Never in my dreams did I think I would be writing because my mother was constantly correcting my grammar. I barely graduated highschool, and it took me 30 more years of adult life to attend a formal college. Currently I am wrapping up my B.A. in Psychology. Yet, for most of my adult life, I have been learning what it means to be a grown-up, to be emotionally and spiritually healthy, and a girl after God’s heart.
Working in the corporate arena wasn’t cutting it for me. In fact, it was slowly killing me. Long commutes, long days, short timelines, and a short paycheck made me feel like a hamster on a wheel going nowhere but feeling like I should have been somewhere. It was a moment with God that inspired me to walk away and walk towards Him. I became a licensed Addictions Specialist focusing on women in crisis and continued that path while working for a pregnancy care center. After 12 years in counseling and recovery I felt called to pursue my pastoral licensing, which I did, and served at a church for three years, which has led me here. Just prior to the pandemic, I stepped down to pursue my education full-time and concentrate on my writing, with the full support of my beloved husband.
My husband and I met and married later in life and it has been fun, adventurous, difficult, and healing. The best reflection of who you are is in the eyes of the person looking at you. Thank goodness God chose a patient man for me. I am blessed with two grown young men as my blessing-sons, a beautiful and wise daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, and two fur babies. I married into a big loving instant family that filled a deep void in my heart. We are not perfect but our imperfections are a sweet reminder of how much we need family and Jesus.
I first started writing when I was asked to provide my recovery testimony when I received my six month chip. Yes. I struggled with addiction and have been clean and restored for over 30 years. Writing that testimony was a powerful healing moment for me. As well, sharing my testimony was even more powerful because it was the first time I had spoken openly and honestly about my addiction struggle and my Savior. That moment set a spark that the Holy Spirit kept fanning.
It is in telling our story that we discover the powerful impact our experiences can have on others lives. Each of us have a story to tell of struggle, pain, persaverance, and triumph. Our stories reflect the overwhelming evidence that we are not alone, that God is active and present in our daily lives, and that he has plan and a purpose for each of us.
My hope is that you discover just how significant you are to God and to the world around you as you read these pages.
Bless you my sister,
Jennifer
sheissignificant.com 