Mom, life gets loud. The needs, the noise, the schedule, the pressure. And before you even realize it, fear can become your first reaction. And when fear rises in us, it can spill over into the atmosphere of our home. But here is the hope. Fear can spread in a home, but faith can too. And today I'm talking with Jenna Shoot, founder of Faith with Jenna. Jenna is a former cardiac registered nurse, stem cell transplant survivor, Christian author, devotional writer, and speaker. At 30 years old while raising two young boys, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone marrow disease. Her journey included IV chemotherapy, serious complications, and even a stem cell transplant. Now, through her message called The Joy Reflex, Jenna helps women learn how to reach for God's truth before fear takes over. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you for having me. I am very much looking forward to this conversation and I just love the faith mom and speaking into those people and those moms who need to hear need to hear some uplifting things in the world that we're living in right now. Well, thank you Jenna and and do I do thank you for being here and just giving those moms some encouragement today. So, thank you. And Jenna, would you briefly just start with sharing your story about led you what led you to the message you now share through faith with Jenna? Yes, 100%. So, you mentioned some of the things that I've gone through just in the introduction there and all of those things are true and I know when you were rattling them off it just sounds like wow that's a lot of things and maybe you're listening and you're thinking how is she doing all of that and my only answer is but God because that has been the only way that I've gotten through these last eight years. So yes, eight years ago I was diagnosed with a very rare disease. Even by Mayo Clinic standards, which I see, they only see this disease a few times a year. And I was the first patient at a major teaching hospital in Omaha to have a stem cell transplant for this disease. And so walking through that has been just one complication after another, if I'm being completely honest. But during that season, I really realized that there is such a big difference between knowledge, faith, and practice faith and between knowing God's word and knowing his verses and knowing his promises and reaching for them when we need them and reaching for them when we are under immense amounts of pressure. And I didn't want panic and fear and anxiety and whatifs to be the first thing that was shaping my heart or that was spilling over from what I was experiencing into my children into my home. And that is where the joy reflex began. Learning to not choose joy or not faith over fear which I love to say is kind of bumper sticker faith. It sounds great on the bumper sticker of a car, but how do we do that in our own lives? How do we walk that out? And that's what the joy reflex is, is learning to train faith, peace, and joy before life demands them to be used. I love that. That is such a powerful testimony of God just carrying you and being with you in ways that you never expected. And now you're helping moms with that and helping others with that. In the middle of your diagnosis, treatment, and transplant journey, how did God actually teach you to do that and to choose joy? Not by pretending everything was fine because you I mean, you couldn't do that. Everything wasn't fine. but by recognizing his grace in the middle of suffering. I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that faith means you can't speak to what is going on. You can't speak to the truth that you're living in. But I always like to remind people that faith is not a denier of reality. It doesn't deny the reality that you're walking in, but it does tell you and show you how you're going to walk out the reality that you're in, how you're going to live inside of those circumstances that you're in. And so one of the things that I feel like the Lord really showed me during my own personal time in this medical crisis is that just as you mentioned, joy is not pretending that what you're going through isn't painful or that I wasn't concerned about the test results or what the doctors were saying or what my body felt like. But it was recognizing that in the middle of those things, the Lord was not only present with being faithful and being there for me, but his grace was present there, too. His peace was present there, too. And his joy was present there, too. And I began to intentionally look for that evidence of his goodness. And some of those things, which I think are things that we maybe take for granted during just our normal lives, were big movements of the Lord for me, like eating a meal without it coming back up or eating a meal without it causing severe pain or moments that I had with my boys that I was fully present for and scriptures that met me right there in the hospital room. And that wasn't denying what was hard because as you mentioned, it was hard. There was a lot of hard things. There was a lot of complications. There was a lot of scary moments and concerning reports from the doctors. But I had to refuse to let those circumstances and let those hard things become my identity and become the only thing that I could see. I love that as you were speaking earlier, what I heard you say is that you were looking you were looking for the moments of God's grace. You were trying to recognize those and trying to identify them when they showed up because God's grace is present everywhere. It's just whether we're going to see it or not. I reminds me of, you know, when you get a certain car and it's like, I've never seen this particular car on the road before. And as soon as you get it or interested in it, you're like seeing it everywhere. And it's that sort of philosophy that I hear you saying is that you were looking for God to show up everywhere in your life. And when you were looking for him to show up everywhere, he was there. And so joy is like seeing God's grace even when life is hard. And mom, I just wanted to say that Jenna has resources that can help you learn more about reaching for God's truth before fear takes over. And I'll place all of her information in the description and she might tell us a little more about that in two. So you certainly can connect with her after this episode. But Jenna, why do you think fear often becomes our first reaction, especially in high pressure moments, even even when we love God and we believe his word and we're faithful in our church attendance and in our our disciplines of the Christian faith. I think that one of the enemy's greatest tools is to make us feel like we are less of a Christian because fear shows up. But the honest truth is that fear and that fight orflight response is our brain's natural response to hard circumstances. And that is our body trying to protect itself. And that is our natural response. And I think from my time as a nurse, I know these things that this is just your body trying to decide if it needs to run for its life and if it needs to fight for its life. But what the most important part of that is to know that that response to hard circumstances or to life in general is going to be what we practice most. So if we repeatedly rehearse these worst case scenarios, fear or anxiety or whatifs, all of these things that are swirling around in our head, if we continue to repeatedly rehearse those over and over again, then fear is going to become a pathway that our mind will go to first when hard things happen. Now, that doesn't mean we don't love God. That doesn't mean we don't have faith. It means that we need to create a new pattern, a new pathway. And how do we know that in the word? Because we don't want to just say things out of the natural and we don't want to just say things. We want to go back to the word. We want to stand in the word. And so we know this from Romans 12:2, which says to be transformed by what? By the renewing of our mind. That word renew literally means new again. A new pathway. So through repetition, God's truth can become more familiar than a fearful story, than a whatif thought, than an anxious thought that we've been rehearsing over and over and over again in our mind. And I think similarly to if you think of learning how to swim or maybe your children has been in swimming lessons this summer just as mine have. And if you think about when you're learning how to swim, when you get in those very, very choppy waters, a lot of times you're not going to learn something new. You're going to rise to what you have already trained, to what is already familiar to you, and you're going to fall back on that training. So, let's train our minds to go to God's truth first. That is so good. and not to let fear stop you or make you feel guilty. So, what I hear that you're saying and recommending is for to be prepared for moms to be prepared for when the fear comes. So, you mentioned the scripture. So, how does daily time in God's word train a a mom or a person a mom's heart before the fear comes so that truth becomes the easier path to take rather than fear in the moment? Yes. Well, if you think about a habit or if you think about a response or what I would call a reflex like the joy reflex, if you think of that and you look at when a doctor is sitting there with you and they've got the reflex hammer in their hand and they hit it on your knee, well, your leg is going to automatically respond to that reflex hammer. And why is that? that is something that has been created in our brain, a pathway that has been created to have that response when that pressure is put in that certain area. So, we don't react that way because we're thinking about it. We react that way because our body's been trained to do that. And so, how do we train God's truth to be the first response? How do we train God's truth to be a reflex for when those hard circumstances come, when that hammer comes down and hits us? So scripture and daily scripture isn't just another task that we're completing when we read it, when we speak it over ourselves, but it's preparation. So you can't reach for a truth that you've never taken the time to put inside of yourself. So when we read his truth, when we write it down, when we speak it out loud, and we practice applying it to our everyday life, we are building a response that we can return to when those heavy waves come, when that hammer tries to come down and God's word becomes that foundation instead of our fall back. And what I'm really teaching is that faith, peace, and joy becomes our first response instead of our last resort. It sounds like being prepared. So what you're So it's not just one more task. This Bible reading and this preparation, it's not one more task. It's really just preparation for the life that we are already living to continue to live that life and not be um caught off guard so to speak when hard times come but to be prepared for the hard hard times by preparing when the seas are calm so to speak. Jenna, why is it important for a mom to be anchored in God's truth first before she tries to help her children walk through fear? because the middle school years can present a lot of fear. So if a mom does this for her own life, how can that better prepare her when her child is going through fear or maybe set another way to better help her child go through the middle school years? What can a mom do? How important is a mom for to do this? Yes, a lot of children learn through modeling. So, they are going to learn and they are going to respond how they see the person that's around them the most respond, which usually is a mama. Our mamas are around their children, around their babies a lot. And so, our children are going to learn how to respond to fear, to difficult circumstances, to anxiety, to new things. So I think I always try to say that new experiences whether they are positive or not maybe it's something new that's exciting and your kids are so excited for this new thing but that doesn't mean that it's not also a little bit scary to do new things and so they are going to learn how to respond to excitement to nerves to those butterflies in their stomach by watching how we do it by what we are modeling in front of them and That doesn't mean that they need a mom that is never afraid, that never has an anxious thought, that is never fearful, because that's not real life. But they need to see a mom who knows what to do when it comes, who knows how to respond. And we can say to them, "Mom is concerned sometimes, too. Mom feels that way sometimes, too. But mom knows where to go. And mom knows that we can go to his verses. Mom knows that we can stand on his truth. That we can pray together. That we can remember what God's word says when he says that he has not given us the spirit of fear, but we're powerful. We're strong. And we have a sound mind. And that means that we can walk through these circumstances with our heads held high and confidence in him. And they don't need perfection. So, if you're listening and you're thinking, "I don't even know where to go." They don't need you to be a perfect mama. They need a pattern that they can follow. And your children needs to see a mom who knows where to go when fear is knocking at that door. They know how to answer it. Yeah, that's so true. I worked at a job one time and um somebody who had worked in the job for years recommended that she it was a very technical job and she said it doesn't you don't have to actually remember everything just know where to find it and so you may not know the address of every verse in the Bible that's important to you but but know a little phrase and then Google it or search for it or just put it in your heart so that you and um know where to find it. And I think that's what you're telling us. And I think a mom who does this and and tell me, Jenna, if you agree with this, if a mom does this, then she is better able to help her child. If she is more spiritually grounded, so to speak, if she's more spiritually stable, when her child going through the middle school years has the ups and downs of the middle school years, she will be better help better able to help steady her own child. What do you think about that? I think absolutely. And I love what you said about if you know where to go to find it and teaching our children where to go. So sitting with them and saying, "You know what? I'm not sure exactly which verse this is, but I know there's a verse that says this. Let's find it together." And showing them how to find verses in God's word and then how to apply them to your life. So the word is alive. It says that it's alive. And it means that it's not just for Bible times. It's not just for those people that were alive back then. It is for us right now. And we can take that living word and apply it to our own lives. And I like to say, you don't have to have every single verse on fear memorized. You don't have to have every single verse on anxiety, but find one or two that speak to your heart, that speak to your situation, that's easy for you to remember, and stand on those verses. You can always add more, but find one or two that really speak to you. Yeah. Start somewhere. Start somewhere. And mom, as you listen to this part, think of one other mom or mentor, trusted friend who could walk with you in this. We were not meant to build resilient faith alone. So share this episode with her and maybe use it to begin an honest honest conversation together about how you can both reach for God's truth before fear takes over. Jenna, how can a mom's fear affect the atmosphere of her home? And how can her faith begin to shape the atmosphere instead? Yes. And speaking to what you just said, faith friends are so important. They are really paramount to you being able to hold yourself up because sometimes you can't. And you need that faith friend to help hold you up and say, "Hey, remember what God's word says. Remember what this verse says. Remember this verse that we are speaking about together, that we are holding on to together. So grab that faith, friend. share this with them and get that accountability with them. But yes, fear can spread, right? We know this. When someone's afraid, it just can spread like wildfire. But faith can too. So fear can change the atmosphere of a home because it affects our tone. It affects our responses, our decisions, the way that we move about our day. But faith can spread in those same moments. So when a mom pauses before she reacts, when she speaks God's word instead of that fear trying to press in on every side, and when she prays and goes to God instead of immediately rehearsing everything that could go wrong in that situation, she is creating a different pattern in her home. She is showing her children that fear can come knocking at that door, but it doesn't have to come inside. It doesn't have to leave. And you don't have to open that door when it knocks. Yeah, that is so true. It's like the bird may land on your head, but don't let them build a nest. Yes. This is so encouraging because moms do not want fear. A mom, no mom will say, "I'll raise my hand and I want fear to be the ruler in my home and in charge of my children." No, they want in their home, they want their children turning to God. And so what you're encouraging us to do is to turn to God first ourselves and then we will be better able to lead our children. And as you listen, think about where fear tends to rise in your own heart. And then go to Jenna's website. I've linked that in the description. Look for one resource that can help you practice and it's a practice reaching for God's truth instead of just reacting in fear. I do have a question, Jenna. What is one simple daily practice a mom can begin this week to choose one truth from scripture and carry it with her through the day? Yes. I think that as moms right now, we are so busy. And I think sometimes we look at these new things and these practices and we say, "I don't know how I'm going to add one more single thing to my calendar, to my day, to my schedule. School is starting again. Schedules are starting again. All of the practices, all of the games, all of the things." And so I think sometimes moms may be listening and saying,"Jenna, I hear what you're saying and I hear the importance of it, but I just don't know how to add one more thing to my day." And so this is what I would tell you if you're that mom that is listening and feeling that right now. And that's to choose one verse a day, just one. Read it. Write it somewhere you can see it. Say it out loud and decide beforehand what you will go to when that fear tries to come up. And if you're that mom that is overwhelmed and saying, "I don't know how I'm going to add this, then add it to something that you're already doing." So, what are some things that you're already doing, mama? If you're like me, I pray in the morning. I pray over my food every meal. And I pray at night. Now, if you add this Bible verse to just those things that you're already doing, that is five times a day that you are adding that verse, that belief that you're going to stand on to your day. Now, maybe you're a mama who is in the car taking those kids here and there and everywhere like me. So, maybe you can add it, every time I buckle my seatelt, I'm going to speak this verse in my vehicle. Maybe you're a mom who works at home, works from home, works from her phone. Set it as the screen saver of your phone. Look at that thing every time you pick up your phone as a reminder of what is working on the inside of you. Maybe you're dealing with a relationship issue, finances, maybe you need a job. Maybe you're dealing with a prodal child who you are desperately getting and trying to get back to the Lord. Maybe you're dealing with a medical issue in and of itself. You see, hard things show up in many, many different ways. But there is a word for you. There is a Bible verse for you. Maybe you need that verse that says that he will keep you in perfect peace. Maybe you need that verse that says that we have an abundant life. Maybe you're needing that verse that says that we have a sound mind. God's got a verse for you. And if you want to find that verse and stand on that verse and just apply it to the things that you are already doing, you don't have to take the whole staircase in one failed step, but just take the next faithful step. Yeah. Just do it. It reminds me of that Nike slogan. Just do it. Just just do it. Just and even even if if one verse I would even like to just suggest that if one verse a day is too much, one verse for the week and just remember it. I mean, you can just take little baby steps. But I think Jenna, what you're saying is just start. And when we just start and all you're asking us to do is like remember it. I'm sorry. Read it. Like choose what verse and then remember it. like put it somewhere that you'll see it, repeat it, say it over again, and then just respond like what are you going to do about it? Like what are you going to do? How is this first shaping you is really what you're what you're asking is how is this first changing you? How is it shaping you? Just like that 122 renewing your mind. How is it shaping you? Jenna, for the mom listening who is like, "Oh, I like what Jenna is saying." and they want to connect with you and keep learning from you and learning this joy reflex. How can she connect with you and find your resources? Yes. So, I have a 7day train your reflex guide that I'm going to have the link for you in the show notes and that is for that mom who's saying right now, I love everything that Jenna is saying and I just want it right in front of me. I just want the verses is right there so I can grab them. I don't have to look them up. And this guide is for you. It has verses for everyday situations. It has verses for hard circumstances. It has verses for different circumstances because everyone's hard is going to look different. And this guide is just that. It's a guide. It's how to do this without having to think. It is the Bible verse. It is a journal prompt to write down. It is to identify that hard that you're dealing with right now. But then taking that hard and recognizing what God's word says about it and applying God's word to that heart so that you can anchor yourself in him, in his grace, in his love, in his peace that passes all understanding. And it's scripture and simple daily practices to begin training your response right now. And it is 100% free for anyone who feels like that is needed in their own lives. Mom, do not just listen and move on. Go to the link in the description and get this free resource. Connect with Jenna. take one next step toward building the kind of resilient faith your home needs. And if this conversation helped you, would you comment truth? If you want to reach for God's truth before fear takes over, if you want faith to be your response and not fear your reaction. Jenna, thank you so much for sharing your story, your wisdom, your heart with us today. What a powerful reminder that resilience is not pretending life is easy. Resilience is learning to recognize God's grace. Reach for his truth and let it shape the atmosphere of us and our homes. Mom, this week, choose one truth from God's word. Carry it with you. Say it when fear rises. Pray it when the day feels so loud. And let's let God's truth be the first voice you you learn to hear. And before we close, I also want to invite you to watch my conversation with Kathleen Johnson. That conversation is actually part of why Jenna and I connected. Kathleen reminded us that we are called to stay connected to Christ like a branch stays connected to the vine. And when we stay connected to him, he gives us a secure heart. And I'll link that video here at the end and you can watch it next. Thank you for listening to the Faith Mom Mentor. Keep knowing God deeply and keep ch teaching your children faithfully. Jenna, again, thank you for being on the faith mom mentor. Thank you for having me.
