Like a lot of people I really struggled through parts of 2016. The first half of the year was not great for me. I struggled with a lot of anxiety and restlessness and was a little depressed. I couldn’t get out of my own head but I also couldn’t figure out why. Of course my momma wouldn’t let me stay in that space and forced me to confront some things I didn’t really want to, mainly feeling like I wasn’t as far in life as I felt like I should be. My confidence, self-esteem and self-worth were at a low. Following lots of Jesus time, conversations with my parents, changes in some habits, & priorities and a week at a YL camp (which was as much for me as it was for my girls), a shift began to happen and I was definitely on my way back to “normal” Haley.

Fast forward to October. If you’ve spent any time with me, you know this guy has been one of the most influential speakers in my life the last 3-4 years. @judahsmith released his latest book, “How’s Your Soul” and I dove in instantly. Every word on every page spoke directly into what I had been feeling and going through. Even as a lifelong believer, my soul had not been at rest. I was looking for affirmation in all the normal girl things: my job, living arrangement, relationship status (or lack there of), etc.

Once the craziness of the holidays subsided, I reached out to a few friends I’d been meaning to catch up with. As I got together with each and we chatted about life, I began to let them into my 2016 journey. I told them each about my struggles and then what I felt like Jesus was showing me. All of them said the same thing: that they were struggling with the EXACT SAME FEELINGS. It all stemmed from one thing: a soul not at rest. It made me realize what we were all missing out on: a vulnerable community. When you and your friends are struggling with with the same types of things but none of you know each other is, there’s a problem.

So thank you Pastor Judah for writing this book and teaching me the difference between asking “How are you?” and “How’s Your Soul?” Basically people, read this book!