06/18/2026
God kind of tricked me into going to church.
I was a professional actress, and the SAG-AFTRA unions were on strike. I needed a way to support myself, so I prayed a simple prayer. "God, I'm tired of focusing on my appearance and having the right connections. Could I work for you? Oh, and could I do it within 10 minutes of my house?"
Within a short period, I ran into a gal I went to Awana with when I was young. She invited me to her church. Long story short, I ended up getting hired as the worship coordinator.
(FYI - I wasn't saved.)
I started to learn about God's love for me, and I was overcome. I thought this was the best job ever!
I gave my life to Jesus. And I left my successful acting career.
Less than a year later, the Senior Pastor said very inappropriate things and invited me into an affair. I told the Elders, and He admitted it. But they kept him as Sr. Pastor, so I resigned.
The feeling of betrayal was deep, but the intimacy with God increased and gave me a greater sense of freedom.
Why do I tell you this?
Because I know you have a story too.
And they make us who we are.
We all have had experiences that have put us on a new trajectory. Some of these things were painful because we did something. Other times, it was because someone else did something.
Those experiences can make us feel stuck. And the opposite of freedom.
God's Word says that He works all things together for our good. I believe Him.
I'm 100% committed to sharing what God has done to help me walk in more and more freedom in Christ.
My definition of freedom isn't so much about what we get free from, but who we are free to be and do ... those things were determined before we were born. Freedom is being who God created you to be.
What if we looked at it this way - Instead of being free FROM the pain of the past but free TO enjoy life? Instead of being free FROM unforgiveness, what if we were free TO love? Focusing on what we are free to do is much more productive and joyful!
Because whatever we focus on, we give power to.
I encourage you to spend time with the Lord in prayer and let Him show you who you were created to be.
Feel free to comment and let me know what God shows you, too!
Much love,
Jill
Have you joined me in the Facebook Group Freedom Community with Jill Monaco yet? I'd love to get to know you there!