Good morning! What a joy it is to talk with Lauren Gaskill in her Finding Joy Podcast series. Lauren is a full mix of energy and faith. As young as she is, she knows what it is to walk through the hard and to utterly depend on God when you’re searching for answers. Lauren founded and runs the ministry She Found Joy, a nationwide speaking tour of Christian women as well along with the She Found Joy podcast and blog.
In her early twenties, Lauren was diagnosed with an incurable genetic disorder. She knows what it is to cling to her faith and learn how to find joy in every circumstance. She lives with her husband and beloved dog Reese just a few hours from the ocean in North Carolina.
Lauren and I talked about the hope we have even amid great loss and how God has been so faithful to us in the last 4 years. I’d love for you to join us here to listen.
What a JOY to have you on the podcast, dear friend! Knowing you has touched my heart and change me for the better and I’m thankful God had our paths cross. <3
Lauren, I’m echoing that back at you. So heartwarming to meet such a young, gifted woman following hard after God. (and baking amazing treats of chocolate!) First of many conversations together, Lord willing.
Lisa, I love reading your words on the screen, but hearing you tell your story in your own voice–well, I’m still choking back the big lump in my throat. I can’t even point to one thing that really stuck out … it was all so poignant and encouraging. I so appreciate your transparency and your faith!
Thank you, Lois, always for your encouragement. Retelling it brings me right back to that place of such vulnerability and utter dependence on my God. <3 God is palpably present in those moments.
Lisa,
I have no words to express my feelings right now. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It truly is a blessing to hear how God has been faithful to others through their trials and how others find joy in the midst of their sufferings. It just reaffirms that we serve a gracious, loving and merciful God who cares about us so much. I will be praying for the Appelo family and I’ll see you soon! Probably at the football field! God bless you and your whole family.
Thank you, Jean! I would love to hear how God has been faithful to you as well … heard you are speaking to the women of CC? What a blessing!