We are all tempted to put our false self forward to some degree, especially in today’s social media culture. Often, we do this under the guise of being ‘nice’. Even though she had an authentic relationship with Christ, Jilliann failed to recognize that she was inauthentic in most of her other relationships – for decades. Why? Because she was stuck in performance/pleaser/perfectionist mode.

Jilliann’s impactful and practical message will explore ways to: 

• Express yourself honestly without fear of being rejected
• Experience freedom from anxiety when you dare to be authentic
• Embrace and accept the whole person God divinely created you to be
• Endeavor to be real – so that God may reveal His character through you – which is your divine calling…

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

“Genuine self-knowledge begins by looking at God and noticing how God is looking at us. Grounding our knowing of our self in God’s knowing of us anchors us in reality. It also anchors us in God.” – David Benner, ‘The Gift of Being Yourself’

It can begin without our awareness, a growing dependence on something that develops into a devastating addiction, a compulsion.  It can be an eating disorder or substance abuse or pornography or gambling or sex or shoplifting or cutting yourself. It can even be an addiction to oppression because you don’t know how to function out from under the control of another person. Whatever it is, it is not what God intended for our lives.

In her decades-long battle to overcome relationship addiction, Jilliann discovered the depth and breadth of God’s love for her. Despite her many wrong choices and the sin in her life, God did not give up on her, but was present and waiting with arms-wide-open each time she turned to Him.

In this inspiring presentation, Jilliann shares the hard truths of her journey to overcoming addiction and the soul-healing and freedom she enjoys today. She offers practical ways to maintain freedom from addiction through total surrender to God. He is there for with love for all, even the repeat offenders and those who don’t yet trust Him.

Women will leave encouraged and equipped with the tools they need to tap into the reality of God’s unfailing love, and with the knowledge that He alone can empower them to overcome and enable them to live a life of freedom from addiction.  One day at a time.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew and 6:34

Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

What do we do when we’ve suffered an offense that shattered us, one that altered our life? Something that happened which we were powerless to prevent or control? What if the person or persons responsible didn’t care and were not sorry and were never held accountable? This may not have happened to you, but to someone close to you who you fiercely love – your child or sibling, parent or spouse.

We as Christians know we are called to forgive. Not forget or excuse, but to forgive.

What if we don’t? What if, in our brokenness, we feel unable to forgive?

Jilliann spent much of her life in close relationship with a family member who not only withheld forgiveness, but harbored and nurtured unforgiveness for accumulated offenses as it turned into resentment and an ugly root of bitterness. For a lifetime.  What did that look like? How did the bitterness of one individual affect those in her sphere, and cause a ripple affect of pain and regret?  

Where was God in the equation?  

In this dynamic message, Jilliann offers an overview of the dark side of unforgiveness that is eclipsed by the transformative power of trusting God enough to forgive – even the worst imaginable offense.  She offers hope and encouragement by outlining the practical steps we can follow to come to a place of willingness to forgive. The reward is the release from bondage into freedom and the healing of our heart’s ache. And best of all, a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.    

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

In this most personal of messages, Jilliann engages her audience with a level of transparency and candor that will resonate with every woman who has experienced an unhealthy relationship that dominated her life.  One that took precedence over every other relationship, even with God. It may be or have been a parent, a pastor, an employer, a love interest or a spouse. Anyone in a position of power over her life.

With compassion and warmth, Jilliann traces the path of vulnerability, attachment, dependence and finally – obsession. The overwhelming desire for approval that opens the door to idolatry. She touches on the consequences of allowing another person to slip into a position between yourself and God.

Women will relate to the universal desire for love and respect and security as Jilliann shares parts of her own story.  A life sidetracked by seasons of idolatry. Until the day of reckoning, when everything changed – and freedom, joy and fulfillment replaced longing and despair.

God did not give up on the Israelites when they repeatedly turned to idols after each time he pursued, rescued and restored them. His love remained steadfast. Jilliann will leave women with an inspiring message of hope no matter their history or current circumstances:

• We are pursued by God
• His love is unconditional and intentional
• His desire is relationship with us
• He deserves first place in our lives

…and will bless us beyond what we ask with the desires of our heart

Prayer for Spiritual Strength – Ephesians 3:14-20 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father….that according to the riches of His gory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ, that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.  

• Victory in the Fight of Your Life (Women in Recovery)
• Lessons in Courage from Women in the Bible