This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm talking with the author of Take Back Your Joy: Fighting for Purpose When Life Is More Than You Can Handle, Nicole Jacobsmeyer. Through her authenticity and the sharing of her own struggles, Nicole encourages women to keep going when all seems lost. She believes that it’s possible to find lasting joy and purpose in Christ and that He is good no matter what life brings our way. She and her husband Andrew have 4 kids and reside in NC. They love being outdoors, baking chocolate chip cookies, and playing sports.

Key Points from Our Conversation:

• Finding joy is a process. Nicole found healing from her brokenness through serving others. Your brokenness doesn't disqualify you, it enables you to help other broken people. 
• We often don't share our deepest pains, so we feel isolated. The Bible calls us to share in one another's sufferings. When we are honest, people experiencing pain around us feel seen and we can heal together. 
• Sometimes you won't be able to find joy and that's okay. In those seasons, give yourself grace. 
• “You can have joy in the worst seasons because joy isn’t being fake happy; it’s this assurance that God is with us regardless of what we go through. That He is our rock and will equip us. He is extending grace, love, freedom, and healing – all we need comes from knowing His assurance brings us that joy."
• Joy and happiness are different. Happiness is fleeting, but joy offers stability.

• Thinking of our purpose during pain is virtually impossible. In retrospect, you can see some of how God is working to use the trauma and pain for His glory. That’s all we could pray for. It’s easy to talk about Him when things are great, but when we see Him in the hard times, that’s a testimony.

• Be encouraged, this season won't last forever. It’s a journey and it’s hard, but a new chapter is coming. Keep enduring because you're pushing people to the Lord in the season you’re in now.

Let’s Get Real Practical:

Why is processing through journaling or talking so powerful?

It gets it up and out. When we stuff our emotions, they come out somewhere. So why not let them out in a controlled manner?

It helps you spot inaccurate thoughts.

It lets God and trusted loved ones into our struggle. Go to God first.

It grows our faith to look back and see how God used evil for Good.

Connect with Nicole: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook