Today we’re talking about something many of us feel but rarely say out loud: loneliness. My guest is my sweet friend Janelle McGuckin, author of The Gift of With, and we’re talking about friendship, community, forgiveness, and what it takes to reach out after you’ve been hurt. Janelle reminds us that meaningful connection doesn’t require a perfect home or impressive meal. Sometimes it starts with one prayer, one invitation, and a willingness to go first.
✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In Episode 119 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with her friend Janelle McGuckin, author of The Gift of With, for an honest conversation about loneliness, friendship, and rebuilding community after relational hurt. They explore how technology can create the appearance of connection while leaving us without the deeper intimacy of being truly known and loved. Janelle shares practical encouragement for navigating forgiveness and healthy boundaries, reminding us that forgiveness does not require returning to an unhealthy relationship. Jill and Janelle also make hospitality feel approachable. Meaningful community can begin with takeout, drinks on the porch, a walk, or one simple invitation. They talk about the vulnerability of going first, creating spaces where people feel welcomed, and letting friendship with Jesus fill us so we can love others from the overflow. If community has felt difficult, this episode offers a hopeful, practical way to begin again with renewed hope.
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PODCAST SHOW NOTES:
Full episodes now out on YouTube! ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes)
🎧 Listen on
Apple
🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon)
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🩵 ABOUT US
Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God.
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🔗 LINKS
Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram
Follow Halfway to Sunday on TikTok
Follow Jill on Instagram
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📖 BIBLE RESOURCES
Verses Discussed:
Last Supper: Luke 22:14–20
Feeding the 5,000: Matthew 14:13–21
Feeding the 4,000: Matthew 15:32–39
Friend of sinners: Matthew 11:19
Jesus calling His followers friends: John 15:13–15
The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links
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📣 GUEST
Follow Janelle on Instagram
Janelle’s website
Her book The Gift of With
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🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL:
Episode #110 Joy Without Pretending w/ Kyleigh Rose
Episode #33 The Gift of With - A Conversation w/ Janelle McGuckin
Episode #101 Break Free from Spiritual Perfectionism w/ Kristen LaValley
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