Jade B.

I am excited to introduce you to Jade, today. We sat near each other in our high school psychology class, and she was kind enough to offer my family her place, as a safer shelter, during hurricane Irma. She is an amazing person, and you will see that below. Jade shares with us thoughts on giving, her dreams of writing, why autumn means so much to her, and how God is guiding her into a new season.

Jade B.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV I have this verse on the main wall in my house. I feel like this is my life verse.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Committing to the “First 15.” I’m a terrible morning person, but I’m trying to get up early everyday and spend a minimum of 15 minutes with God. I find that I’m much more peaceful throughout the day when I do.

Profession: I’ve been a hairstylist for the last 7 years. I never thought I would be in this profession, but I love the creative aspect, and I love my clients!

A one sentence bio of yourself: Just a girl who is an avid reader, loves traveling, and music, and wishes kale tasted like mashed potatoes.

When did you first encounter God? I remember being seven years old in a church (that no longer exists) in Houston Texas. I gave my life to Christ right there in a decision I made for myself. But I don’t think it was until high school that I really experienced Him. I had been dealing with a lot during that time, and I answered an alter call for suicidal thoughts, confusion, and depression. My pastor immediately came up to me and started praying and I just started sobbing. He told me that he saw a “black hole” trying to suck me in, the enemy was in a fight for my soul. I asked God for help, and I felt this peace I had never felt before. Literally, a hundred pounds off my chest. I can’t even describe it. But there was no doubt in my mind it was God. I went from suicidal to crying tears of joy in less than a minute. Only God can do that.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Surrounding myself with godly influence. Choosing friends who support my faith. People I can trust, who won’t judge, but also will tell me what I need to hear and hold me accountable.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): 100 Days to Brave by Annie F. Downs. My word for this year was fearless. I have dealt with fear and anxiety most of my life. This year, I will make my fears obey God. The book focuses on the little things we do every day to be brave. And that sometimes, just getting up everyday and facing the day is just as brave as slaying a Philistine.

“Sometimes, just getting up everyday and facing the day is just as brave as slaying a Philistine.”

Top three essentials: Phone (I’m working on this addiction), water bottle, and chapstick.

How did God speak to you recently? I feel like I’m on the precipice of a new season. I keep hearing God tell me that I needed to bring certain hurts into the light. Naturally, it’s scary so I’ve been avoiding it. But tonight, as I was scrolling through Facebook, Christine Caine posted “Don’t forget to remember, what you don’t reveal cannot be healed” Got it, God. I’m on it. Heard you loud and clear.

“Don’t forget to remember, what you don’t reveal cannot be healed”

Hobby: I love to read. Last year, I read over 75 books. I’m going to try to beat that this year.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Staying in the Word even if it’s just a few verses or a short devotional. Praying, keeping a list of what you want to pray for helps you not forget and gets the momentum rolling. And surrounding yourself with good people. Iron sharpens iron, and sometimes we need other people to help carry our burdens with us for a season.

“Iron sharpens iron, and sometimes we need other people to help carry our burdens with us for a season.”

Favorite person in scripture? David. The Bible says David was a man after God’s own heart. But yet he made some horrible decisions. Which is comforting because I’m pretty sure I mess up everyday. I want to be more like David in the aspect that he had the desire to follow God relentlessly. I love his story because it shows that God will use you for His purpose regardless of your mistakes. There are definitely some rough parts to David’s story which we see in the beautiful yet emotional roller coaster of the Psalms, but I love it because it’s real. David never sugar coated his faith and his struggles. It was raw, and sometimes painful and we can all relate to it.

“There are definitely some rough parts to David’s story which we see in the beautiful yet emotional roller coaster of the Psalms, but I love it because it’s real.”

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have all your stuff together. There is nothing that you have done or will do that disqualifies you from His love, grace, and salvation.

“There is nothing that you have done or will do that disqualifies you from His love, grace, and salvation.”

Favorite season? Fall! I’m about as “basic” as they come. Sweaters, Ugg boots, and pumpkin spice everything! But mostly, fall has always been more of a transitional period in my life. So, it holds very deep emotions for me.

Favorite holiday? It’s a tie between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Jesus all season and plenty of food.

A dream you have? I have always wanted to write a novel. I’ve been a writer since I was young. I would fill notebook after notebook of random ideas. I used to dream of living in a loft or cozy apartment in New York and write for a major magazine. But God has me here for a reason, so I’ve learned to be happy where I am, even though I haven’t given up on that dream just yet.

“But God has me here for a reason, so I’ve learned to be happy where I am, even though I haven’t given up on that dream just yet.”

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: My family was never one for traditions, so after I had my daughter, I decided we would make our own. Every year, we sponsor a family or a child off a tree at Christmas. I want my daughter to realize that Christmas is not about getting. It’s about giving.

“Every year, we sponsor a family or a child off a tree at Christmas. I want my daughter to realize that Christmas is not about getting. It’s about giving.”

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? So once I’m there, I’m 100% sure this won’t matter, but I really want to know what exactly happened to the dinosaurs and if they were originally in the Garden of Eden. It’s fascinating to me.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Oh my so many things! Currently though, I’ve been following Todd Sondgroth, who started The Change a Heart Foundation. They are about to do a 35 mile “Transformation Trip Walk for Water” to raise money to purchase a water drilling machine for Haiti. Many people in Haiti have no access to clean water or have to walk long distances to reach it. This machine will help them drill for clean water near their homes. It’s things we take for granted here in the US. Something as simple and necessary as water.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Devotional time, shower, get ready for work, get my daughter ready for school, drop her off and at work ready to start my day.

What is on your nightstand? I don’t have a nightstand! How crazy is that? But beside my bed on the floor, I have Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and 100 Days to Brave by Annie F. Downs. Two devotionals I am doing right now. And of course my phone charger and a water bottle.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Salvation, acceptance, grace, unconditional love, and FREEDOM.

For more Jade:

Blog: jademlive.wordpress.com
Insta: @ace_of_jades

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO