Sunday was a big, fat deal for our Westside Church family: Jason preached for the first time since Kara’s Homecoming. As he explained to the new folks who have joined us since then, the elders graciously gave him up to 6 months for a sabbatical so that he could grieve and take care of his children and learn what their new normal is going to look like. Expressing his gratitude, he also explained that he wants Westside to be the kind of generous church that loves well in the midst of tragedy like he and his family have been loved. I can honestly say that Westside IS that kind of church, and it’s greatly because of Jason and Kara’s vulnerability in asking and allowing us to walk their impossible story with them.

When Kara asked me to take over as Editor in Chief of Mundane Faithfulness once she went Home, I thought I knew what to expect with writing and editing for her blog. What I didn’t expect was getting to know so many people through MF and hearing so many stories. Stories that are shared on the blog in the comments section, on Facebook, or emailed directly to us. I can’t even tell you what an honor it is to be invited in to share bits of your hearts. I love reading them, praying with and for you, witnessing God’s grace in your lives (especially in the hurts), and seeing you all connect with each other. It has been a huge blessing.