In a recent episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, I had the joy of sharing a conversation with my friend and colleague, Rev. Jen Kiefer. As Jen shared her story of crafting and living a rule of life, I was once again struck by how God uses the raw material of our lives and seasons of brokenness to draw us into deeper freedom and greater healing. Here are a few themes from our conversation that continue to linger with me—and why they matter for all of us on our spiritual formation journey.
Belovedness as the Foundation
Jen’s story reminds us that spiritual life does not begin with effort or accomplishment, but with receiving God’s love. When belovedness becomes our foundation, everything else—service, justice, prayer—flows from receptivity rather than striving.Brokenness as a Doorway, Not a Detour
What Jen described as a “total soul collapse” became the very place where God met her most tenderly. Her story, and what she experienced is significant for each of us because it reframes weakness and exhaustion not as failures, but as sacred invitations. Our brokenness is a doorway to healing, not a detour.A Rule of Life as Invitation, Not Obligation
So many of us hear the word rule and feel pressure or shame or the weight of obligation. What Jen discovered beautifully illustrates that a rule of life is meant to be spacious, pliable, and life-giving. It’s not rigid! Instead, our rule is to provide a gentle structure that helps us notice where God is already at work.The Power of Noticing and Distilling
Jen’s months of prayerful attentiveness and journaling eventually gave way to three simple and profound words—fury, mercy, and hope. This movement toward simplicity matters because it shows how clarity can emerge over time when we listen attentively rather than rush for answers.Formation That Leads to Love and Justice
The integration of contemplation and restorative justice in Jen’s life reflects a deeply biblical vision of spiritual formation. True spiritual formation does not turn us inward alone; it sends us back into the world with courage, compassion, and a holy fire aligned with God’s heart and passion for the least of these.
When we slow down, listen deeply, and find ourselves firmly grounded on the foundation of God’s love, we discover a way of life that is both rooted and free. Jen has discovered this way of living, and I pray that you will as well.
Missed the podcast conversation? Head on over to leadershiptransformations.
