Lights on a Similar Path: ‘Awake’ Readers Reflect On Finding Their Way

About this sermon

In this moving episode, listeners share their own tender and personal stories inspired by Jen Hatmaker’s bestselling book, Awake, which debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list. The touching and heartrending voicemails from readers highlight our shared yearning to build our lives on solid foundations, our need for community and friendship, and the deeply human experiences we face through suffering and renewal. In this deeply emotional conversation, listeners recount stories of overcoming adversity and finding hope—often describing Awake as a “life raft” during their own challenging times. Jen hears, for the first time, the profound impact Awake is having on readers everywhere. Tune in for an inspiring journey through the voices of those touched by Awake—and the light we find when we walk together. Thought-Provoking Quotes: “These listener voicemail episodes are so resonant. I love them. Y'all always say the truest, most beautiful, hardest things. Honestly, I'm always grateful for your courage to come on this show and say your thing out loud.” – Jen Hatmaker “I didn’t know Jen was about to curl up in my cave and hold me close. I didn’t know her story, which I expected to be irrelevant to mine, would tell me that I am okay, normal, and I won’t stay this way.” – Anonymous listener “The best teachers don’t tell, they show. Although you say this book is not prescriptive and you’re not telling us what to do, you’ve shown us how to live a life and get through hard things with integrity, honesty, discretion, and strength. You’ve shown us how to take responsibility and ownership of our own shit. Your friends have shown us how to show up fully and unconditionally. Beautiful examples of love and friendship. Your family has shown us how to be there as an unwavering and loving presence to get through their hardest things.” – Denise, listener “My life broke apart too and thankfully I had friendships to fall back on. It wasn’t a thing where I was grateful in hindsight. I was able to be grateful for it in the moment, which is not typically how stories unfold.” – Anonymous listener Tags: Jen Hatmaker, Awake, Awake Book, Awake Podcast, For the Love Podcast, Midlife Awakening, Healing Stories, Women’s Empowerment, Faith Deconstruction, Community, Friendship, Personal Growth, Hope After Loss, Resilience, Midlife Reinvention, Self Discovery, Healing Journey Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Awake: A Memoir by Jen Hatmaker - https://amzn.to/3KDAalt 107 Days by Kamala Harris - https://amzn.to/47aZ6tb Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey - https://amzn.to/473gy1Q Fierce, Free and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You by Jen Hatmaker - https://amzn.to/48jrtXg Emily P. Freeman Podcast episode 374: Tell the Whole Truth with Jen Hatmaker - https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/374/ For the Love Podcast: A Lantern for Others in Dark Spaces: Jen Hatmaker on Sharing Her Most Tender Story - https://jenhatmaker.com/podcasts/series-64/a-lantern-for-others-in-dark-spaces-jen-hatmaker-on-sharing-her-most-tender-story/ 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker - https://amzn.to/4mTSzrM Connect with Jen! Jen’s Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen’s Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmaker Jen’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen’s Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmaker Jen’s YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy.