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For many of us, life is a journey of discovering what truly matters. For one woman, the answer is simple: her family, her relationship with Jesus, and living out her God-given purpose. But it doesn’t stop there.
She’s passionate about seeing God use her story for His glory, believing that every challenge, every triumph, and every step of faith is part of a greater plan.
In this heartwarming article, we’ll dive into the importance of aligning our lives with what truly matters. You’ll discover how faith, family, and purpose can lead to a life full of meaning and joy—and how, like her, you can embrace your own journey, allowing God to work through your story for His glory. It’s a powerful reminder that when we put Christ at the center, our lives can shine brightly in ways we never imagined.
From Healing to Helping: How One Woman Found Her Purpose in Life Coaching Jennifer Shook, who lives in San Antonio, Texas, always knew she had a gift for listening, encouraging, and guiding women in their walk with God. From her early years, friends sought her advice, and as she grew older, it became clear that this was more than just a natural talent—it was a calling. Jennifer poured her heart into leading Bible studies, mentoring, and sharing God’s truth with those around her. But her journey was about to take a transformative turn.
In 2018, life threw a curveball when her husband relapsed after 17 years of sobriety. It was a season of deep pain and struggle, but through it all, Jennifer felt God calling her toward something greater. She knew her story—one of brokenness, healing, and redemption—could inspire and help others.
In 2019, Jennifer earned her life coaching certification but put it aside, still navigating her own journey of healing and growth. Fast forward to 2023, when God whispered a new beginning into her heart: “Start now.” Despite her hesitations, she obeyed. With faith leading the way, Jennifer took the first small steps. She launched her coaching business, encouraged by a dear friend who reached out, asking when she would begin. That was the confirmation she needed—God had brought her to the right place, at the right time. “She became my first client and we just did
it messy together,” Shook said. “Over a year later and she is still my client. I’m so thankful that I took that first step. I started working with her and then a few others, I began to gain confidence that God was calling me to do this and had gifted me. God helped me to regain my voice while I was on a healing journey and I knew that there were women He was calling me to help. Some women needed to hear my story.”
The women Jennifer works with are often wives and mothers who long to draw closer to God, to be better in their roles, and yet struggle with feeling like they aren’t doing enough. Many battle guilt, while others navigate the challenges of addiction, seeking Jesus’ healing, Shook said.
“One of the most powerful tools I use is Freedom Prayer/Inner Healing (SOZO), which
transformed my own life. Jesus gently reveals and heals the deep wounds that hold us back,
bringing true freedom. It’s a privilege to walk alongside these women as they experience His
healing love, kindness, and freedom,” she said. Growing up, Jennifer knew having a relationship with Jesus was important, but she didn’t understand grace.
“I felt trapped by rules and performance, believing I had to be the “perfect Christian girl”
to make God happy. Guilt weighed heavily on me, and I found myself constantly confessing
my sins, asking Jesus to save me again and again. I had no clue who I truly was in Christ or
what it meant to live in His freedom,” she said.
In my mid-twenties, I began to truly discover who I was in Christ, and it started with
confronting the lies I had believed for so long. Growing up in church, I was saved at 8,
baptized at 11, but I didn’t grasp the concepts of grace or identity. I thought as long as I was the
“good Christian girl” and followed all the rules, God was happy with me. And if I messed up? I
was sure God was mad at me. When I became pregnant out of wedlock at 19, my world
crumbled because I had broken the rules I thought defined my worth. I was overwhelmed
with guilt and shame. I didn’t even realize I was believing lies, but everything began to shift when I joined a Bible study called Search for Significance. I learned that the lies I had clung to about my value.
and worth were not God’s truth. He began to show me that He wasn’t angry with me. It wasn’t about following rules at all—it was about His grace. He already called me loved, chosen,
forgiven, and accepted, and none of that depended on what I did. My position in Christ was secure, and I could rest in that truth.
For over 20 years, I’ve been on this journey with Jesus, learning that I don’t have to strive or perform for His approval. But God wasn’t done with me yet. When my husband fell back into addiction, God took me even deeper into understanding my identity. I had placed so much of my
worth in my marriage, in the love story we had. We were known as the couple with the inspiring story—Scotty and Jen. But when our marriage began to fall apart, I had to face the question:
Who am I without this identity? Without our story? What if there is no “Scotty and Jen” anymore?
During this season, God used my Spiritual Life Coach, Lenay, to guide me through a process
called Freedom Prayer. It’s a practice of inviting Jesus into every part of my life, asking Him
questions, and letting Him reveal the truth. He showed me where the lies I believed began,
and He healed those wounds. At the same time, God surrounded me with a community of women who poured life into me. They reminded me of the power of my words, and they called out the gold in me—the truth of who I really am in Christ.
“This journey has been one of deep transformation. I’m learning that my worth isn’t found in what I do or in my relationships but in who God says I am. And He says I am His—fully loved, chosen, and free.”
Jennifer’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest struggles often become the foundation
of our greatest purpose. Her journey of healing in her own marriage has empowered her to
guide other women, helping them overcome their own challenges through faith and encouragement. And it all started with one small step of obedience.
Her story challenges us to reflect on our own lives. What is God calling you to do today?
What gifts have you been given to uplift and encourage others? Jennifer’s path shows us
that it’s never too late to step into your calling. Sometimes, the most significant breakthroughs
happen when you embrace the process, even when it’s hard, and trust that God can turn
your trials into testimonies.
So take heart— your story could be the light that inspires someone else to take their next step, too.
Author Kimberly Sutton is a devoted mother of three and a faithful partner to her husband of 34 years. Their journey has spanned over three decades of shared ministry, including roles as pastors, youth mentors, church planters, and missionaries, with transformative service in Paraguay. Graduating from Evangel University with a BS in Communications/Journalism and immersing herself in Spanish culture for a year in Costa Rica have equipped her to connect deeply with others. Her unwavering commitment to her Christian faith truly defines her purpose.
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