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
Welcome to The Heartlifter Way—a gentle path back to yourself.
Hosted by award-winning author Janell Rardon, this podcast is a calm, reflective space where healing begins not with pressure or perfection, but with presence, awareness, and grace. Rooted in a somatic, mind-body approach, each episode invites you to reconnect your thoughts, feelings, and body—learning to move from overwhelm and anxiety into a steadier, more grounded way of living. Through gentle teachings on nervous system regulation, emotional healing, and embodied awareness, you’ll begin to live The Heartlifter Way.
In this gentle conversation with Elizabeth Berget, author of ”Love Like a Mother: How the Sacred Work of Motherhood Reveals the Maternal Heart of God,” we continue exploring how enlarging our understanding of God’s maternal tenderness can transform the way emotionally weary women experience faith, healing, and belonging.
Together, we reflect on the sacred work of nurturing, caregiving, carrying, comforting, and remaining present through suffering—and how these deeply human experiences mirror the compassionate heart of God.
This conversation invites us to move beyond harsh or striving images of spirituality and rediscover a God who gathers, comforts, nourishes, and stays near to the weary.
If you have ever longed to experience God as safe, gentle, emotionally present, and compassionate, this episode offers a healing invitation into a more embodied and tender faith.
Because perhaps divine love has always been more nurturing, attentive, and compassionate than we realized.
🤍 The Heartlifter Way
Visit Elizabeth's website and order her powerful book: Elizabeth Berget
Visit Janell's revised and revitalized website: Heartlift Wellness
Join a community of thoughtful women on The Heartlifter Way: Heartlift Wellness on Substack
Order Janell's most recent book: Stronger Every Day
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.