I did not know her, but reading all of this, boy, am I glad she was in this world for a while. I give thanks for her and the many choices, big and small, that she made to choose Right. She will continue to inspire.
Karen, that was such a beautiful and moving tribute. Even though I didn’t know her, it is clear what a wonderful woman she was. Thankfully right now she is filled with joy in the presence of God and has no more tears or pain.❤️
Thank you for this beautifully written post, Karen. At a time when so much in our world has been turned upside down, it is comforting to know how your dear friend lived life with courage, determination, and defiant joy. To paraphrase the words of a prayer written by Padraig O'Tuama, hers was "a way of living / That's worth living daily.
Thank you for sharing. I’m not sure I have words. I will tell you I asked for that very set of books a couple of years ago for my anniversary. That text screenshot touches me deeply. My teenage daughter has read a couple of them, and now knowing this legacy makes me so incredibly grateful. You do the same thing with this very substack, but maybe you’ll have an opportunity to release more classics in the same vein one day.
I read this comment earlier, Jackie, and it moved me so greatly, I couldn’t respond right away. All I can come up with to say is “thank you.” Thank you for being part of this project and these words that are larger than life and for honoring Jen in doing so.
As someone who grew up Southern Baptist and bailed out in large part because of what I felt was its rampant hostility to the life of the mind, your tribute to Jennifer Lyell hits me where I live. That she was devoting her life to bringing intellect into the heart of the SBC before it blew up in her face is occasion for heartache. The SBC didn't deserve her devotion; thankfully, the fruits of her spirit remain for all of us.
I didn't know her but what a legacy she leaves behind. I have several of those books. What a wonderful idea. She is finally at peace. I hope her work in exposing the culture of ignoring abuse in the SBC will continue until all the predators have been named and dealt with per 1 Corinthian 5:9-13.
Sometimes one is honoured to simply have the opportunity to read about another's life, even though they won't meet each other. Thank you for sharing yours and Rachel's words about Jennifer. I was also a reading past her bedtime girl. I bet she liked the quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg that's on a bookmark I keep in my Bible, "Never underestimate the power of a girl with a book."
I was familiar with Jennifer as I have followed the stories of pastor/church abuse compounded by denial and sweep under the rug tactics. I grieve with all of her family and friends for our loss, but rejoice that she is fully healed with our Savior. Thank you for your stand and the words that you write and speak about this. It truly matters!
I’m so sorry for your loss Karen, and for the grieving that all who knew her and loved her are now experiencing. I am sorry also for the tremendous suffering she went through, but know that she is now at peace with our Heavenly Father. As a Christian, and a Baptist (but not one from the US), I am so encouraged to read about strong contemporary women, like Jennifer, who refuse to compromise their integrity (she was more than a conqueror…). She was incredible and I’m sorry that I’m only just learning about her now. Thank you for bringing her to our attention. May the Lord bless you and give you a peace that passes all understanding as you deal with this journey of grief. 😓🕊️
I did not know her, but reading all of this, boy, am I glad she was in this world for a while. I give thanks for her and the many choices, big and small, that she made to choose Right. She will continue to inspire.
Karen, that was such a beautiful and moving tribute. Even though I didn’t know her, it is clear what a wonderful woman she was. Thankfully right now she is filled with joy in the presence of God and has no more tears or pain.❤️
❤️🩹
Thank you for this beautifully written post, Karen. At a time when so much in our world has been turned upside down, it is comforting to know how your dear friend lived life with courage, determination, and defiant joy. To paraphrase the words of a prayer written by Padraig O'Tuama, hers was "a way of living / That's worth living daily.
Oh, what a worthy tribute. Thank you, Maureen!
Thank you for using your words, even if you don't believe you have enough, or the right ones, to honor your friend.
Thank you for sharing. I’m not sure I have words. I will tell you I asked for that very set of books a couple of years ago for my anniversary. That text screenshot touches me deeply. My teenage daughter has read a couple of them, and now knowing this legacy makes me so incredibly grateful. You do the same thing with this very substack, but maybe you’ll have an opportunity to release more classics in the same vein one day.
I’m praying for you.
I read this comment earlier, Jackie, and it moved me so greatly, I couldn’t respond right away. All I can come up with to say is “thank you.” Thank you for being part of this project and these words that are larger than life and for honoring Jen in doing so.
Thank you, Karen. I'm still grappling with many things--things I would prefer to not mention here--but I'm so grateful for you and for Jen.
🙏
As someone who grew up Southern Baptist and bailed out in large part because of what I felt was its rampant hostility to the life of the mind, your tribute to Jennifer Lyell hits me where I live. That she was devoting her life to bringing intellect into the heart of the SBC before it blew up in her face is occasion for heartache. The SBC didn't deserve her devotion; thankfully, the fruits of her spirit remain for all of us.
Thank you for sharing this response, David. You are not alone. Thank you for reading this and honoring Jennifer with your words.
I didn't know her but what a legacy she leaves behind. I have several of those books. What a wonderful idea. She is finally at peace. I hope her work in exposing the culture of ignoring abuse in the SBC will continue until all the predators have been named and dealt with per 1 Corinthian 5:9-13.
Amen and amen.
Goodness mercy . . .
Sometimes one is honoured to simply have the opportunity to read about another's life, even though they won't meet each other. Thank you for sharing yours and Rachel's words about Jennifer. I was also a reading past her bedtime girl. I bet she liked the quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg that's on a bookmark I keep in my Bible, "Never underestimate the power of a girl with a book."
💙
I was familiar with Jennifer as I have followed the stories of pastor/church abuse compounded by denial and sweep under the rug tactics. I grieve with all of her family and friends for our loss, but rejoice that she is fully healed with our Savior. Thank you for your stand and the words that you write and speak about this. It truly matters!
Thank you for reading this and honoring Jennifer with me.
That's beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
🩵
Lovely, Karen
Thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Patricia.
I’m so sorry for your loss Karen, and for the grieving that all who knew her and loved her are now experiencing. I am sorry also for the tremendous suffering she went through, but know that she is now at peace with our Heavenly Father. As a Christian, and a Baptist (but not one from the US), I am so encouraged to read about strong contemporary women, like Jennifer, who refuse to compromise their integrity (she was more than a conqueror…). She was incredible and I’m sorry that I’m only just learning about her now. Thank you for bringing her to our attention. May the Lord bless you and give you a peace that passes all understanding as you deal with this journey of grief. 😓🕊️
Thank you for your kind words and your encouragement to know that we aren’t alone in this sorrow and the larger ones around it.
Wow. What a beautiful person. I can’t wait to meet her and talk to her in Heaven.
🩵