02. The Imperfect Real Life: When Life Isn’t Perfect

by | Aug 13, 2021 | Podcast

In today’s podcast episode we discuss the imperfect real life–yours and mine–and how we can remain encouraged and inspired when our lives are far from perfect. And, when we share our imperfect real lives with one another, we all benefit.

Is your life perfect?

I wanted to begin today’s episode with that question, but I already knew how you’d answer. You and I live in a broken world, and because we do we experience brokenness in our lives. So I know your life isn’t perfect. And you know mine isn’t either.

As I was preparing for this episode, I was reminded of a friendship from long ago. This friend appeared to live the perfect life. I share about it in the episode and the lessons I learned from this relationship.

  1. No one’s life is perfect, no matter how it may appear.
  2. No one is exempt from real life, no matter how hard we try to avoid it.
  3. Living an imperfect real life is much better than living a pretend life.
The Imperfect Real Life

What is a real life, anyway?

Oxford Languages defines it as, “life as it is lived in reality, involving unwelcome as well as welcome experiences, as distinct from a fictional world.”

Maybe someone you know appears to be living the perfect life. And quite possibly you wonder, what’s wrong with me? Even though deep down you know no one has the perfect life, you begin to wonder why is my life not perfect like hers?

Friend, no one’s life is perfect. Not mine. Not yours. Nor your neighbor’s down the street. And neither is that person’s life who appears to be perfect so on social media. Why do I believe this? Because of what Jesus said in John.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33b NIV

We each live imperfect real lives, and as Jesus said, we each experience trouble in them. But, the hope we have is He has overcome everything we go through. Isn’t that the best news?

Your imperfect real life (and mine) is worth sharing.

And when we do, we each benefit. You’ll find more reasons why tucked in today’s episode, including others are encouraged knowing they aren’t the only ones who have an imperfect real life.

So, friend, let’s embrace our imperfect real lives together. May we share them with each other. May we be authentic and transparent with one another. And my we always thank God for our imperfect, yet beautiful, real lives.

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2 Comments

  1. karen wacker

    beautifully broken.
    perfectly imperfect

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Aren’t we all, my friend?! Thanks for your continued love, support, and encouagement!

      Reply

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Julie Lefebure
The Imperfect Real Life
Washing Windows When Your Perspective Becomes Cloudy | woman in overalls with cleaning gloves on washing a window with a cloth and spray bottle
Decluttering Your Heart When You Feel Distracted | woman at sitting with laptop on desk as she stares off to the side
Dusting Off Weariness When You Are Exhausted | woman with head on desk next to laptop and four cups of coffee
This is your reminder that God doesn’t require perfection—just your presence.

You don’t have to crush every task or look Pinterest-perfect doing it.
You’re doing holy work, even in messy buns and yesterday’s mascara. 💁‍♀️

#graceintheeveryday #workingwithJesus #reallifefaith #faithfulnotflawless #abundantlifewomen #encouragementfortoday
My good friends since 5th grade, Karen and Sheila, joined me on the podcast this week. When I asked them what suggestions they had for someone who's struggling with negative self-talk or degrading thoughts, Sheila shared her wisdom in saying to look for the positive. There's always something positive. But sometimes we get fixed on the negative instead. We need to remember the positive. 

Isn't this true? What are you focused on today? The negative or the positive? What positive can you remember today?

Find Episode 195 of the Encouragement for Real Life Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and be encouraged.

#positivemindset #ourthoughtsmatter #rememberwhatspositive #reallife #encouragementforreallifepodcast
No matter how the day began, it can still be a good day! Let's trust God with it all.

#goodday #changeofattitude #pray #trustGod #abundantlife
What do you do to change your mindset when it needs some changing?

My friends, Karen Wacker and Sheila Schulte, joined me on the podcast this week, and they both shared their wisdom and inspiration. I love what Karen said about what she does to change her mindset. This might encourage you today, too.

Take a listen to Episode 195 of the Encouragement for Real Life Podcast for more. Get ready to be inspired!

#lifewithfriends #quote #mindset #reallife #encouragementforreallifepodcast
What's that Bible verse? 📖
If your energy’s gone and your to-do list still feels long, take this as permission to exhale.

God isn’t asking for perfection—just your presence.

Rest is holy.
So is grace.

#afternoongrace #tiredheartswelcome #comeasyouare #christianencouragement #soulcare #abundantlife
Don't miss this if you could use a belly laugh today! 🤣

This is what happens when you invite on the podcast two friends who you've known you since 5th grade, Sheila and Karen. 🩵

Sheila says it perfectly,
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not enough... I’ll never get it right... I’m failing at everything”?

You’re not alone—and those words aren’t the truth.

Join us for She Speaks Life, a special morning created for women just like you—women who are tired of the negative self-talk and ready to replace it with God’s truth. Together, we’ll learn to speak life over ourselves, find freedom in our identity in Christ, and encourage one another in a space full of grace.

Come as you are. Leave refreshed, encouraged, and reminded of the power your words hold.

Bring a friend. There’s a seat for you. 💛

She Speaks Life: A Morning of Encouragement and Connection
📅 Saturday, May 3 | 9:00 - 11:00 AM
📍 Prairie View Christian Church, 400 Main Street, Norway, IA
🎟 Free Admission | ☕ Refreshments Served

#shespeakslife #womensevent #Godstruth #abundantlife #reallifefaith
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