Last year, I wrote about my Summer Sabbatical and the “ache” it took for my heart to slow down to a new pace of life. In the midst of a new season of life, I begged God to give it worth. From big leadership roles and responsibilities in my old city to unpacking boxes and front porch sitting in the new one, it all felt unfamiliar and at times, a little less than.

Although I had found tremendous satisfaction in making a difference, I had also began defining myself by what I was doing. I hadn’t given enough value to who I was and gave way too much to what I was doing. Moving and slowing down meant new priorities, new perspective, and a great desire to find value in the new and where I was.

Just like in California, I started my days with a few minutes of prayer. My sweet guy affectionately calls this my “quite time” where I grab a big mug of hot tea and my Bible to take a few minutes to read, reflect, and pray. I found the days that I didn’t have my quiet time, I’d chase tasks and “to-do” lists searching for fulfillment. Yes, I could fill the time and accomplish tasks, but it still left me feeling slightly unaccomplished and empty at the end of the day.

I knew that I was a child of God and by being made in His Image (Imago Dei) gave me inherent worth and value, but I couldn’t understand why finding it was so hard. I still had great career aspirations as I unpacked boxes and searched for jobs. I still had big dreams and desires as I sipped sweet tea on the front porch. Where were they, Lord? I sometimes wondered.

As hindsight is always 20/20, I can see now that God was lining up everything so perfectly in His timing. I needed the extra time in my schedule to dream, design, and create. I needed to be reminded that small things mattered. I needed the extra time with my family. I needed to figure out what I really wanted to do. I needed to seek God for direction and purpose.

Finally in the Fall, an idea hit. All of the desires in my heart finally surfaced where I could put words around what I wanted to do. They quickly summed up to this: I wanted to start a women’s digital magazine that was Bible-based where real women told real stories and gave real godly advice. Something that wasn’t photoshopped or fixed to only show the pretty things in life. No slant, nothing fake, not completely perfect or polished, but authentic and transparent.

I dreamed up the plans (aka: wrote the business plan, designed the website, and rallied some help!) and began cashing in favors with my girlfriends. They were in!

The idea came to be called, “The COURAGEOUS & KIND Project”. Two words that no matter their faith-base, any woman could all get behind; and two things that every woman wants to be. Courageous to overcome fears and failures and kind to to one another and ourselves.

With the help of twenty-two women, we just published our first edition of the COURAGEOUS & KIND magazine. We’re working on a podcast and video library where we’ll feature dozens of women sharing their courageous and kind moments.

This project couldn’t be up my alley any more. As Founding Editor & CEO, it’s been a ton of work. I knew a startup and funding would have its challenges, as well as, video and podcast editing, and creating content. It’s come together slowly, but oh-so beautifully and I’m excited to share it with you!

I’m sure you’ll hear more about it on my blog. Please take a moment to check out our website at www.COURAGEOUSANDKIND.org and read our magazine. Sign up for our newsletter and share with us your favorite courageous and kind moment. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TheCOURAGEOUSANDKINDPROJECT.

xoxo
Jes

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:35-26

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” Isaiah 43:19a