Sharon JaynesAccpting others, Dealing with Your Past, Forgiveness, Living Free, Never Less Than, When You Don't Like Your Story, Women in the Bible 80 Comments

The Sound of Dropping Rocks

I sat across the table from a broken friend. Her life was scattered on the coffee shop floor like spilled grounds from the bean machine. Melissa (not her real name) had had an affair, and she finally mustered up the courage to tell me the truth. I knew about some of it, but not all of it.

While listening to her through tears,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesMamma Moments with God, Motherhood, Prayer, Praying for Your Child, When You Don't Like Your Story 91 Comments

Sometimes Healing Takes Time

I like instant. I like brewed coffee in a minute or less. I like microwaved leftovers in 45 seconds or less. I like instant text, instant on-line shopping, and instant movies at the click of a button.

I’m not a fan of process but would rather have immediate results. One of my favorite words in the New Testament is “immediately.”

  • “Immediately they received their sight” (Matthew 20:34).
  •  Read more…

Sharon JaynesKnowing God, Perspective, Prayer, When You Don't Like Your Story 55 Comments

When God Throws a Little Bit of “All Things” in Your Life

I love Romans 8:28.

Now, let me be honest…sometimes I don’t.

When I am going through a dark time of loss or disappointment, and someone throws a sloppy coat of Romans 8:28 on my open wound, I just want to scream.

There. I said it.

Paul wrote: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesIdentity in Christ, Living Fully, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 95 Comments

It’s Going to Be Okay

It was one of the worst days of my life. Tragedy struck our family in the worst way and I was emotionally paralyzed. That’s when my friend, Mary, stepped in to do what I couldn’t. She made me a hotel reservation, called the necessary people, and said, “It’s going to be okay.”

“It’s going to be okay” is one of the most hope-filled sentiments I can offer to others,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesForgiveness, When You Don't Like Your Story 42 Comments

Healing on the Other 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 JaynesLiving Free, When You Don't Like Your Story 59 Comments

The Other Side of Why

My son, Steven, and I sat on the floor in his room playing a card game. The 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 JaynesWhen You Don't Like Your Story 44 Comments

Do You Want to Get Well?

Five-year-old Brooke was sitting in the backseat of the minivan while her mom and I ran errands. “Mommy,” she asked, “Is it worse to pick a scab or pick a mosquito bite?”

“You shouldn’t pick either one,” her mom replied.

I glanced back at Brooke as she tried to wipe away the bloody evidence that she had done both.  Read more…