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

Sometimes the story we tell ourselves is not really true. Sometimes the story others tell about us is not really true. On “Today’s Heartlift with Janell,” Author, Trauma-informed therapist, and Professional Heartlifter, Janell Rardon, opens conversations about how emotional health and mental fitness effects absolutely every area of our lives. When we possess and practice healthy, strong, resilient emotional health practices, life is so much better.
When was the last time you did something ”childlike?” Not ”childish,” but ”childlike?” In Matthew 18:2-4 (VOICE), Jesus shares, ”This is the truth: unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. In that kingdom, the most humble who are most like this child are the greatest.” Those three little words, ”unless you change,” seem to imply that His disciples…His followers…had some changing to do. In Part 2 of my conversation with Spiritual Director and Author, Lacy Finn Borgo, we continue learning about the 7 directives to becoming more childlike in our faith.
Get to know Lacy and her work, ”Good Dirt Ministries: Lacy Finn Borgo
Order her books: Lacy's Books
Please send your questions here: janell@janellrardon.com and Text your questions and I'll answer them on the show!
Be sure to subscribe and leave a review: www.janellrardon.com/podcast
Meet me over on Instagram where we will share our thoughts on this week's podcast prompts: MEET ME ON INSTA!
Be sure to join the community and subscribe to the podcast: www.janellrardon.com/free-content-for-subscribers
Links + Resources from this Episode:
So excited that the podcast has been voted in the Top 100 Mental Health Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/mental_health_podcasts/
- Listen to more great podcasts: ACCESS MORE

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.