Julie Fillinger

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Leaving a Legacy of Prayer and Blessing 

Welcome Back to Christmas Courage. I look around and see people trying to get into the Christmas Spirit, but honestly this is not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. Those suffering heartache can’t muster the strength to put on a brave front. I have been there and so have many of you. 

So, this month, every Tuesday before Christmas, I have been sharing with you some Christmas Courage. But I am not doing it alone. I have been interviewing guests that wrote blogs in the series we published this past Summer called Sunlit Stories . It was a big hit! And as it turns out, these guest authors shared some vulnerable moments that have real application for encouraging us at Christmas.  

Introducing my Big Sister 

Today, I am so excited that my big sister is with me! Please welcome Robin Cook!  Robin, even though I stole your pennies as a child, you have been through everything with me and me with you – all of the highs and all of the lows. The boys called you the good sister, Aunt Robin.  

Remember when you had to break the news to the boys you were getting married? Drew screamed, “Noooooo” (as he pounded the floor!) “I knew that Wayne was going to take you away from us.” Sydney McWaters had to talk him into being in the wedding. 

So, wouldn’t you say we have each other’s backs? Whether playing Euchre or talking sports, those girls from up North will lay it on you. 

Do you remember when I asked in our mom and sisters group text who would help me bury a body where no one will ever find it? Everyone was on board until Toni asked whose body. Then when I said Eric’s, she and Tara were like, we’re not so comfortable with burying Eric’s body. 

But you stuck with me. You said, “I’ll help you bury the body.” And I would do the same for you. Thankfully, Eric and Wayne are still with us.  

And now look at you -teaching Senior English at Cullman High School and Fellow of Jewish Studies: 

• Belfer Fellow 
• Jewish Foundation for the Righteous Fellow 
• Alabama Holocaust Education Center Steinmetz Teacher Fellow 
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation Fellow 

Is that the one taking you to Poland this Summer?  

And your most important jobs of being wife to Wayne and mother to Carter.  

Podcast Interview 

Your journey to motherhood wasn’t easy. You talk about it in your blogs that posted on June 17 ^th and July 22nd. 

Leaving a Legacy of Prayer and Leaving a Legacy of Blessing with Words.  

1. Talk about the legacy of prayer mom is leaving us. 
2. Why do you sometimes feel like you don’t live up to mom’s legacy? 
3. What have you learned about patiently leaning on the Lord? 

We have already said your journey to motherhood wasn’t easy. Leaving a Legacy of Prayer is still by far my most viewed blog this year. I think it’s because so many people were on this journey with you and wanted to read about it.

1. Will you tell us about the heartaches and the emotional toll of accepting God’s no, but then God saying yes! 
2. How has this journey impacted your prayer life? 
3. What would you say to those who may be struggling to wait on God this Christmas? 
4. How do you use your words to bless others?  

You mention our words can hurt. (And now I am rethinking my comments about burying bodies…but it’s good for all of the brothers-in-law to know, the Bowling Sisters have each other’s backs.) 

1. How do you seek God’s help to be a blessing?
2. Why do you think a kind word this time of year would help instill Christmas Courage?  

Closing 

Thank you for coming in and spreading Christmas Courage. Sharing our stories is important. It helps others not feel so alone and gives them real courage for their journey.

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