Sweet Like Jasmine takes readers on Gray’s heart-breaking journey of faith after, at age 39, finding her long-forgotten birth certificate that sparked something that could not be ignored. She set out and uncovered family secrets found her childhood home and the father who left her when she was seven years old. As she returned to the places, culture, and stories that shaped her life, Gray realized that it’s only when we learn to embrace the truth of our past that we can finally make sense of our present and celebrate what truly matters.
I was following everyone else’s journey, except my own. I gave up on myself,” writes Gray. “But God didn’t give up on me. He tenderly gathered all the broken fragments I tried to throw away.” He whispered, ‘What no one wants, I cherish. You are worth loving. You are My beloved.’”
Unhurried in Order to Heal our Hearts
In this powerful episode, “Unhurried to Heal our Hearts,” author Bonnie Gray shares her powerful story.
I was introduced to Bonnie way back in the day when she wrote, “Finding Spiritual Whitespace.” Just take a look here and drink in the peace.
So you can imagine my ecstatic response when Bonnie said, “YES,” to be on the podcast. She is a jewel and I am so excited to share her story and presence with you all.
In this episode, you will:
- Hear Bonnie’s story and hopefully her story will inform your story.
- Recognize that you don’t have to “hide” your mental health challenges.
- Understand the powerful influence a mother has on your formation.
- Be inspired to trace God’s hand in your own life story.
- Be invited to unfold like the beautiful jasmine flower.
- Realize your value, worth, and dignity, despite the negative, limiting beliefs that have been spoken over you.
- Start your HEARTLIFTING JOURNEY today.
This week’s resources
Sometimes the story we tell ourselves is not really true. Sometimes the story others tell about us is not really true. On “Today’s Heartlift with Janell,” Author, Trauma-informed, board-certified marriage and family specialist, and Professional Heartlifter, Janell Rardon, opens conversations about how emotional health and mental fitness effects absolutely every area of our lives. When we possess and practice healthy, strong, resilient emotional health practices, life is so much better. Read Janell’s newest book, “Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You.”
Janell welcomes Aundi Kolber, a Licensed Professional Counselor and author, to explore how the flow of strength helps us move beyond trauma to true flourishing. Aundi reminds us ”that seeing resurrection is no small thing.”
• Aundi explains the ”window of tolerance” – the optimal zone where we can feel emotions without being overwhelmed.
• Trauma can narrow our window of tolerance, making us feel unsafe even when we're secure.
• The ”flow of strength” moves us from situational survival responses to integrated strength that combines fierceness with tenderness.
• Our nervous systems need ”metabolization” to process difficult experiences into long-term memory rather than fragmented triggers.
• Practical grounding techniques help orient us to present safety when we feel activated by past trauma.
• Practicing simple awareness techniques, such as ”I am aware of the light coming through my room,” helps regulate our nervous system.
• True strength is ”the capacity to meet life's challenges,” not suppressing emotions or white-knuckling through difficulty.
• ”We work FROM love, not FOR love” – our value doesn't come from how well we heal.
• Self-compassion practices might need to start with small steps if safety feels threatening after prolonged trauma.
Explore more through Aundi's books ”Try Softer,” ”Strong Like Water,” and ”Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days.” Order them here.
Watch Aundi as she describes what it means ”to try softer.” Aundi on YouTube.
Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:
- Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
- Download the ”Overcoming Hurtful Words” Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
- Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
- Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
- Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
- Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International
This is literally the best podcast on ITunes . Healing Strength and wholistic mind-body-Spirit ministry. You’ll want to get out the serving spoon and dig deep into the richness of this. Unhurried Holiday series is Phenomenal and what I need to infuse into my everyday life. I love you @ Janell Rardon . You are a gift to my ears and a voice that needs to be heard beyond church walls #heartlifters
Oh dear Amber, after a long week, your words lift my heart and spirits. Sending you BIG HUGS and a BIGGER HEARTLIFT this holiday season.