In this episode of 12-Minute Convos with Jesus Believers, Engel Jones connects with author, speaker, and licensed counselor Rachael Joy Gilbert, joining the show from Dallas, Texas. Rachael shares an intimate, life-changing testimony that proves no one is ever too far gone for the grace of God. Though she grew up knowing about Jesus, she made a deliberate choice in high school to march in the opposite direction. Outwardly, she was the popular cheerleading captain and student council president; inwardly, she was heading toward a devastating rock bottom at age 17 where she lost all her friends and felt completely broken. In that dark valley, Jesus met her right in the mud, becoming her closest friend and anchor. 

Rachael vulnerably opens up about her initial desire to keep her head down during college, until God gave her a vivid vision: walking down a long, winding sidewalk lined with people and seeing a young girl curled up in a ball at the end. In that moment, the Lord asked, "Rachel, would you go back for the one? Would you be the woman you needed when you were going through your hardest season?" Answering that call launched her into writing, speaking, and becoming a licensed counselor. Now married for 21 years and a mother of three, Rachael shares the sweet, full-circle moment of sitting down with her daughters when they turned 17 to share her full story, even co-speaking with her 17-year-old daughter at a youth event. If you are currently feeling broken, carrying the weight of past mistakes, or wondering if God can turn your pain into a platform to help others, Rachael’s compassionate reminder that Jesus wants to meet you right in the middle of your mess will deeply comfort your soul!

Engel Jones
Podcast Host

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