Are you counting the cost?
If I could describe this couple in one word it would be this: gentle. I don’t know what I expected because they’ve been in the public eye for such a long time, but what I walked away with was the very real struggle of two people trying to write their own story, rather than being a character in someone else’s.
Counting the Cost is the name of their book, but it’s also a theme many of you may recognize. When you try to dig deeper into faith and what you believe, that might scare those who love you. If you no longer believe the way someone else does, even though you’ve prayed and sought God and love him with your whole heart, there might be a cost. If you call out abuse, you might be seen as the one in the wrong. If you try to be yourself rather than what someone thinks you should be, that has a price.
As I read their book, one thing that struck me was the love Jill has for her family, even as she talks about some of the harder parts of leaving the reality show (19 Kids and Counting and later shows) and some of the hurtful discoveries she uncovered as an adult. This is not a tell-all book. It’s a book that understands we are all human, and none of us perfect. It’s about getting out of those things that might look and sound like Jesus, but aren’t necessarily Jesus at all.
I want to invite you to listen to this special episode of More Than Small Talk podcast.
You can find it at:
I also want to encourage you if you are counting the cost in any way. My prayer is that you hold tight to Jesus. My prayer is that you continue to love fiercely even as you fight for freedom. My prayer is discovery over discouragement. My prayer is hope rather than hustling to fill someone else’s vision of your story.
For you are worth it,
Today’s Resources
This is more than a memoir. It’s a journey to find your own voice.
Ready for a Ladies Night Out with More Than Small Talk and Riley Clemmons?
Join Suzie, Jennifer, and Holley (co-hosts of the More Than Small Talk podcast) with musical artist, Riley Clemons, on November 4th, 2023 for a Ladies Night Out.
This event will be hosted at Christian Cathedral Church in Fayetteville, AR. The Ozarks are gorgeous with fall colors, so drive in, fly in, and make it a girlfriends’ weekend. If you live in NW Arkansas, we invite you and your sisters and friends and mothers and daughters to come!
If you long to go deeper in your faith
- Come With Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads by Suzanne Eller
Rediscover why you call yourself a believer, and the joy of walking with Jesus as a modern-day disciple. Leave behind rules to find life-changing relationship that transforms you forever.
