our story
By Christy Jackson, Founder
I was recently sitting in a workshop where the speaker was teaching us about ministering to wounded spouses experiencing betrayal. and she said:
ο»ΏβRemember, the woman in front of you is deeply afraid. She is losing the highest stake relationship in the world, and she is terrified. Your first order of business is to help her take a breath.β
And at her words, suddenly the tears came. I had been that woman. And I had been terrified.
I was married for 9 years, the last two of which were extremely difficult and incredibly lonely. Although I didnβt realize it at the time, I was living with the effects of sexual betrayal and the resulting trauma. What I did realize was that I felt confused, powerless and alone.
In the midst of that trauma, one of my closest friends flew to Atlanta from out of state and took me away to a bed & breakfast. That time away from home, away from the pain and triggers and responsibilities, is forever imprinted on my heart and mind as one of the most precious gifts I have ever received. My friend provided a beautiful setting where I could rest, and tenderly cared for me and my broken heart. She fed me, brought me gifts, prayed over me and simply nourished me with her kindness. Away from the trauma of what was happening in my home, I was able at last to catch my breath and have some clarity.
The betrayal was so complete that our marriage did end in divorce. Four years later, I had found some healing and hope and I began to ask God what was next for me. One night I was watching a show about a woman in the 1950s who experienced intense betrayal and was institutionalized in a mental asylum. Only she wasnβt insane. She was suffering from the painful effects of what we now call betrayal trauma. Her friends eventually found her and took her to a rest home in the country. And when she arrived there, the look of hope that spread over her face was one I recognized. I had felt that hope when my friend cared for me. And so that evening, God, with all the stunning clarity he occasionally bestows, laid out a very clear vision for the Guest House. A place for women to be nourished spiritually, emotionally and physically while walking through extreme pain.
And of course I said no.
Firstly I told Him I was the least likely person to start a non-profit and secondly, I was done with all the pain. I wanted to move on! But, as usually happens when the Holy Spirit is after you, I eventually began to listen. I knew there were countless women in my own city who were suffering through severe pain and brokenness in their marriages. I knew that pain and I knew the One who had led me through it.
I also knew first-hand that while there were many ministries doing needed and vital work with men in the area of sexual brokenness, it was often their wives who received very little care. I wanted to fill that need in some way and offer hope. I believe that pointing women to Jesus, the great Healer, is the greatest hope we can offer. And so now the Guest House Project exists in its small corner of the Kingdom.
Long-Term Vision
The long-term vision for the Guest House Project is to own a physical space that will function as a permanent bed & breakfast. This will allow women walking through betrayal to visit at any time, at their convenience, without waiting for our quarterly retreats. This space will also be used to host our workshops, support groups, guided retreats and other events. We are prayerfully laying the ground work for this vision and trust that God has a beautiful plan for bringing The Guest House into being!
