Sharon JaynesLiving Fully, Relationships, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 24 Comments

God Puts to Use What He’s Put Us Through (and What We’ve Put Ourselves Through)

Chris, one of my friends, was in a seminary class when someone raised his hand and asked the professor: What is your best advice on how to be a good pastor?”

“Empathy,” the professor replied. “Have empathy.”

Then Chris raised his hand. “How do you get empathy?

With a trace of sad knowing in his eyes,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 43 Comments

The Healing Side of Heartbreak

I watched my friend, Patricia, struggle through more than twenty years of a difficult marriage. Her husband left three times during the two decades—once before their three children were born, and twice after. They lived through nineteen different homes in multiple cities, revolving jobs, rumored affairs, cycles of financial plenty followed by financial deficiency. Eventually, after twenty-three years, Rodney packed his bags for the last time and left.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesTrusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 36 Comments

The Other Side of Why

My son, Steven, and I sat on the floor in his room playing a card game. This summer was proving to be the best ever. Our golden retriever, Ginger, had just delivered seven adorable puppies, Steven was enjoying his sixth summer of life, and after four years of negative pregnancy tests, God had surprised us with a new life growing inside my womb.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesExpectant Living, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 21 Comments

Getting a Heavenly Perspective on Earthly Problems

My husband woke one morning with a nostalgic urge to revisit the small North Carolina town where he spent the first eight years of his childhood. At family gatherings, he and his twin brother recounted endless stories of playing kick-the-can and baseball in their front yard, which was “at least the size of a football field.”

They recalled long hardwood hallways where they slid sock-footed,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesRenewing your mind with the Truth, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 42 Comments

Why Your Story Matters

Poor Daddy. He just couldn’t shake it. Shame weighed him down like a dead body strapped to his back. No matter how many times I told him that God loved and accepted him just the way he was, he couldn’t believe it. That kind of grace was unfathomable, unthinkable, unbelievable . . . especially for a man like him. I wonder if you know someone like him…or maybe have been someone like him?  Read more…