This is How Estherly.

Strength + Beauty … for just a time as this.

My Family (from left to right): Andy, Addison, McKenna, Liberty, Me, and Eleanor

Spirit lead me… these are the words to one of my favorite Christian songs of the past decade, and it is a song that was prophetic for me during one of the hardest times for our family – my husband’s deployment to Afghanistan.  The lyrics also echo Galatians 5:15 that says, “Stay in step with the spirit” – a verse that a dear friend of mine brought to my attention at a dynamic turning point in my life. I had no idea what that meant at the time, and it was through seeking the Lord to find answers, that He broke through and opened my eyes to a new level of who He is and what He can do in our lives.  

As I sat down to draft this introduction of who I am and what I hope to share with you, these words by Hillsong came to me again.  Spirit lead me. Lord, help me to share in a way that will be engaging and interesting and truthful and woven together with love and life and goodness.

There’s so much I could say about myself- from how I was raised, to my years of running from God in search of relief from emotional pain, to my marriage and finding myself in motherhood and raising four girls, but I hope to share much of this with you in future blog posts on How Estherly.

For now, I’d like to share the vision I have for this blog that has been created by three friends who bring such giftings and depth and a heart for women.  How Estherly was born almost effortlessly through many text messages, Facebook collaborations, and play dates. It was one of a million ideas that jump through my mind, and there were two women I immediately thought of teaming up with to make the idea a reality.  So I asked, and they were on board. We are three military wives, each from a different branch of service, each with two or more kids. Our heart is to share our journeys with you, in hopes that we can help lighten the load that is womanhood. That we can share some of what we’ve learned and hope to redefine feminism for this generation.

Women are a beautiful creation, and we were made for such gloriousness.  We don’t want to see this get lost as the pressures mount to be everything to everyone.  We have the potential to be so much more. God made us specifically for a purpose. We are strong and soft, honest and kind, faithful and brave.  Our friends need us. Our husbands need us. Our kids need us. Our world needs us.

I’d like to introduce you to our brand of womanhood. The Estherly Women. I am excited you are here.

God bless you and buckle up.

Love,

Jill