Waiting for God's Best

My Street Team girls and I have been doing more than just simple Bible studies together; we’ve been doing LIFE together. These past four years, these eight girls have been sharing the struggles of their confusing, often chaotic lives. We found a common ground when I shared my confusion and sadness of being in my mid-thirties and still single. So early on they understood that there was real pain in my life as well. We often asked each other to pray for heartache in our lives and I would ask them to pray for God to provide a husband for me- His best.

  
When I told them that I was dating Dan, they flipped out! They were full of questions and amazement as we saw God beginning to answer our prayers for my life. We had talked many times about healthy relationships, what to look for in a good boyfriend, and purity while dating. They would even whine, “But, Ms. Jill there aren’t any guys like that in West Dallas!” I felt the say way, “There aren’t any guys like that in their thirties either but I’m still waiting for God’s best for me! I will NOT settle- and you better not either.”  When I began dating, suddenly I had the privilege of living the Biblical truths we had discussed.  For many of them what I was practicing was a very new concept for them. Humbly, God was using me to proclaim His perfect plan for their lives also.

So, when Dan asked me to marry him, it was completely natural for me to involve them in the wedding. They were family to me, and family belongs in every important celebration.  My heart soared the day of the wedding as the girls and I were getting ready for the ceremony. They were my West Dallas Leading Ladies, and they lead the way for the whole wedding party as Dan and I joined our lives together. The pastor even spoke to them directly and asked if they were prepared to fight for me and support me in this marriage covenant even when it got tough. They loudly agreed “WE WILL”!

After the honeymoon, we were able to talk more about the blessings waiting on His timing and His best. I shared how much I wanted them to have a wedding night filled with true love, tenderness, security, and commitment.

Our students desperately need people in their lives who talk about and try to model the life God desires for them. The pain we go through and the failures we experience are used to turn us to Him, and pave the way for healing, forgiveness and restoration. I’m so glad that my pain and my longing for a husband have been lived out for them to see in such a raw form, because I know that God has used my story to speak His truth into their lives. At Mercy Street, God is using broken people to build new leaders for the future of West Dallas. 

A Beautiful Journey

Hey MS people!

Just wanted to drop a note to those of you that I known over the years.  Larrishelle graduated this past weekend (praise the Lord!!) and I was reminded of how much y'all have been such a BIG part of this.  I also think of Julie and Mindy who were also a big part in this journey as well!

I know my relationship with Larrishelle is not over, but it for sure has hit a huge marker.  I have been so privileged to serve along side y'all and see you as a ministry grow, change and be shining lights for Jesus. Y'all are amazing!!

I have learned a lot in this mutually transforming relationship and it has been a tough and beautiful journey.  Lord knows that I had my many moments of failures, not having a clue of what I was doing most of the time and just wanting to quit at some point.  I am still learning only Jesus can  change hearts and I can only do so much and be faithful with what he has given me and the small amount of time I had/have with Larrishelle.  

At this time I don't know what the future holds and just praying about how I can continue my involvement in Mercy Street and what that could look like.  

One idea I had in the meantime was maybe to host small groups of mentees at my place periodically for dinner (6-7ish people)--from different stages/churches etc to interact, share stories, encourage each other etc.  I did this last summer with some mentees from Irving Bible and few others from another church and it was great.   Not sure if you all have any thoughts on that or think it would be a good idea. 

Thank you for all the prayers, help, love, advice, support and just being the wonderful people you are because of Jesus.   I want to be you all when I grow up! :)

Jen