Featured Member: Beth Jones

In 1989, during a severe depression I cried out to God—not wanting to go on another day.  I opened my Bible for a word from Him for my desperate heart. The page fell to Isaiah Chapter 61.

“This is what I have called you to do and to be,” God whispered.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel he will give a crown of beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61: 1-3, NLT).”

On being an entrepreneur

Since then, God has done incredible healing in me. Jesus changed my life. I love sharing the good news with others through writing, speaking, and other forms of the communication.

Becoming an entrepreneur is a lifelong journey.  I learn daily, inspired by anointed Christian women like my writing coach, Cindy Rushton, and my new mentor, Diane Cunningham.

Recently I realized that entrepreneurship runs in my blood on both sides. Our family had four children, and I was the oldest girl.  My father had his successful accounting business in our home and my mom was his full-time bookkeeper. We kids were fascinated with the equipment and would play “office” at night.  During the daytime, we learned to not run through the house, not play loudly and shout because clients were in our father’s office.

Since my mom worked, I was responsible for taking care of the younger siblings and the housework, plus my homework. In any spare time, I’d write in my diary, write short stories, write whatever I could.  When I grew up, I wanted to be a mom and a successful writer.

I married while in high school, had my first beautiful daughter Heather at age 18, and divorced a year later– I was a child raising a child. I went to college, majoring in journalism. The classes and working full-time for a daily newspaper taught me better writing skills and how to work fast on a tight deadline.

In my 20s, I dealt with memories of childhood abuse, resulting in depression and many fears.  During an internship, I married a “charming” man after only two months’ dating. We moved to the Midwest, and he became physically violent with us. That marriage ended after one year. But God never forsook me.  He is faithful and good.

I changed my major to psychology and started weekly counseling, along with Heather, for us to heal from the pain of the past.  God’s love healed me the most. “Gather up the fragments so they will not be wasted,” Jesus said. Our pain won’t be wasted but will be used for God’s glory.

At a Bible study I met Ray, my husband of 17 years. It’s not always been easy, but his love has been like a steady, healing rain in my life. He can always make me laugh. And he always believes in my dreams.  We soon had our daughter Leah. I rededicated my life to Christ, passionately pursuing Him.  I started writing books, and God opened doors  for me to speak publicly to share my testimony  and to teach His word.

One year ago I set up a business and my website to encourage women to pray daily, discover their purpose, and pursue their passion.  I’m learning all I can through books, teleseminars, webinars, and from those who are successful like Diane, Jo Ann, and other leaders.

My big dream for business is to become so successful that Ray and I can be debt-free, travel internationally for pleasure and short-term mission trips, and give generously to those in need, like my sister a single mother of three and the poor in Africa. (My husband, Heather, and I have prayed to go to Africa for years.)

What I’d share with beginner entrepreneurs:

• Get a clear word from God. Pray and hear His voice to get His great plan for your life.
• What everyone else is doing may not be what you need to do. Use tools that help you the most.  Hire people in areas of expertise that you don’t have to save you time and stress.  Stick to your area of anointing. Outsource the rest!
• Discover your true identity in Christ, reject the enemy’s lies, and never give up.

Through the communicated word via speaking, writing, and a variety of formats, Beth Jones leads women to push through self-doubts, fears, and obstacles, so they can fulfill God’s great destiny for their lives. Beth is a Christian speaker, writer, wife to Ray Jones, and mom to three beautiful daughters. She is author of Walking With God, The Call Of Wisdom: Teaching Our Children at Home, and is now working on a book on women and spiritual warfare, The Hands Of A Woman: Everyday Women In Everyday Battles. You can visit Beth’s website at http://www.bethjones.net.