A Family Story 2023 / To The Jacks Of All Trades
Dear Friends,
For the last twenty years or so, when people asked me what I do, I would often respond with, “I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none.”
It started as a self-deprecating way to shift the conversation away from the lack of any Western-approved proof of success, as I had very little.
Karen and I have chosen the long game—connection and family—and so I can say with great joy, we are rich in love. But that’s not what folks are typically asking about, and it rarely pays the mortgage.
“I am a jack of all trades—singer/songwriter, contractor, filmmaker, pastor, writer, waiter—master of none—house painter, worship leader, salesman, speaker, chimney sweep, podcaster” I’d say, picking whatever it was that currently paid the bills…”
Nearly ten years ago, on another resounding “Yes” from our Father, Karen and I once again jumped. But at that point, faith wasn’t a blind leap, it was a well-packed parachute.
Faith—raised as a pioneer, I once leveraged the word for bold, sexy, independent leaps. Today, faith is a wound that takes decades to heal, an old man’s scar.
We launched A Family Story almost ten years ago. A non-profit for the Western mind to wrap her arms around. But, as a jack of all trades, I could never master itinerate.
“Follow me I’d say,” as I reveled in some profoundly beautiful thought, only to lose most while pioneering the switchback. But not all. Some have said, “We’re with you, heart and soul” And, oh, how we’ve felt it. We are eternally grateful. We are rich in love…
Karen grew to dislike when I’d answer, “and master of none.” She knew it was more than a self-deprecating attempt at changing the subject. I could paper my office with rejection letters. I’m not allowed to use the word “cusp” in my house as we’ve lived on the edge of it since our first date.
Today, faith is the sneaking suspicion that life has always been the long game of love…
A couple of years ago, while procrastinating on my back deck where I occasionally write my thoughts down, I came across a meme and read the full phrase for the first time.
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
What? I thought as the whole story illuminated my soul. Deep within me, I sensed my heavenly Father’s laughter—as though He plays the long game. We are rich in love.
I ran inside to find my wife and read the whole story. She grinned like she does when she’s right. It’s stunning…
A Family Story This YearIn 2023 we continued to grow in friendship with Derek and Sarah Turner and have been blown away by the beautiful community that is growing around our podcast, Rethinking God with Tacos. By year’s end, we will have released nearly 50 podcasts with some of the most incredible people on the planet.
Karen is still connected with DreamCenter but has recently become one of the children’s pastors at River Church where Derek and Sarah lead. We love our new church family.
In the last year, I have released Leaving and Finding Jesus and also a refreshed edition of God Is (Not) In Control; The Whole Story Is Better Than You Think. I also wrote a chapter with new friends for, Free To Give—a book on giving in the revelation of grace.
My brother, Joel, and I have been writing a book series for tweens titled, I Changed The World. David and Miriam were released earlier this year. We hope to release a third, Adam, by year’s end.
Speaking of Joel, we, along with friend, Tricia Halsey, started a film company a couple of years ago. This company’s vision aligns with our non-profit—we create content that empowers connection within the family. We just signed a production deal with Angel Studios for a television series titled, A Family Story.
As we look back on this year and turn our focus to tomorrow, I am encouraged and thankful.
Today, faith is a quiet confidence that love is the long game.
To The Jacks Of All TradesOnce upon a time, I would have told you we were on the cusp of an awakening—but I don’t use that word anymore. I believe we are in the midst of a LOVE AWAKENING. We are growing sure in the long game, we are discovering Jesus’ prayer that we would be one, that we would know union, wholeness, Sozo, a reconciling love. We are not on the cusp but amid a 2000-year-old restoration project!
In 2024 I am praying for the Jacks Of All Trades—thankful for the pursuit of mastery, and grateful no one arrives. I am praying for Ofttimes Better —for the breakdowns and breakthroughs.
We are invited to join in The Whole Story, the restoration of all things. I am praying grace and wonder over you wherever you are on your faith journey.
And we want to thank you for your trust.
We want to thank you for believing with us—whether it’s prayers, encouragement, friendship, or finances, we are grateful for your generosity!
How Can You Partner With A Family Story?If you have been impacted through the ministry of A FAMILY STORY, I ask you to consider partnering with us financially.
Website and online magazine/podcast expenses.Content development (for podcasts, books, films, teaching material)Coaching/encouraging. Jason is daily connecting with folks over the phone or online to encourage and share the restoring, transforming long game of love.Writing, editing, and travel.PRAY
Pray for wisdom, favor, and grace in how to continue to pioneer. Pray and in the area of film and writing opportunities, we are still pushing into this area of influence.Pray for continued grace over writing opportunities.Thank you so much for supporting us over the years. It means a great deal to our family. We love you all!
Jason and Karen Clark
A Family Story is a 501c3
All gifts are Tax Deductible.
Website Stats for 2023
By the end of the year, we will have over 25,000 visitors and over 50,000 views (articles, podcasts pages, videos)
Podcast Numbers for 2023
We will have over 160,000 downloads/YouTube views by year’s end.
Last year, we had almost 70,000.
The total downloads/views since we launched in 2020 is over 350,000.
Social Media
Rethinking God with Tacos Facebook Group
Launched in Sept it’s grown to over 900 members
Rethinking God with Tacos Instagram
Launched in Nov it’s grown to over 200 followers
Reviews For 2023
Our Most-Read Articles For 2023 Thru Today
The Most Accepted Heresy On The Planet
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Jason & Karen Clark lead A Family Story ministries. Their mission is to encourage sons and daughters to grow sure in the love of an always-good heavenly Father. They live in North Carolina with their three children. FollowFollowFollowFollowFollowFollowFollowFollow The post A Family Story 2023 / To The Jacks Of All Trades appeared first on A Family Story.
