Selah: Tell us your name and where you're from?
J: Jasmine Rennie | Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Selah: What is your faith story? What can you tell us about your personal life testimony?
J: Growing up I struggled with my identity and worth.
I believed the lie that my value was found in the eyes of others. I sought attention and validation from men and thought if I dressed revealingly, I would get the love I so desperately longed for, but I soon realized that I was trying to fill an empty void with things that could not sustain me. After having an encounter with Jesus, I discovered that my identity, acceptance, and worth were rooted in Him, and I no longer had to give myself away or dress provocatively to feel loved.
Soon after this life-changing experience, the Holy Spirit began to inspire me to use my experience in the fashion industry to create a business that would glorify Him.
A little back story – I had worked in the fashion industry for about five years at this point and held a managerial position at a rapidly growing company. I had the opportunity to travel all over the world and work in places like Paris, London, and New York.
I had always dreamed of starting my own business within the industry; however, my ideas didn’t necessarily do anything positive for the Kingdom. The concept promoted an edgy, rebellious attitude, encouraging women to show more skin in the name of “empowerment.”
But God – being the humorous God that He is – completely shifted my desires and pressed on my heart that He wanted me to start a modest clothing company, and that's when Gracemade was born.
So in the fall of 2015, by faith, and with the help of the unarguable nudging of the Holy Spirit, I left my job in the fashion industry and have been using my passion and purpose in business ever since.
Selah: What is your favorite scripture and why?
J: Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Knowing that God has good plans for my life gives me hope for my future, and helps me to keep going when things get tough.
Selah: If there was one nugget of wisdom in your walk and growth in Christ that you would want to leave us with, what would that be?
J: Lean not on your own understanding. There will be so many times in life when things make absolutely no sense, but we can't rely on what we see in the natural. The Christian walk is about endurance and faith, believing that God is sovereign and that the plans He has for us are better than anything we could ever imagine.
Selah: Do you have any resources (devotionals, books, studies) that have helped you that you would recommend?
J: If you're looking to grow in your walk and understanding of the scriptures I would recommend finding a local BSF (bible study fellowship) class. They have chapters all over the world and study a new book in the bible in-depth every year. I've been apart of BSF for 2 years and have grown so much!
Selah: Thank you so much Jasmine! Where can we find you online?
J: Instagram: @thegracemade
Facebook: facebook.com/thegracemade
Businesses: Gracemade - www.thegracemade.com
Take-a-way
Selah family,
Jasmine's story is a great reminder of three things: 1. That God delights in making things new, 2. That God takes joy guiding us to see our identity the way He has always seen us, and 3. The gifts that He has placed in us for our Kingdom purpose has always been there. He is just waiting for us to catch up! As you look over your life, what areas or gifts have you noticed that seem reoccurring in your life no matter what stage of life you are in? Jot them down. This may bring you some clarity today!
Prayer for today:
Lord, I thank you that you are a Father that delights in the remix. I thank you that you are patiently waiting on us to draw to you. I thank you that in those very moments at your feet, you are eager to teach us to see ourselves through a fresh set of eyes: YOURS. Lord, today I ask that you release a fresh perspective, new sight, new vision of every reader of this post today. I thank you that you are calling each person to DREAM again. I thank you that you are for creative and fresh ideas for each individual and guiding them through their journey in Kingdom Purpose today. There are people that are longing for clarity in these areas, and I thank you that you are revealing as they just follow and WALK. Lastly, I ask that they are reminded to be anxious for nothing today. Because you are always working every circumstance together for their good. May your peace rest and rule over them. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Love you and praying for you Selah family!
Love, R.
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