Made For This Podcast-Episode 14: Marsha Tennyson and Sarah Hill
Hey everyone!
On this episode I have the profound privilege of introducing you to two women who are a part of Chrysalis Transitional Living, an amazing organization that "provides safe and sober housing for adult women in a healthy, positive, faith-based environment". These women have recently been incarcerated, and have often experienced significant trauma in their past such as homelessness, abuse, and/or chemical dependency. Chrysalis welcomes these women and walks alongside them as they begin a journey toward faith and healing.
I absolutely love this organization. My family and I have had the privilege of serving at Chrysalis numerous times over the past decade and I am thrilled to introduce you to my two guests and to shed some additional light on this incredible program.
Today you will hear from Marsha Tennyson who is the founder and director of Chrysalis, and you will also hear a powerful testimony from my new friend Sarah who is currently a part of the Chrysalis program. It's so fitting that our conversation is airing on Easter week as it is such an incredible illustration of how our God is a great redeeming God! He extends unconditional love and grace to all of us and this episode illuminates that truth in such an inspiring way.
I know you will be so moved by the work God is doing in and through both of these women and through Chrysalis. I can’t get over how personal our loving Father is that He sees us in our darkest places and hardest circumstances and draws us to Himself. And I absolutely love that on a Podcast called “Made For This” about how each of us are created on purpose, for a purpose, we get to hear how God planted a seed in Marsha’s heart at a young age for the work He would eventually call her to do. And with Sarah, he spoke to her through a song, hearing her desperate cry from an difficult place saying, “You were made for so much more than this”.
He’s calling each of us to a life of purpose. I pray that these stories encourage you to wake up each day knowing that you are seen, you are known, and that God desires to have a relationship with you. He created you with unique and intentional gifts that will allow you to carry out the purpose He has for you through His matchless power and grace.
After reflecting on my conversation with Sarah and Marsha, my thoughts are turned toward Psalm 139. And while this may be well known and familiar, I hope you let the truths wash over you afresh today. May you know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God’s presence is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 139 (ESV)
"1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!"
I invite you to leave a comment in the comments section! I'd love to hear how their stories inspired you! Or you can always write to me at: info@julieturnermusic.com
Here are the links to today's episode:
Have a great week everyone!
Julie
