I pray, I realize, like, I'm talking to the king, kings and Lord of ones Lord, someone is who is powerful enough to actually do the things I'm asking and desperate for him to do. And she actually believes that that two minute prayer will make, like, eternal impact. And so to your point, like, just the little, you know, is a lot. And you never underestimate what you can do with just a little. I mean, think about all the stories in the Bible. Just give him. Just give him what you have and let him fish in loaves, the widow's mite, like, all of those things. And like, the Lord does what he can with them. And so when it comes to ministry, I just think it's so important we really realize it's not, like you said, writing the book deal, having the book deal, it's not having a podcast with the studio. It's not even what we were doing being on tour. It's two minutes of prayer with someone who's in desperate need of those things. And so it is like, we, like, we haven't shared that on socials. Like, people haven't seen that. So, like, we only see visions of ministry that look impressive. But, like, ministry is actually ministering to people and, like, giving them what they need, which is the good news of the gospel of Jesus is what someone did for you and I when we heard the gospel so many times, and then finally the Holy Spirit revealed it to us. And so I just love Maureen. Your story is so powerful and your book made to magnify is truly what you're living out. Like, if someone says to me, is she who she is? I'd be like, yes, she is magnifying Jesus with everything in her. And not one part of your story, in all of its goodness and all of its cool things, as you see, can glorify yourself. And, like, I hope that as you listen to this podcast, even as you reflect back on it, just even how she tells her stories, it's made to magnify Jesus Christ. And you can do that in your story. And I just encourage you, don't just listen to a podcast and let it fall on death ears or not. Good soil like water the ground. And if you need to do life in community again, we're doing her study with Ella Local and the low study. We're so excited about it. You can go to liverigional.com get all the information and join us in a city, join us virtually or again, start your own. Maybe this is your next step, what the Lord's calling you to do, to lead a study. And we would love to see that. And so go out and do it. Thank you so much, Marin. It's so good.
- [65:49]
B
Thanks for having me.
- [65:59]
A
Sa.