Our 2019 Advent Journal, All the Generations: From Genesis to You, is an offering written by our entire Blessed is She team! For the first time this year, we will be journeying together as a community not only through the Advent season, but through the Christmas season as well.
We want you to get to know the women who will spiritually walk by your side through these transformative seasons. In order to help you get to know the heart behind the Advent Journal, for the next several weeks, we'll sit down with the writers for each week of Advent and Christmas.
Coffee Break with the Advent Journal Writers
Consider this a quick moment over coffee with the Advent Journals writers. We asked the writers of each week the same questions:
- Why she shared the particular story she shared in her Advent Journal writing.
- Her favorite Scripture passage from the day.
- Her hope for us all in healing we're praying for in ourselves and our families.
Let's hear from the writers of Week 2.
Abbey Dupuy // Assistant Theological Editor for Blessed is She + Writer
1) I wanted to share this story because so many women struggle with comparing ourselves to those we see as holy and feeling like we can’t ever be enough. God wants to release us from this burden He never imposed. We aren’t enough, but Christ in us is enough, and that freedom is His gift to each of us.
2) "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6).
3) My prayer is that each woman who reads this book will realize that God's work in her family is His own and that she isn't responsible for fixing everything herself—just for being open to His working in her life. Our stories are each a part of the One Big Story of God's love and redemption, and He can (and does) use us to help heal our families, but it doesn't depend on us. Thanks be to God!
Katie Waldow // Pinterest Coordinator for Blessed is She
1) I chose this story because for me it was a turning point in my faith. It changed how I approach my loved ones, how I approach the Lord, and taught me so much about surrender and trust.
2) "No plague shall fall upon you to destroy you" (Exodus 12:13).
3) I hope it draws individuals closer to the Lord, so they can pour out from His strength and grace. Ultimately, I hope that it softens hearts, changes postures of prayer, and strengthens bonds.
Leana Bowler // Writer for Blessed is She
1) I wanted to share a story that would illustrate the beauty of brokenness and redemption. I wanted readers to see that hope overcomes, forgiveness overcomes, and we can rejoice over our Savior and all the ways He will love us and restore us.
2) "[A]nd you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6).
3) I hope this book brings healing through forgiveness. That these stories reveal to all of us that the Lord wants to redeem all brokenness and sin in our families, and that we participate in the work of redemption when we forgive. When we love those who are difficult. When we choose peace and when we choose to love.
Kendra Tierney // Writer for Blessed is She
1) I wanted to encourage readers to consider that a life of faith right now is a choice, and isn’t dependent on past circumstances.
2) "[A]s for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).
3) My hope for everyone reading this is . . . hope! Hope for a future of faith and love whatever your past may have been.
Rose Coleman // Writer for Blessed is She
1) God's choice of Gideon reminded me of how I prayed more deeply about the mystery of being chosen by God while I was discerning a vocation to the Consecrated Life.
2) "And Gideon said to him, 'Pray, sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this befallen us?'" (Judges 6:13)
3) I hope that readers will invite Jesus to heal all the parts of their hearts—even the parts that they did not know needed healing.
Gina Fensterer // Writer for Blessed is She
1) I picked this story because it hasn't ended yet for me. I'm still living it, learning about serving in love, and waiting while God works.
2) "Your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).
3) I hope women find hope and encouragement to persevere in love. God's healing is promised and will be more than any of us can imagine.
Emily Wilson Hussem // Writer for Blessed is She
1) Sharing the story I did worked very well in the sense that my passage was about mentorship—which is something I undertake in each day of my life.
2) "Here I am Lord, for you called me!" (1 Samuel 3:5)
3) I pray the Lord is able to gently place His healing hand on the areas where women need restoration. I pray that through each voice each woman who holds this in her hands is able to find peace and healing through her vulnerability.
Come Pray with Us?
We cannot wait to share our stories, hear your stories, and help you find the healing that God so desires in your family this Advent and Christmas season.
If you haven't grabbed your Advent Journal yet, you can find it here!
Week 3 writers will be shared next week!
Nell O’Leary is the Managing Editor for Blessed is She, an attorney turned writer, speaker, and editor while tending to her husband and five kiddos. She also facilitates our community groups as she loves helping women find sisterhood. Her undergrad is in English from University of Minnesota and her J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law. Notably, she can down a hot cocoa in two seconds. Find out more about her here.
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