in between - The Goodness of God - Episode 2

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Hi, welcome to In Between. My name is Brooklyn, and today we have my friend Elenda here who's joining us. Hi. As you guys know, we are talking about Attributes of God this season, this fun little summer series, and we're just learning about and leaning into God's character and who he is and who he reveals Himself to be through his word. But then we also get to talk to people and see how it's played out through their lives and their testimonies, which is really special. So, Elena, do you want to tell us a little bit about yourself for people that maybe don't know you? Sure, sure. [00:00:34] Speaker B: So I spoke and said, I'm Elena, I work here at New Life. I'm the early childhood coordinator, and I am married to Mitch. We have two kids, Lydia, who is 8, and Simon, who is 2. I feel like we're in a very fun season of life because Simon being two, it's like we get to see who he is. He's a little bit more independent. Lydia. Anyway, so. [00:00:56] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, no, I love getting to hang out with you and your kids. I also have an almost two year old and him very fun to watch together. And they're boys and they're just very much boys. [00:01:07] Speaker B: They're boys. [00:01:08] Speaker A: Yes. So today we're gonna talk specifically about the attribute of goodness. [00:01:13] Speaker B: Yes. [00:01:14] Speaker A: When I was praying about who to have on the podcast for this season, you came to mind. And so I texted you and asked you and I asked you if there was any attribute that you felt was like, prevalent throughout your or that you felt God leading you to talk about and you chose goodness. Yes. Do you want to tell us why? [00:01:34] Speaker B: Well, it. Immediately when you said it, well, first my mind went, nope, can't do that. [00:01:38] Speaker A: Yeah, I know. Yeah. [00:01:39] Speaker B: You know that natural like, ah, no, but immediately it's like, oh, goodness. But then I text you goodness or faithfulness? Because I didn't want to be like, I want to do goodness. And if somebody else did, I, you know, whatever. Yes. [00:01:50] Speaker A: Because. [00:01:51] Speaker B: Very thoughtful, but no, but immediately I feel like that was what came to mind because there has been just like. Anyway, we'll talk about it, but. Because I just feel like there's been so much good and goodness that I've gotten to see experience in my life. Yeah, that's like. That immediately was what I felt like God was saying to you to talk about or pick or whatever. [00:02:14] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, no, that totally makes sense. And especially when you do hear his story. Like we said, we'll talk about it. But even when it doesn't Seem he's good, right? He is good. And I think that when you said goodness, I was excited to hear that from you because truly, you are such a testament to being faithful to his goodness, even when it doesn't seem like it. So can you. Are there any points in your story that when you were thinking about talking about goodness on the podcast that God brought to your mind or like, anything where his goodness was definitely very prevalent. [00:02:51] Speaker B: So I wrote down so many. Yeah. [00:02:54] Speaker A: Which we can talk about them all. [00:02:55] Speaker B: But go for it. That would take. Take that. That would take a while. And it's hard to just pick one because they go from, like, small everyday goodness to, like, the big moments. And so for like, those of you who don't know my story. So I was previously married. I'm divorced now remarried, or I should say I was divorced now remarried to Mitch. And in my previous marriage, my ex husband, he struggled with alcoholism. He was in the military, really struggled with ptsd. And then that turned into full on alcoholism as a coping mechanism. And so going through all of that, being married to an alcoholic at the time, then having Lydia, who was. It started during pregnancy, really, that I really kind of picked up on it. [00:03:42] Speaker A: Because Lydia was from your previous marriage. [00:03:45] Speaker B: Yes. [00:03:45] Speaker A: Yes. [00:03:45] Speaker B: Yes. Yep. And so just kind of, yeah. Walking through being married to an alcoholic and then getting divorced, being a single mom, kind of carrying, you know, that of I'm divorced now, and. And then, yeah. Just kind of walking through all of that. I feel like there has been so much goodness. And then getting to start working or working here at New Life, then through. It was in the midst of all, like, I'm gonna say, the. The chaos, the trouble that, you know, I started working here and then kind of, you know, God taking all of that and now turning it into. I am married to this amazing man who loves his stepdaughter as if she were her own. We now have Simon together, which is such a huge blessing. She gets a brother, you know, all the things. And it's just so. There are so many moments. There are that whole season where it's just like, wow, like, God, you blow me away. [00:04:47] Speaker A: Yeah. When you look back, especially, I'm sure in the midst of. It was so, so difficult and so hard. But now on the other side of everything, looking back and seeing how he did use it all for good. [00:05:00] Speaker B: Yes. Oh, my word. Yes. And it really, like, even, like I would. As I was thinking through my story, like, even things like, so we're getting divorced and we have to sell our house, and it's like, I can't make a house payment by myself. He's no longer working. We put the house on the Monday at like 8am we had an offer at 10am oh my goodness. You know, just things like that. And like that's a big one. You know, even like just the day to day where he provided friends that would just come into my life and walk alongside me or, you know, or then as big as friends said, hey, you can come live with us for three months. You and Lydia come to live with us, get it all figured out and you know, just things like. Or just like again and again and again. [00:05:43] Speaker A: Can you talk a little bit about how you started working here? And yes, just like, like all that was provided through that too. [00:05:49] Speaker B: Oh my word. I actually vividly remember the phone call back. I was at work and you worked. [00:05:58] Speaker A: You were in childcare, right? Is that. Yeah, because that's how you and I met. Yeah. [00:06:03] Speaker B: Yes. So I was at work and we didn't have any kids, so I was cleaning, do my thing in the afternoon and Paul calls me and I thought, you know, that's, you know, he's kind of been, we've been doing counseling and all the things. [00:06:14] Speaker A: So he was a pastor? Yes. [00:06:16] Speaker B: You don't know. Yes. And he said, you know, hey, we've been throwing around this idea of you working here and it's like, what in the world? Like this random in the funnies I had just. And he said, and with that you would be able to live in one of the church apartments. And I had just talked to my cousin that day of like, I don't know what to do. I don't know how to like, you know, do. How do I provide for myself, how do I leave what I know, you know, and that was a big thing is like I looked at my ex husband as my provider, not God. And so I was like, how do I leave that situation and quote unquote, fend for myself? Yeah. And God very much in that moment was like, you're not fending for yourself. Like, I am taking care of you. And so Paul calls and he's like, hey, you know, we've been kind of throwing that around. How do you feel about it? Would you want to come in and talk about it? Also there's an apartment that you can live in. And I just remember I cried because of God. I would have never again. One of those moments where it's like, I'm getting divorced, I'm trying to figure out how do I live a single mom life. [00:07:22] Speaker A: It's Scary. And I'm sure so many listeners can relate, but, yes, terrifying. [00:07:26] Speaker B: And, you know, and so that just kind of all fell into place, which is so wild to say because, you know, God. [00:07:34] Speaker A: But like you said, though, like, how you looked at your husband as your provider or your ex husband. Yeah. And then God was like, no, no, no. I am your provider. And what's hard is you don't know the how. So you're still sitting there like, okay, you can be my provider. But, like, how. We still question, right? [00:07:52] Speaker B: Yes. [00:07:52] Speaker A: And we're like, okay, well, show me the plan. The A, the B, C, all. [00:07:55] Speaker B: Yeah. I need to know how. How this is going to happen. Like, how are we going to. How are we going to do this? Yeah. [00:08:00] Speaker A: But then he just does that. [00:08:02] Speaker B: Yes. Oh, and like, now looking back, it's like. So I. It still blows my mind because it was just such incredible timing and just. God just kept showing up again and again, you know, then I had two jobs, and working here and working there, it perfectly fell into place where I could do both. Lydia was at daycare and. Which she very much loved. Like, it all just kind of worked out. So incredible. Again, I say kind of. No, it was incredible. And so it's like every moment, every piece of it, it's like, gosh, God, you're so good. [00:08:34] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:08:35] Speaker B: And why do I ever doubt that? [00:08:36] Speaker A: I know. I feel like Glenn, to say right now to anybody that's listening, if you are in a spot like Elena was in, or even if it's not similar, but it's just like you're fearful about what's going to happen, that God does want you to know that he is Jehovah Jireh. He will provide for you and he is good. He does want good for you. Yes, absolutely. So just. I know it's hard, but you just kind of got to hang on and trust in him and his provision and his timing. Yes, yes. And it's so. I've had seasons, too, where it's like, what am I going to do? And then on the other side of it, you look back and you always see all the ways Rob provides. It's like, why did I doubt? I know it is hard, but yes. Yeah, absolutely. So was there ever a time then in the midst of that that you did doubt or that you didn't maybe, like, you were. It's not that you doubted him. It's more like, I guess, I don't know. Do you want to talk into that a little bit? [00:09:31] Speaker B: Sure. I feel like, like you said, I Don't know if it was so much doubt as I didn't know God well enough part of this. If I wouldn't have walked through this, I would have never gotten to know God the way that I do now. I would not have a relationship I have with God. I would not be where I am. And I think that was in the beginning. The hard part is I didn't. I didn't even know who God was. I didn't even know like you're saying the how, like how I trust you. Who are you to where I can say, oh I trust you? Because I had like I grew up in a Christian home, I went to church. But that how to have a relationship with God. For me it was. I went. I grew up Lutheran. So it was works do good do you know. And then he was good. And so it wasn't so much a doubt as more so or maybe I don't know. But where it just didn't know how. [00:10:28] Speaker A: To trust him because you didn't have like a true heart to heart relationship with him. [00:10:31] Speaker B: Them. Right, right. And so slowly through just you know, friends that were like hey, you know, let's pray about it. Let me you know like where I like started to kind of get to know God more. And then it was like someone said, you know, well what's God saying? Quite. I don't know. [00:10:52] Speaker A: Yeah. You know. Yeah. [00:10:54] Speaker B: Yes. And so it's like I don't know what God's saying, you know, like so getting to know God, taking time to learn what it to like listen and to be still. That's actually the Bible verse that kind of got me through all this is Exodus 14:14. And just to like know that God will fight for me and I can. I just need to be still. Be it and like you know, be still or I guess you know there are different but or it's like just to take that time to listen and be still and let him fight for me. And that took. I feel like it took took some time. [00:11:35] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:11:36] Speaker B: Yeah. And there were days where it really would be just like I don't know what to do. Either way I choose whether it's this or this. I feel like someone loses be it me, be it, you know, my ex husband, be it like some. [00:11:47] Speaker A: So there's no right answer in our eyes. Yeah. [00:11:50] Speaker B: Yes. And so learning to kind of or not learn kind of. But learning to walk through that trusting God was so incredible because before it just all felt, you know, heavy. [00:12:04] Speaker A: Yeah. You're carrying so much. [00:12:05] Speaker B: Yes. [00:12:06] Speaker A: It says to share our Burden. Yeah. [00:12:07] Speaker B: So I don't know if that answers your question. [00:12:08] Speaker A: No, it totally does, but. It does. [00:12:11] Speaker B: And of course, you know. Oh, sorry. [00:12:13] Speaker A: No, no, no, go ahead. [00:12:13] Speaker B: I was saying, then of course, things like, you know, you have. You're married to someone that is an alcoholic and that relapses and that hurts your heart, that, you know, we're just like, how is this good? Like, where is this gonna go? [00:12:27] Speaker A: Yeah. How. [00:12:28] Speaker B: Why is this. What's. You know. So in those moments, for sure. Especially, like, those moments where, like, he would go to rehab, come home, and then relapse, where it's like, why? What is happening? [00:12:39] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:12:39] Speaker B: I thought this was it. I thought this is, you know, and then it's like. And then here we are again. So there were definitely times where it was very hard to. [00:12:46] Speaker A: And it was like, okay, this is your goodness. Like, this is the goodness because you're going to rehab, and that must be it. That's the way that you're gonna make this all good, and that he's gonna be better and everything, and then we'll be fine. Yeah. And then he would come home and. And be worse, probably. And I'm just thinking from experience, because my mom was the same through my high school years, went to rehab and then would come back and relapse, and it was over and over. And so you think, okay, this is it. And then it's not. And you're like, okay, well, then where is your goodness? Which is so wrong because I think our idea of goodness as humans is so shortsighted. Like, obviously you have Mitch and Simon and this beautiful job in ministry now, but in the moment, you had no idea that was even a possibility? [00:13:30] Speaker B: No, never. And that's the funny thing is, for me, in the moment, go to rehab, be better, was the good. [00:13:37] Speaker A: That's what you probably wanted. [00:13:38] Speaker B: Ever imagined. And the funny thing is, so in all this, like, learning to listen to God, all the things, I feel like I. It really opened up my heart to, like. Like sometimes there are even days now where it's like that very intimate talking to God relationship. It's like, I want that every day. All the time. Yes, all the time. [00:13:57] Speaker A: That is how it is. It's like I. It's like you. Yes, you. You get to know him, and then you're like, okay, this is the way. This is like the way that I am. [00:14:04] Speaker B: Then I. I catch myself, like, not having dance. Like, no, I want to be back in that. But I remember I had this moment. It was just like putting dishes away in the Kitchen and I was listening to worship music. And, you know, the day and I were just hanging out and I was praying and God, he told me, he was like, hey, this is going to be so, so good. And, like, it makes me emotional. Now. Here's the so good. And who could have ever. I could have never imagined that this is my. So good. [00:14:29] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:14:30] Speaker B: So like you said, if you're struggling, it's coming. And even if it's not today, not tomorrow, the waiting is so sucky. [00:14:37] Speaker A: It does, it sucks. [00:14:38] Speaker B: It is coming. And we were. [00:14:41] Speaker A: That we can't imagine. [00:14:42] Speaker B: No. And I could have never, never, never imagined today being where I would be. [00:14:48] Speaker A: Right? [00:14:48] Speaker B: Yeah, definitely. [00:14:49] Speaker A: Yeah. That's so funny that you said that you were doing dishes and then God was talking to you. Because I shared last week in a pod that I was doing dishes and God did the same thing to me, but it was more like I was sitting there in the waiting. This was only a couple weeks ago. So, like you said, you know that you want him and, you know, you want to be so connected to him and remain in him, but sometimes, you know, we're humans, and then these fears can get in your mind and spiral you. That's what was happening to me. And I was spiraling and like, okay, how am I going to fix this and this and this? And then basically there was a song playing. I read Rock's Worship, and I don't remember it now I said it last week, but it was like, basically, oh, good plans. Oh, yeah, he has good plans for me, so I will take heart in deserts and gardens. And it was like, louder, I swear at that line. And then God was like, do you believe that I have good plans for you? And, like, you do trust me to carry them out, because if so, you can, like, set that down. [00:15:46] Speaker B: That's so cool. [00:15:46] Speaker A: I know. And so I love that he speaks to moms, like, just stands like that. That's so special that he just needs to literally wear your ass. Yes, but no, I, it makes me emotional, too, because I, I, we weren't, like, very close during it, but I did know what was happening in everything. And then to see the testimony looking back is so beautiful. And that's why I was so excited to hear you say talking about goodness. And so for those that are, you know, walking through it, I know we've spoken to it a little bit, but is there any advice or any, like, practical things that you would say to them in this season, I guess, of waiting? [00:16:32] Speaker B: Yes. The biggest thing is, like, I was saying is Spend time with God. Get to know him so that you can fully trust him. Because, like, for me, a lot of what kept me from that was control. I want to control. I want to do. I will choose the outcome. Like you're saying, I'll fix it. I'll take care of it, but we can't. And so we have to let him lead us. And so I think that would be a big thing, is get to know him, get in the word, spend time with him and really try, if that's new to you, to, like, listen to God or to hear God. Try to. Try to, I don't know, get there. I don't know even how to. [00:17:13] Speaker A: You know, what you did. [00:17:15] Speaker B: I don't. [00:17:16] Speaker A: That's okay. [00:17:17] Speaker B: I think it really was just that daily saying, God help me. Yeah, God, what do I do? [00:17:23] Speaker A: And then, like you said, you were still. And I know there's different places being still, but were you actually, like, did you sit still and then wait? [00:17:31] Speaker B: No, it was more. So just surrender. Give it to him. Let my mind just stop focusing and. [00:17:39] Speaker A: Feeling on the pulse right in front of you. [00:17:42] Speaker B: Yes. And another thing I think that is huge is for a long, long time, I walked through life pretending like it was fun. Yeah, I am fine. Everything's fine. You know, it's all good. And people didn't know what I was going through, which partly is. Is okay. Not everybody needs to know your story. Yeah, the time. But that was exhausting. That was exhausting to pretend all the time. And then once I started to open up to people, it's like this weight just kind of fell off because they walked alongside me. Were you with me? [00:18:16] Speaker A: Scared, when. Before, you told people because you had had the charade. [00:18:22] Speaker B: Right. [00:18:22] Speaker A: And I'm obviously speaking from personal experiment experience, too, because I know we're a lot alike in the control and, like, that type of. So it's also controlling, like, the narrative almost like what people think because you don't want them to think less of you. Right. It is. [00:18:39] Speaker B: It is embarrassing. [00:18:40] Speaker A: And so I was wondering if you were fearful of what they would think if you told them the truth. [00:18:44] Speaker B: Oh, man. Big time. Because it's like it. And it's funny because I'm not the one that was, you know, struggling with the alcoholism. I'm not the one who is making all these choices, but I carried so much of his shame. And then also, you know, because, I mean, it just. Yeah. So just the embarrassment also then when I was getting divorced, it just felt like, oh, great, now you're a divorced woman. And also the grief of like grieving that life that you thought you were going to have or, you know, that he has growing up without her dad in her, you know, all the things. And so. But especially in the beginning, just that nobody can know that our life is falling apart. That's not good. And that was just heavy. [00:19:25] Speaker A: Such a lie from the devil. Like, honestly. [00:19:29] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:19:29] Speaker A: I also lived that way for such a long time. And Steven and I were going through a really hard season just within our marriage. He was struggling a lot with anger and he shares this with other men. So I feel comfortable sharing it because he is. He likes to use it to help others to know they're not alone. So he was struggling with anger and yelling and just not. It wasn't okay. But I protected him for so long and I carried the shame. Kind of like you're talking about. Plus you love them and you feel like you can kind of understand. You're like, this is coming from trauma. [00:20:00] Speaker B: Right. [00:20:00] Speaker A: So I can justify it. And then. Yeah. So anyway, I remember actually when I first started working here, we had like a giant blow up the week of. And I was so ashamed. And I called Paul, which so funny. And I was like, should I quit? Like, I have this blow up in my home right now and I feel so bad being in leadership and not having a perfect life. And he's like, do you think any of our lives are perfect? I was like, well, no, but like, not this bad. I'd say, yeah. Yeah, it was so. Yeah. And he's like, brooklyn, it's okay. And then I remember just like this huge wait. [00:20:38] Speaker B: Yes. [00:20:38] Speaker A: Because then him and Karen walked alongside of us and Steven did heal and learn new coping techniques. And like, we've not had the same saying. Like, he's healed now, but if we would have not had people come in and walk alongside of us, it would have been totally different story. [00:20:54] Speaker B: Absolutely. [00:20:55] Speaker A: And I don't know why I thought. [00:20:56] Speaker B: You could do it on your own. [00:20:57] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:20:58] Speaker B: Just. Yeah, yeah. That. [00:20:59] Speaker A: And then I also don't know why I thought people would like, be like, oh, that can't be friends. [00:21:03] Speaker B: I know. [00:21:04] Speaker A: Like, that is such a lot of credit. [00:21:06] Speaker B: I know. I know. It really is. And that's. That's the biggest thing is like being able to just have those people, like even like the divorce, like, where again, Paul and Karen, they were huge on. Because I felt so like, I work at a church. [00:21:20] Speaker A: Yes. [00:21:20] Speaker B: I should not. I'm a Christian. What am I doing getting divorced? You know? But it does. It is huge because then you Just have people that can speak wisdom into your life, that can, you know, like, just walk with you. And so that would be one of my biggest things, is you don't have to tell the whole world. Find a. Find a friend, a couple friends. If you're not in a life group, I would highly, highly recommend. Getting in a life group is huge because you just have those people that you can text at any time and just say, I'm struggling. Pray for me. [00:21:50] Speaker A: Or they can point you back to God. [00:21:53] Speaker B: Yes. And you just know that you're loved and you're not being judged. And. And the biggest thing is I think we forget how many people have similar stories of their own that we're sharing around. [00:22:03] Speaker A: Exactly. [00:22:04] Speaker B: So it's like, once you open up, like now, I feel very comfortable sharing the story, all the things. And I notice again and again that people are like, oh, I'm going through something similar. Or I get where you're coming from. Or, you know, where it's like, we all can. [00:22:15] Speaker A: I think Satan wants you to believe that you are the only one that, like, would mess up that bad. [00:22:20] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:22:21] Speaker A: Like in quotation, whatever that is for you. I know. I've talked to women that have had abortions and regret it. And then they're just so ashamed that they don't even want to look at God. And I'm like, he loves you. He wants you. And so no matter what it is, you are not alone. You are not the only one. For one that has sinned or messed up. Because literally all do, all do. Or God through hard things. [00:22:45] Speaker B: Yes. [00:22:45] Speaker A: Yeah. And so he. But Satan wants to keep you in the dark. He wants to keep you away from community because he knows we're gonna remind you that you are loved and that we will. That God does love you and he doesn't want that. So fight it and tell somebody. Even if it's so hard and even if you're so anxious and scared. Cause it will be okay. [00:23:04] Speaker B: Yes, I agree. And if you're watching, I'm guessing you're connected to new life or one of us somehow. So reach out. You're not alone for sure. Because I do think that is huge. [00:23:14] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:23:15] Speaker B: Yeah. Because there are many times where it was a late night phone call or that got me through some pretty tough stuff. And that's because I had friends that. Yeah. Yeah. Just walked with me. [00:23:29] Speaker A: Prayed for you. [00:23:30] Speaker B: Yes. [00:23:30] Speaker A: And reminded you of truth. [00:23:32] Speaker B: And that's the biggest thing. Because even, like back to you were asking if I ever doubted in the very beginning, I told a Friend. I was like, well, God's good. He'll do it. Like, it'll be fine. And she said, do you really believe that? Do you believe that he's gonna do it? And that hit me because I was like, I don't know if I believe that. Like, do I truly believe that God? And like, that was such a huge. That was probably a big turning. [00:23:58] Speaker A: That's. Yes, that's what I was taught. So last week, that's what I. I just prefaced this season. And that's what I wan. Talk about is we can know in our heads, but like, actually believing he is who he says he is in our hearts and then living that out. [00:24:12] Speaker B: Yes. [00:24:12] Speaker A: And so you knew it in your head that God was good. Yeah. But did you actually believe it? [00:24:17] Speaker B: Right. [00:24:17] Speaker A: And so you had to wrestle with that. [00:24:19] Speaker B: Yes. And so, you know, if I would have never opened up to her. [00:24:24] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:24:24] Speaker B: And if we wouldn't have had many conversations about that, that would have been a moment that, I mean, I'm sure maybe eventually, yeah, I would have gotten there. But it was just such a pivotal moment to like, really start on that road of like, like, what do I believe? Do I really think he can do it? You know? So, friends? [00:24:42] Speaker A: Yeah. Is there anything else that you would recommend for them? [00:24:46] Speaker B: You know, the biggest thing is, I don't know if it's really a recommendation is if you looked at my story. Just the, you know, you're. You're married for. We were married for almost 10 years and then divorced. And it's like you're getting divorced. There were so many ups and downs, you know, the rehabs, the visitations, all the things. Like, it just, it's messy, it's hard, it doesn't look good. And none of it looks good. Like, like. And I, I read this article the other day, kind of just like thinking about God's goodness. And they talked about like a big puzzle. And I kind of. I thought it was cool because, like, if you pick up an individual puzzle piece, it's so jagged, you don't really know. It's all fuzzy. Is that a pig of. Yeah, you have no idea. You don't know where it's going to fit yet. You don't know what it's going to do. And you would probably put it down and go, well, that's not. But every little piece becomes this giant picture of like, God's goodness. And it's so cool. [00:25:42] Speaker A: Sorry. No, don't be sorry. I just. [00:25:45] Speaker B: God is so good. [00:25:46] Speaker A: He is so good. [00:25:47] Speaker B: And I could have never Looking at my individual puzzle pieces of divorce and rehabs, and now I'm living with friends. And, like, even at that time, literally, I. Friends had said, like, josh can stay with them. We can separate for a while. He can stay with them. I had friends from Germany come to visit me that, like, that week, you know, and it's like, man, how do they come to our house? We're in the midst of this. They have no idea. He's an alcoholic, all things. And that morning, he just decided, I will move out. And they came to town, like, that late afternoon, and it's just like, the things over and over again, you know, where it's like looking at that, you would think that puzzle piece of you. Your husband's living somewhere else, and you're living here. And, you know. But again, it just showed God's goodness of. In that moment. It was not bad. It was not shameful. It was not embarrassing. He provided a space for him to be where, when my friends were coming to visit, we could be together, hang out, but also when he. You know, whatever the things that he was doing, he was not home. And I just. So, yeah, the puzzle pieces, it just. Yes. It just all. You know, so looking at that piece. Thank you. For a second, my mind is like, where was I going back to? It's like looking at that individual piece, you go, oh, that's messy. But then again, when you put it all together, it's such a cool picture. [00:27:17] Speaker A: Of who God is, and not only just for you, but, like, you have. I texted you this, and I know you don't, like, love receiving compliments or how to receive them, but just so many women, even in the last six months, have been like, Elena has been such a light in my life. Elena has really helped me so much through this. Elena has shown me back to God, and that is so important. And so not only is it. He worked things out for your good, but also for those around you, too. And he gets to use your story in other ways. And then it just brings me to Romans 8, 28, and he says, God works all things together for the good of those who love him. [00:27:56] Speaker B: Yes. [00:27:56] Speaker A: And he does. [00:27:57] Speaker B: And that's really that big reminder. And that's, you know, with that picture is like, it's gonna be good, and he will work it out for your good. Doesn't feel good right now. And it just. It might feel like this could never be, but it will be. And I think that's just what. Just every day, keep reminding yourself it's gonna be so good. Like, he told me in the kitchen, it's gonna be so, so good. Because it will. You know, And I look back on it sounds crazy to say, but all of it was a blessing. Everything that I walked through, I would do it again and again and again because it got me here. And like you said, and I am now very comfortable sharing my story, even like all the details, all the things, because it is that, like I get to share how God has changed my life and. [00:28:40] Speaker A: Yeah. And like you said you wouldn't. We don't know, obviously, but you know him so much more intimately because of it. [00:28:47] Speaker B: Which also is just the best. Yes. Just that in itself right there, that piece. I would walk it again and again and again and. Yeah. Because that relationship with God and getting to know him, like that is incredible. Yeah. [00:29:00] Speaker A: So I guess I want to challenge like listeners to ask them their selves and they can talk with like a friend or whoever. But the question that your friend asked you, which is, do you really believe that he is good? [00:29:13] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:29:14] Speaker A: I know she has to a little different, but that's okay. [00:29:15] Speaker B: It's the same. [00:29:16] Speaker A: Yeah. Yes. Sentiment. I want to know, like, if you guys think or believe truly, is God working this out for my good? Is he working all things together for my good and his glory? And if it. If you don't, I guess that's okay. First of all, don't feel shame about it. I hope and I still go there sometimes. And then I have to like redirect back to God on. First of all, one thing that is really helpful and it's kind of like you said for day to day to fix your gaze on him and not the problem directly in front of you and not the problem that is in six months from now, but literally day by day, especially in hard seasons, just keep your eyes on his. But not only that, but you can pray to him and you can ask him to show you that he's good and ask him to help you to trust. Yeah. And he wants. Wants to. He wants that relationship with you. So he will. Yes. And so there's that too. And then again, like Elena said, if you want to reach out to either of us, you totally can. And we can help you too. [00:30:18] Speaker B: But. [00:30:18] Speaker A: Yeah. Is there any other last thoughts? I usually ask if I missed anything or anything you feel led to share. Totally can. [00:30:27] Speaker B: No, I think. Hey. I don't think so. [00:30:29] Speaker A: Hi. Yes. Right. Thank you so much for being a part of they have money. So, so glad your iPhone. Okay. [00:30:34] Speaker B: Yeah. Thank.