When she got married, Jamie Ivey became a pastor’s wife. Stepping into this role made her feel there was no one who she could be fully open with about her past. But, keeping these secrets kept her in shame and insecurity. In her new book, If You Only Knew**, she shares how opening up about her past revealed the beauty of God’s grace in her life and about the freedom it has brought her and others. (If you want to hear my “If You Only Knew” story about anxiety and anger, check it out over on Jamie’s “The Happy Hour” podcast.) What we chat about: Jamie Ivey’s story reconciling her past with her Christian walk. How sharing your story can show the beauty of God’s grace and redemption. Examining our underlying motivation for decisions. We are not in control of our kids’ salvation and that is a good thing! How to find a friend who is safe to share your full story with and how to be that type of friend. We can have compassion for the broken when we realize that it’s only by the grace of God we haven’t made bigger mistakes. Bringing discipline with your kids back around to the Gospel because that’s where the freedom lies. The importance of community and allowing others to speak truth into our lives when we fall into places of shame and guilt. God sees the righteousness of Jesus and not our shame when he looks at us. When to tell our kids about our stories and how important it is to talk about sex and places of sin in our homes first. “If You Only Knew” book **: Links Mentioned: Mary Flo Ridley & Megan Michelson — Episode 153– Continuing the Conversation (Birds & Bees) The Birds & Bees, So Help Me Please — Mary Flo Ridley Celebrate Recovery Steps into God’s Grace by Lynn Hoffman** Recovery for Life –Lynn Hoffman Episode 129