Hi! My name is Sherry Jones and here is my story!
I met him the day he got out of prison! A friend of mine introduced us. She gushed about how great he was, and I was drawn in by his charm. I didn’t think about the fact that he was fresh out of confinement. I didn’t ask why he went. I just wanted to know more about this “bad boy.”
I was a good church girl. I grew up in church and got saved at 12. Church, school, shopping, and home were my main destinations growing up. I was in gifted classes and made great grades but all that changed in college. My focus was more on my blooming social life and newfound freedom.
When I met him, I was retaking the final class needed to graduate. I wasn’t working in my field, but I had a job and a car. One would say I had work to do, but the potential for greatness was there. I almost lost everything because of this relationship, but God’s grace covered me.
Our relationship moved quickly, and within months we moved in together. There were warning signs, disrespect and deception. I also learned he was selling and using drugs. He stole money from my purse, asked if a friend could move in with us and then had an affair with her. He did all of this while still being legally married and not telling me. It was too much to take. I was naïve and blindly trusted Him when I shouldn’t have. I slowly lost myself, my voice, my sense of worth, and my values. I became a shell of my former self, going through the motions of a relationship destined for destruction.
During this time, my connection with God wasn’t healthy. I still professed Christ, but I wasn’t actively pursuing a relationship with Him. Instead, my focus was on this man who didn’t love or understand me.
When I found out about the affair, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I had put up with so much for so long. I had reached rock bottom in my heart and my spirit. I still didn’t fully understand my worth, but I knew I deserved better than what I was receiving. I knew it was time to leave. When I made plans to leave, I didn’t just move out of the home we shared; I moved to a new town. You would think that would solve the problem, but that decision lead to a moment that almost ended my life.
One of my college pics
One day I was making my last rounds saying goodbye to the numerous friends I made in my college town. I went home briefly to prepare for church with a friend that evening. He was upset because he and his lover were at the house with no way to get something to eat. I was the only one with a car. I told him to take the car and hurry back. Crazy, huh? Even after everything that went down with us, I felt obligated to be nice and help. Well, that wasn’t enough for him. He got in my face and yelled at me. I pushed him away and asked him to get out of my face. He did it again, and I pushed him again. But this time, he snapped. He lunged at me, wrapped his hands around my neck, and squeezed. I thought my life was over. This was it! But, by the grace of God, he let me go. There was no reason why he should have let me go. I wasn’t strong enough to fight back effectively. He was so angry that he was out of control. Only the Lord allowed him to remove his hands from my neck. Only the Lord saved me that day.
Dad & Mom
When he let me go, I came back to myself. I found my fight, voice, and hope. I had another chance at life, and I wasn’t going to allow anyone to take that from me. I yelled, screamed, and demanded that he leave. When he refused, I left. I made my way to church and told my friend what happened. She helped me find someplace to stay that night, and I called my father to pick me up the next day.
In hindsight, it wasn’t a coincidence that I would find help and solace at church after such a traumatic event. I had lost my way and connection to the Father, but His house is where I cast my cares that night. It was in the comfort of my friend, who was full of Godly wisdom that I found the strength to move forward.
The transition to a new town with new people and experiences was difficult. Finding my way back to God and His love required pulling back the layers of low self-esteem and figuring out what lead me to that situation in the first place. It took years of digging deep, prayer, and surrender.
When I got tired of being tired, I asked the Lord to release me from the dysfunctional relationships I had encountered. I asked Him to break the soul ties I created from intimacy with people who were not my spouse. I cried out and purposed to wait on Him before entering my next relationship. I wanted the man He had for me, not one I chose out of my misguided feelings and desires. I was willing to wait 5 or 10 years, but it only took a few months.
My husband and I met and married the same year and have been married for 15 years. The pain of my past prepared me for my present. Because I knew what I didn’t want, I was able to recognize God’s best for me. Don’t feel discouraged by the difficulties you have faced. God’s grace abounds for you and me.
Your book, “Speak Life Moments- A Transformational Journey” is amazing in the fact that you used a difficult beginning to be healed with God’s power, love and grace. You came to realize that you are beautiful in God’s eyes (Psalms 139:13-14). I am paraphrasing this verse, but this is what I think. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made by my Father. He took great care in my creation and delights in His work. I am beautiful!”
Sherry, I’m encouraged that you realized that God had a plan to create you and that you are also beautiful. Your book that I’m reading is both inspirational and powerful. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hello Ms. Jean! Thank you so much for reading my story here and for reading my book. Yes, realizing that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made was a turning point in my journey. I’m so glad my story was a blessing to you. You’re most welcome.
Sherry your story is very powerful and offers hope to individuals who are in abusive relationships and who have lost their way.
Life is a gift. You embraced your faith and found yourself again. Thank you for having the strength and courage to share your life.
Hello, Sabrina! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it blessed you. I’m honored to share my story as a source of encouragement for others. You’re most welcome.
Sherry, thank you so much for being so transparent in sharing your story. When I first got on a Zoom with you, I could sense the Holy Spirit (I take that back, I sensed it when I saw you over a podcast)! Anyway, I’m appreciative of your story and the difficult things that took place in your past, but that you were able to overcome those things with the best source of strength that we believe everyone needs, Jesus! I too can understand that even as a believer, my concerns weren’t of Godly things but of my own passions and desires which didn’t fulfill! I’m so glad we have free will and I’m also glad that God grabs our attention as Believers and helps us to get our ship back going straight….not like the current one in the Suez Canal (3/21). Thanks again Sherry for sharing your story and I’m thankful that “God’s Grace abounds for you and me.”
Hello, Gary! Thank you so much for this platform and the opportunity to share my story. I’m so glad it was a blessing to you and your readers. Keep up the amazing work you are doing with Check Your Game. I pray abundant blessings for you and your family!
This was such an encouragement to read! I agree – There is hope on the other side of seeking the Father! He saves us from even our own self. When we stumble, when we fail in our own ways and strength, when we fall into unhealthy cycles of existing – He is still there. He does not leave us nor forsake us. He is always there, just a breath away.
Thank you, Sherry, for this encouragement, sis!
Hello, April! Thank you so much for reading my story and reminding us Jesus is only a breath away. I’m so glad my story blessed you. You are a blessing to me in more ways than I can count.
Your story is blessing more folks than you know, sis! I encourage you to continue in this good work unto His name for His glory!
Will do, sis!
What an impactful and courageous story of strength!
Hello, Keitha! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it was a blessing.
It’s so inspiring to hear how God saved you and provided a way out of an impossible situation. And then brought you into a healthy relationship with someone who knew your worth. Your story is such a great reminder that God is always with us, chasing after our hearts. Thanks for courageously sharing your story!
Hello, Staci! Thank you so much for reading my story. Yes, the Lord is always there loving us even when He seems far away. I’m so glad the story was a blessing to you. You’re most welcome!
This is so powerful. Your story shows that you can always turn it around with God’s help !
Hello, Nichole! Thank you for reading my story. Yes, He will turn it around! I truly appreciate your support. You are such a blessing to me!
What an inspirational story
Hello Tracy! Thank you for reading my story and always supporting me. You’re amazing!
Beautiful testimony!
Hello, E. Jackson! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it was a blessing to you.
Wow I Really Like Your Life Story Sherry Jones.I Pray that Your Story Helps Others in These Type of Situations to Seek Help to Get Out. Bless You Mrs Jones.
Hello, Evangelist Millie! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it blessed you. Yes, I pray it encourages and inspires others to get help as well. Love doesn’t hurt.
Wow! This is an amazing and inspirational story. Thank you for sharing! I love how through it all, you were able to find your way back to God and your purpose in life!
Hello, Tina! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it was a blessing to you. You’re most welcome. Yes, it was a journey, but I’m thankful to return to Him as well.
Thank you for be so transparent. I loved how you express your feelings. This truly helped me in many ways!!
Hello, Monica! Thank you for reading my story and sharing your kind words. You’re most welcome. I’m so glad it helped you and was a blessing to you.
Thank you so much Sherry for sharing your story and allowing other individuals in domestic violence relationship to see that there is hope and that there is help.
Hello, Samantha! Thank you for reading my story and supporting me. You rock! Yes, that’s the main message I want them to know. Don’t suffer in silence. Get help!
Sherry so powerful and inspiring. May God continue to bless the works that He has for you to share with the world.
Hello, Yolanda! Thank you for reading my story. I receive the blessings and truly appreciate your words of encouragement. Be blessed!
Very powerful story Sherry. Thank You for your transparency and your courage in telling your story! This is a reminder that God is always with us and protecting us even when we are not aware. God truly has a plan for your Life. Continue to Walk in your Calling my sister!!
Hello Carmen! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it was a blessing to you. Yes! I’m beyond thankful for his protection. Thank you for your encouraging words. Blessings!
OMG!!! This story was very engaging. It really captivated my attention and had me wanting to read more.
Hello, Davette! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so blessed to call you a cousin, friend, and ministry partner. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me! Love you much!
Sherry, your story is so empowering! It is amazing what love can do….embrace us, support us, abuse us, encourage us, defeat us, or in your case, almost kill us. I am grateful that he released you from his grip and that God embraced you in HIS!
I am always so amazed at the strength that comes in and through these difficult circumstances. May you always continue to shine in your greatness!!
God has great plans for you!
Hello, Stacy! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it was a blessing to you. You are so right about the power of love. It can be good and bad. Your encouraging words mean so much. Blessings!
Ok, Sherry Jones is the bomb. Her story is so powerful and impactful! If any woman needs guidance in how to live that life for Jesus, she’s the real deal!!! She is definitely the Speaks Life MidWife!!!!!
Hello Paul! Thank you so much for your kind words and support. You rock! Thank you for reading my story. Blessings to you and Hollie!
Thank you for sharing, I left a abusive marriage years ago the first time he laid hands on. I was 4 months pregnant and with a 3 year old son. Never went back. Praying Women will wait on the Lord before getting involved with anyone who has not called by God to be their soulmate in the Mighty Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to Blessed you more abundantly in His Name Jesus Amen.
Hello Karla! Praise God you left that marriage and you and your children are safe. Yes, waiting for the one God had for you is key. Thank you for sharing your story as well. Many blessings to you also!
Sherry, what a powerful story. Thank God for His grace and protection. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing God to use it for His glory.
Hello, Dr. Katrina! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m so glad it blessed you.
What an awesome story. I love the fact that Sherry was so transparent with her story. I know that it will help many. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul… Romans 1:1. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the—here it comes, the theme of the book—”separated to the gospel of God.”
He was called to be an apostle, a “sent one.” And what was he sent to do? Proclaim God’s message of good news! Share the gospel! He viewed himself as set apart for this task above all others. Whatever else he had to do in life, this one thing held a place of absolute precedence. KEEP SHARING YOUR STORY OF THE GOOD NEWS to help someone ELSE…
Thank you
Thank you so much for reading my story, Dr. Sharlene! I’m glad it was a blessing to you and I truly appreciate your words of encouragement. Keep sharing your story and shining your light as well my sister. Blessings!
This is such a powerful testimony! So encouraging and uplifting by showing how God always has a plan for you. Finding your identity through God and knowing you are valued is such a blessing!
Thank you so much for reading my story, Rylie! I’m glad it blessed you. You are so right! Finding your identity in God is the key to walking in your truth and understanding its value. Blessings to you and yours!