|  Blog Post   |  I know I can trust it all
Justine Froelker courageous resilience

I know I can trust it all

On November 1st*, I shared with the world a dream come true—Chad and I had purchased a beautiful property to create our future retreat space, Monarch Meadows Retreat.

By February*, I had to let you know that after much planning, dreaming, and countless resources spent, we made the heartbreaking decision to put it back on the market because we couldn’t overcome the battle for rezoning.

And today, I’m here to tell you that we have finally closed on the property, ending a very frustrating process, and yes, at a significant financial loss.

First, I want to express massive gratitude to Chad and our friend and realtor Jen Bell. Your countless hours of work on both the purchase and sale of this property did not go unnoticed. I know it was frustrating beyond belief, and I am so grateful for your dedication.

Second, I don’t get to share this story wrapped up in a pretty bow with the cliché that when God closes one door, He opens another. ?

Instead, I’m sharing this because I’m being obedient—just as I was when we embarked on this journey. I know that God is good and that He loves me, even when life and my feelings try to convince me otherwise.

I honestly don’t know what the point of all this was. The hours, the work, the money, the realized dreams shared with the world, only to be literally crushed for all to see.

I feel dumb and foolish.

I also finally feel fairly neutral after quite a bit of anger, hurt, and sadness.

Most of all, I know I can trust it all.

I refuse to let heartbreaks, the world, or zoning battles steal my dreams or my faith. My entire life is a testimony to that. I have placed every loss of mine back into His hands, and this one is no different.

And so with gratitude for the glimpse of what is possible, praise for the presence, protection, and provision throughout and for whatever is to come, and total trust we let go and give it back.

Somehow, someday, Monarch Meadows Retreat will exist.

Somehow, someday, it will be even more than I dared to dream and build with this property.

Somehow and someday…

And I promise I’ll share that one with you all too.?

Author:

A Licensed Professional Counselor, Justine Froelker has over 25 years of experience in mental health, personal growth, and professional development. For eleven years, she was certified in Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy. Justine now shares her own curriculum, Courage is Built Here™. This transformative program empowers individuals to live and lead with self-awareness, authenticity, and resilience, building a foundation for courage-centered leadership. In addition to writing her blog since 2013, Justine is an accomplished author of twelve books—including five Amazon bestsellers—Justine has written across genres, from children’s books to in-depth explorations of infertility, faith, grief, and leadership. She has delivered two TEDx Talks, The Permission of the And and The Donut Effect, which highlight her unique perspective on navigating life’s complexities with grace. Justine is a sought-after speaker who travels nationally and presents virtually to global audiences, delivering keynotes, workshops, retreats, and trainings on topics such as leadership, resilience, mental health, coping with burnout, courageous and curious conversations, and fostering cultures of inclusion and belonging. Justine lives in St. Louis with her husband Chad and their three dogs. You’ll often find her volunteering at Wild Bird Rehabilitation—supporting the medical team and feeding hundreds of tiny, hungry babies during baby bird season. And during butterfly season, her home comes alive with the flutter of wings as she raises hundreds of monarch and swallowtail butterflies.

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