Everyone has a story. The best stories are often of how people have come through the worst experiences as the best versions of themselves. It is most inspiring to find one who, at the end of a seemingly nightmarish encounter or season, the darkest time of one’s life, comes forth as a refined, empathetic & relatable human being who can see the reason or purpose for what they’ve been through by trusting God and the process. The cherry on top is when that experience can be used to reach others going through similar trying times. Jane Muller tells us about how her pain birthed her passion and purpose.
“I served as a Sales Administrator/Secretary for 33 years. In 2011, the company I worked for, for 21.5 years, was struggling financially and made some changes. I was moved to the showroom and subsequently put on short time.
During this time, it dawned on me that something was missing in my life, and I realised it was the daily interaction I had with the staff. I had a good relationship with a small team of men who had the courage, confidence and faith in me to assist them whenever they had pressing needs, for example, listening to their challenges they face at home or with admin assistance or with general advice.
During my “short time," I watched a TV programme where a lady shared her testimony which was similar to what I was experiencing at the time. She inspired me and I searched for her website and subscribed to her newsletter. In my search, I stumbled upon an area of interest, a niche which actually directed me to my college. I then decided to do a Coaching Course.
It was as if God was preparing me for something, because in 2013 my life fell apart when I was faced with spousal infidelity and betrayal. This led to me resigning from my job with promising perks and opportunities. The devastating effects of the betrayal, the loss of my 30 year marriage, the loss of my promising career and the lengthy legal process forced me to reach out to a therapist and a Divorce Conflict Mediator. It was the best decision I made, because no longer did I feel alone and misunderstood. They served as Thinking Partners and Accountability Partners, making me feel supported and motivated. In my research about divorce during the divorce process, I discovered Divorce Coaches - which was my “aha moment.”
By God's grace, my betrayal, a potentially derailing incident, turned out a blessing in disguise in helping me find my coaching/mentoring niche. Today I serve as a Breakup/Separation/Divorce Consultant.
I know that in the Seventh-day Adventist Church we do not advocate for divorce, yet divorce statistics tell us that it happens to people from all walks of life and through my personal, private pain and victory over my situation, I am able to help Christian women with tools and strategies to find clarity, confidence, hope and healing.
When one understands that you have tools to learn how to accept the pain, you can deal with it and move forward. One of the books that I've read by Francine Rivers, “A Lineage of Grace” (also author of the well-known “Redeeming Love”), is the story of Tamar's betrayal journey and her resilient spirit as a risk-taker. I could empathize and learn about emotional abuse and betrayal and learn how she dealt with it and persevere in reaching her desired goals.
Another tool that I have found helpful is using affirmations or mantras that keep you going. I love using the scriptures Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God," and Revelation 12:19, “Vengeance is MINE; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
God has a way of turning every bad situation around for good. I would like to encourage you to ask God to show you how you can find passion and purpose in your pain.”
The Western Region Newsletter is a communication ministry to Inspire, Engage and Reach the Adventist Community within the Western Region and beyond.
Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope.
