Jamie Kent: Overcomer

In this series, we get to know some of the stories of the people in our class. As we journey together, we can celebrate what God has done and what He is doing in our lives, individually and collectively. This month Jamie Kent shares some of her story overcoming learning disabilities, living with Crohn's disease, and experiencing God's faithfulness.

I grew up in Waco, TX in a Christian family. However, we hardly ever went to church. The only time we were present was during Christmas and Easter. It was not until high school that I started getting involved in church. My first encounter with Christ was when I was a sophomore in high school. I was on a Chrysalis Flight, a three day spiritual retreat. On the final day of the retreat, I experienced God's love for me in such a powerful way. I told God that I would do whatever he wanted me to do and go wherever he want me to go. At that time, I never would have thought that God was going to take me on such a wild adventure to places I never thought I would go. Journeying with Jesus has been an interesting ride. I wish I could say that it has been easy, but it has been one of many mountaintop highs and low valleys but one that echoes His faithfulness and His provision.

Overcoming Learning Disabilities
Ever since I was young, I was told that I would never amount to anything due to my learning disabilities. Yes, school was a huge struggle for me and learning has always been hard. Of course my family and close friends always believed in me, but others did not. I was told I would never graduate high school, and if I ever went to college, I would fail out. By the grace of God, I now have a Master's Degree. God is indeed good!

Living with Crohn’s Disease
My struggles have not always been centered around school though. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Crohn's is an incurable disease in which the immune system attacks itself inside of the digestive tract. Since diagnosis, I have had numerous doctor visits, tests (MRI, CT scans, two colonoscopies), frequent blood draws, and one major surgery. While this disease is uncertain, I have learned to manage the symptoms with medication, diet, and exercise. However, I never know when the next big flare up might be around the corner.

Experiencing God’s Faithfulness
The common thread that has been weaved throughout my life is God's faithfulness. God has never abandoned me, through school, through living with Crohn’s disease, and now through my recent job loss. He has always provided for me and will continue to bless me, even in my darkest days. My favorite hymn is "Great is Thy Faithfulness" because the lyrics remind me that God is faithful. He never goes back on His word, or changes his mind. Each day his mercies are new. "Great is his faithfulness;his mercies begin afresh every morning"- Lamentations 3:23.

Praying for Jamie
Currently, I need prayer for my health because I have not been feeling well lately. The doctor is concerned that I am going into another flare. It is possible that I will have to start doing weekly injections instead of the bi-weekly injections I currently get. The injections are strong and potent and they make me very tired. Also please pray for the job situation as well. The job I would really like is in Mansfield, but I won't hear anything about an interview until after Easter. Pray that I would remain patient while He works.