I forget where I heard--or maybe read--this, but one time someone suggested that rather than "What would Jesus do?" a better question is "What would Jesus do if He were me?" Our God-given contexts, personalities, limitations, and abilities--in short, our identities--actually make a difference in how we might express "what Jesus would do" in any given situation.

Lately the topics of identity and wholeness have been looming large in these parts--both on Pilgrimage and at church. I've become a lot more aware of how hard it is for people to answer "What would Jesus do if He were me?" if they don't know who they themselves are.

Like a lot of Christians, maybe, I used to think the way to be a good one (Christian) was to erase myself as much as possible so all that was left was Jesus. That was fine with me because I didn't like myself very much. What I've come to realize, though, is that God always intended to express Himself and His own characteristics both through our uniqueness--as individuals and communities. And neither I myself, nor any community I'm a part of, will function very well if I have no sense of who I am.

It turns out that the closer I get to Jesus, the closer I also get to myself. I have a much more honest and realistic assessment of my limitations and shortcomings, but also a much greater experience of the grace of God. I mean, I experience God's grace more as delight in the me that I am, and am becoming, than as God's begrudging forgiveness, which is how "grace" feels communicated in some places.

The delight of God is just so lovely, I want absolutely everyone else to experience it! I'm heartened by, and honored to work with, a growing number of people who are taking intentional steps to find themselves in Jesus, too.

Considering all of the above, the timing and theme of the next Build a Better Us live panel discussion couldn't be better. I'm excited to be able to join these amazing experts and colleagues in the discussion of purpose and identity.

I invite you to join us Thursday, April 13 at 7:30pm ET for a FREE live panel with Build a Better Us directors and coaches. This dynamic discussion will focus on PURPOSE. “Who am I really?” ”What am I doing with my life?” ”How can I find my true purpose?” If you’ve wondered any version of those questions, this expert panel is for you.

Registration is free, but spots fill up fast!

There is a lot of encouraging interest in The Walk course, and it's not too late to sign up! However, not all who have verbally committed have registered. If you are planning to take this course this year, please register as soon as possible so I know if I am leading two cohorts or if I should consolidate Thursday evenings into Friday mornings. (Friday morning is definite.) I can expand the group size from six to ten, because as I have another class in the works for 2024, I predict this spring will be the only time to take this course before 2025. So please do not hesitate if the course is of interest to you.

March saw the first Jennifer A G Layte gift giveaway--a signed copy of each of my already-published books. It was fun to send them to the person who submitted the most entries (by sharing and tagging the most on social media)--an avid Listening Post participant and very supportive friend, Fayelle. Congratulations, Fayelle!

Stay tuned for a giveaway of something else in April. Between now and then, you may want to check your subscription settings here and make sure you are subscribed to "What's Up Ahead" if you want to get in on the monthly giveaway fun.

Pilgrimage Outfitters

If you're new here, you may not yet know that the Pilgrimage is the spiritual formation arm of the Build a Better Us nonprofit. As such, it financially operates primarily from the donations of generous friends like you. Spiritually/functionally we are deeply dependent on people's prayers. In April, I'm going to reinstate a brief monthly prayer bulletin separate from this and the What's Up Ahead emails. Please subscribe here or adjust your email preferences below if you would like to join the Outfitters prayer team.

Additionally, I'm at about 65% of my financial support raising goal that I expressed to BBU administration last July. Your financial partnership enables me to continue this work of helping people find themselves and further the Kingdom of God through new or renewed relationship with Jesus. Thanks for your generosity.

Please respond to this email if you would like to receive the Pilgrimage annual financial and operations report next month. It's an honor having you on the Outfitters financial team.

Thanks for reading this month's stories! I always love hearing back and reading your stories, too.

Travel well,

Jenn 🐪

Jennifer A G Layte, c/o Build a Better Us, ATTN: The Pilgrimage, 1779 Kirby Pkwy #106, Memphis, TN 38138
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Thank you for your tax deductible gift to keep the Pilgrimage offering hope and healing through Jesus to many online. Checks may be sent to Build a Better Us, memo line: Pilgrimage--at the address above, or you may donate online.