In this podcast episode 52 "The Ministry of Presence," Cherisse and her friend Christie Willumsen, explore the importance of "Being Present": with God, with our friends, and learning how to be present with ourselves too.

Christie, a self proclaimed introvert, steps way out of her comfort zone to be here and share her journey. She shares her story and of how and when her heart was captured by Jesus. We talk Introverts vs Extroverts. We talk raising children and even being a new Grandparent. We talk about the hills and valleys of marriage and how she and Bob have mentored us through the last decade of marriage and truly championed our marriage when we need it most. We talk about Grief, deep grief and how do we walk beside friends in deep seasons of sorrow. How to love them well.

She shares how this season of life has brought about "The Journey Collective" a way for her to love on her friends well through making a beautiful reminder they can see daily to show them their love and value. She shares what she is learning in this process and how these works of art are bringing light and hope out of some dark corners of life. 

Chrisite shares the power of being PRESENT with our friends in times of grief and truly how the simple act of showing up for your friends in times or joy and sorrow can be the biggest gift we can offer those we love. 

She leaves us with these words:

"It is ok to not be okay. Be willing to be honest with where you are and what you are feeling. Find a trusted person you can be really vulnerable with that will just walk with you as you process and doesn't feel the need to fix you. Have someone that allows you to say the things that you are really thinking especially when you are really struggling with the Lord." 

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Connect with Christie Willumsen

Email: [email protected]  Instagram: @thejourneyco_ 

 

Music and Worship Bands

• CU Worship: "00:14:02"
• Maverick City Music: "00:14:22"
• Upper Room: "00:14:35"

Books and Audiobooks

• The Bible: "00:20:50"
• "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer: "00:46:26"
• "New Morning Mercies": "00:45:03"

Key Quotes

• "It's okay to not be okay.": "00:55:05"
• "Find somebody you can talk to.": "00:55:16"
• "Be the friend you want to have.": "00:55:28"

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