In this episode of "Rhythms that Restore," host Cherisse welcomes her friend and mentor Ramona Jackson, a licensed attorney, CEO and Founding President of The Women's Advocacy Center in Memphis, to discuss the importance of Sabbath rest. Ramona shares her personal journey of faith, emphasizing the need to find rest in God amidst life's busyness. They explore the purity of children's faith, the impact of trauma on our lives, and the transformative power of relying on God's strength.

Ramona highlights the founding of The Women's Advocacy Center in Memphis, Tn in 2018 and the significance of the practice of making space for Sabbath rest in her life. The episode underscores the importance of trusting in God's love and grace for true restoration and renewal.

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**The introduction (00:00:03)** Cherisse introduces the podcast and the special guest, Ramona Jackson, and sets the stage for the discussion about the importance of Sabbath and rest.

**Starting with Scripture (00:02:27)** Cherisse reads Psalm 139 and discusses how it reflects Ramona's story and the importance of God's presence in every aspect of life.

**Introducing Ramona (00:04:24)** Cherisse introduces Ramona, highlighting her professional accomplishments and personal attributes, and shares her excitement for the conversation.

**Ramona's Personal Journey (00:10:07)** Ramona shares her personal story, including her introduction to Jesus as a young girl, her experiences with domestic abuse, and her journey to know and walk with God.

**Supporting Women in Trauma (00:16:25)** Ramona discusses her approach to helping women who have experienced trauma, emphasizing the importance of listening to the Lord's guidance and providing support that points back to Christ.

**The Birth of the Women's Advocacy Center (00:20:32)** Ramona reflects on her realization of the need for rest and reliance on God's strength, as well as the exhaustion she felt from constantly striving, leading to the founding of the Women's Advocacy Center.

Each timestamp provides a clear overview of the topics covered in the podcast transcription segment, using Markdown for formatting.

**The importance of rest (00:22:54)** Ramona discusses the need to come away with God to find rest and be filled up to pour out again.

**Surrendering to the Lord (00:24:12)** Ramona and Cherisse talk about surrendering the weight of their responsibilities to the Lord and finding peace in His control.

**Trusting God's sustenance (00:25:17)** Ramona emphasizes how Sabbath rest helps to acknowledge God's sustenance and release fear of not being in control.

**Tangible acknowledgment of rest in Jesus (00:26:28)** Ramona shares how rest in Jesus transforms life, providing rest from anxiety, fear, and depression.

**Trusting God with time (00:28:34)** Ramona discusses the concept of trusting God with time, similar to tithing, and the need to try and see God's provision.

**Starting the Sabbath journey (00:30:05)** Ramona advises starting small, giving time to meditate on God's word, and allowing the Sabbath to be directed by the Lord.

**Personal Sabbath experiences (00:32:07)** Ramona shares her Sabbath experiences, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Lord to lead and dictate the rest.

**Fruit of Sabbath rest (00:36:12)** Ramona reflects on feeling refreshed, at peace, and discerning better after Sabbath rest, leading to growth and understanding.

**Honoring God through Sabbath (00:38:38)** Ramona discusses how observing Sabbath honors God and acknowledges His gift of rest.

**God's delight in rest (00:40:24)** Ramona compares the need for rest to caring for children, emphasizing God's desire for His children to rest.

**Encouragement to the younger self (00:42:26)** Ramona shares the advice she would give to her ten-year-old self, emphasizing God's love and the planting of seeds for the future.

**Sabbath prayer (00:45:02)** Cherisse reads a Sabbath prayer, asking for true rest and God's blessing on them and their loved ones.

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Contact Romona Jackson via email: rjackson@womensac@org

 Find out more about The Woman's Advocacy Center in Memphis, Tn 

www.womensadvocacycenter.org 

The Womens Advocacy Center Phone: (901) 896-9055

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