23 Comments

Breathtaking, Julie. I've got goosepimples and wet cheeks at the same time. And thank you for the beautiful prompts. 😘

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Oh thanks, Rebecca. Was lovely to see you on Zoom briefly today. Appreciate you reading and responding.

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Thank you for sharing your story - I love knowing his name is Jack.

I’ll see you Saturday in the writing group!

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Wonderful! See you then, and thanks.

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I feel strengthened and grateful in reading your post, as in having received a gift. Thank you.

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Thank you so much! I just read your latest piece and loved all of it, including this: "(Grace never thinks to knock before she enters.)"

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That aspect of Grace is reflected so beautifully in your post too. I sometimes get such a kick from her deep freedom and flagrant disregard for the “rules!”

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#goals

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Julie, thank you for sharing this beautiful story and inviting us into the sacred space of your ministry and the sacred space of those brief, beautiful moments shared between you, your husband and your son. Grace every time. Sending you a little extra love during a tender time. Grateful.

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Thank you Mary. Grace every time.

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Jun 14, 2023Liked by Julie Hester

A most poignant meditation, Julie. I so appreciate your gift of loving ministry and grace in sharing your grief. Your prompt of what is now less important has been on my mind for a while so will actually put thoughts in writing.

Thanks,

Lou Self

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Thank you Lou, I hope your writing is fruitful.

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This piece moved me so, Julie...and resonated , as well. You speak to grace and grief so beautifully.

Writing about such different yet connected moments in time is very powerful, and I am sure hard. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Thank you. I hope to see you Saturday in group...

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Would be wonderful to write with you again on Saturday, Betsy! Hope to see you then, and thanks for reading and responding.

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Julie, Brave writing. I needed tissues reading this. I'm so sorry for the loss of your son Jack. Thank you for sharing and sending you a hug (if that's okay).

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Thank you Julie. It’s been an especially tender anniversary this year. Writing helps, even all these years later.

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I’m sorry for your loss--long ago but still present.

My worship professor told us, always baptize the baby if that’s what they want. He called it the wrong thing for the 100% right reason.

And I always share communion if the person asks for it during a pastoral visit, even if there’s no elder present.

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The wrong thing for the 100% right reason is a phrase worth holding onto. I can think of several life and ministry choices I've made over the years where that describes my guiding principle. Thanks MaryAnn.

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Jun 14, 2023Liked by Julie Hester

Thank you for sharing these two heartwarming stories of unfathomable grief, one of which was your own. Love and grace, isn’t that how God has taught us to live our lives? Your decision to listen to your heart in helping this young woman proves the power in His teachings and I truly believe He put her in your life for a reason! Thank you again for sharing...

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Thank you Sara. I've been overwhelmed by God's providence again, writing about it all these years later.

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Thank you for sharing all the June stories: grace, grief, more grace. Your stories and prompts do prompt stories from your readers--this one, this morning--but first I want to sit again with your June stories, all of them, and savor the love.

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Thank you, Kay. You've heard plenty of my June stories over the years, and I am grateful for your generous listening.

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