Jessica G.

Today, Jessica speaks to us about how God works out everything for good.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I’m from Detroit, MI. I grew up in a Christian home. My parents are inner city missionaries, and my dad is a minister at the church I grew up at. I feel like I had this unique experience of Christianity, the hood, and black excellence, all rolled into one.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: John 15:1-17 always. Such a good reminder of how we need to always be abiding in Jesus.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Letting go of control and remembering that God has my back.

Profession: Mental health therapist.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Don’t worry, God got you

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? This is hard for me to say because I remember feeling like giving my life to Christ at 4. But when I got to college, I experienced Him in a while new. I had strayed away and was doing my own thing, but He was right there waiting for me when I fell on my face just like the prodigal son’s father.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? I’m a lot less judgmental and more willing to give people second chances.

“I’m a lot less judgmental and more willing to give people second chances.”

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? When I first moved to Ohio after getting married, I was having trouble getting licensed as a therapist coming from another state. My depression was getting worse, and I wasn’t spending time with Him. But He was still working behind the scenes for me, working everything out for my good despite my lack of trust. He kept me safe from my own dark thoughts through my husband and my community.

“But He was still working behind the scenes for me, working everything out for my good despite my lack of trust.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? This pandemic has taught me I am in no way shape or form in control *laughs*. So I have no choice but to trust God lol.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer, and it’s teaching me how to gain more control over my negative thoughts. 10/1 would recommend.

Top three essentials: Phone, Netflix, I feel like I’m supposed to say my Bible.

How did God speak to you recently? Through nature helping to calm my spirit through a gentle breeze

Hobby: Binge watching Netflix.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Stay in your Word; Stay in pray; Stay in authentic community.

Favorite person in scripture? Esther because sis came through when her people needed her most, and I love how God brought her into a position of power for such a time as this!

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That God is loving, kind, fun, and creative.

How do you engage with your community? Before this pandemic, we’d take big groups to the movie. But trying to hangout together and texting for sure.

Favorite holiday? I love Christmas with all my heart.

A goal you have? To open up my own counseling practice one day.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Reading the Christmas story in the Bible before we open our gifts.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Can I see the whole Bible play out how it did in real life? Can I see the day I was born? Can I do gymnastics like Simone Biles?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Mental health medications are okay, and you’re not crazy if you need them.

What does your morning routine consist of? Begging God to help me wake up, spending time with Him, working out, and getting ready for work.

What is on your nightstand? I technically don’t have one; my husband uses the one we have.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Being in a relationship with Christ and letting Him be king of your life.

For more Jessica:

YT: Wholistic Healing

IG: @wholistic.healing 

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX