15 Comments
Aug 18, 2022·edited Aug 18, 2022

Just so you know. I have screwed up fried rice too - it also went to the compost bucket. I am not downplaying your feelings of belonging or self-worth at all. But you have to know you matter. I look so forward to anything you write as there is always some gift I receive from your writing. Your insight into our fragmented world many times opens me up to think differently - to understand. You matter Jeff, oh you matter! Do not ever think differently. I need Jeff Chu, the world needs Jeff Chu- please keep helping us all to grow and learn from you. I haven't watched Ted Lasso - but I will now. The failed fried rice - well that was just a reminder you aren't perfect - even though I think you are!

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I've happily subscribed! I so appreciate your not-so-fragmented thoughts and fabulous meals, and you truly are a gift to humanity. :) Thank you!

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Hey Jeff, I love your writings. You are genuine, humble, and vulnerable. I take something away from every one of them. I also struggle with worshipping God of human approval. I had a client fire me the other day because she wanted something only God can do which was fix her son's illness. My job is the place I don't fail and I did. In over 35 yrs. of nursing, I never had a complaint until the other day. I know her wishes were beyond my ability, but still feel like I failed. Need to continue to move forward and worship the God who never fails and remember its not me.

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Jeff, it is always incredibly clear how much effort and thought you put into every newsletter. I’ve too often wondered why you didn’t charge for it. Happy to be a paid subscriber. Much deserved. 👊🏼

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Your writing is like a balm for my soul. I enjoy hear about your adventures and can so relate to your humanity complete with all its people pleasing, embarrassing failures. Thank you again & again

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This was especially powerful for me this week. As always, I shared your post on my Fb page because I really believe that your thoughts are worth sharing, and because I am pretty sure that at least one of my friends will need to read your words that week. I also subscribed because Fozzie and you need treats.

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It’s such a beautiful way to support you, Fozzie and your work. I will happily do that Jeff. I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to do so, even though I haven’t said it before.

I have watched Ted Lasso, and I loved it. The humanity is heart warming and I love the way you just can’t help but find yourself rooting for these characters. Makes me want to go back and watch it again.

Kitchen foibles happen to any cook, but you already know that. I think they way you instinctively know to tie that to what is happening in the rest of your life is so wise. It comes from such a tender place. Thank you again for helping us all feel so human which is a fragile thing. You find a way to cradle it for us. I appreciate you and look forward to your writing every week.

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I was in my normal mode of scrolling past requests for donations, even those from friends like you. But then you posted the picture of Fozzie. Dang you! Diabolical, I tell you. AND that was after including the picture of a delicious, enticing, summer meal. I was a fish hooked by your lure. A helpless piece of metal pulled by the force of your magnet. A reader caught up in a novel I could not put down. An insect who did not see the spin of your web so close. Well, you get the ideaL

Okay, now the real truth … as opposed to the “reel” truth! 😊 It is a privilege to support you in your work and ministry. I look forward to the journey ahead. I might even purchase the wok recipe book you should already have planned for publication. 💕 Blessings, Jeff.

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Your newsletters are consistently thoughtful, well-written and encouraging. And I love the solution you found of keeping them free while also giving an opportunity to support you (and Fozzie) to those of us who can afford it.

I had one additional thought: I don't know if this would be too much extra hassle, but have you thought about setting up a ko-fi account? I was just thinking that there might be people who would love to support your work occasionally but cannot commit to a regular contribution.

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Jeff, thank you for letting us bless you in some small way. You deserve nothing less.

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This is so beautiful and true, especially that it is the work of a lifetime. It's also the work of therapy, which is what I liked most, I think, about Ted Lasso s2: an imperfect but wise therapist helping get the characters deeper beyond their comedic caricatures. As an enneagram 3, I wrestled with how Nate's story hit particularly hard from both sides. This is why Brene's work resonates so much for me (another Ted Lasso fan!). We have to belong inwardly, secure in our vulnerable, imperfect, authentic lives to live wholeheartedly, fully present for ourselves and others. That is so hard with that connection element, to belong in community but not to make it our god or only source of validation. Such a fine line sometimes.

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If I could bring Fozzie treats in person, I would do so! Please get him some treats and tell him they are from his Southern California friends, Dobby and Jacki (who also visit Michigan in the summer!).

And we all send prayers to him and thank you for sharing!

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Ted Lasso reminds us that kindness counts. Even in the middle of competition. I love that. I'd also love to know what the recipe is for the biscuits he makes!

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Dear Jeff,

I wish that we had the talent to express my thoughts in words , as you do . All I know to say is that I am filled up to the brim with so much gratitude for your willingness to share your story with us . Your humble yet ferocious spirit comes off the page and those words become nourishment.

Thank you , thank you, thank you . 💛

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You had me at “what we need is a robust theology of compost” at EF 2018. So much grace and honesty in what you write and speak. Worth every penny!

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