What A Beautiful Mess: Finding Freedom from Pride and Praise

By Melissa Jackson

Dopamine addiction and external accolades fueled by ministry, servanthood, and doing good was the measure of success for Melissa until pride and praise were exposed in her life. During Melissa's journey as a foster parent, exchange student coordinator, house manager in transitional housing, and cross-country moves, she writes in real-time about her journey to freedom from both pride and the approval of others. As Melissa and her family of six moved from Charlotte, North Carolina to Seattle, Washington, God used the time to reveal how her pride was causing harm to those she was serving. As Melissa navigated the grief of her exposed sin, God offered her the promise of restored hope. God changed the landscape of her heart through laying down the striving for approval and the freedom from disapproval, claiming her worth in Christ alone. Through Melissa's journey, she invites us to vulnerably examine our hearts and confront the temptation to connect our worth to society, culture, social media, or external approval, which is fleeting and instead tethers our hearts to the One who is unchanging. Melissa's journey is vulnerable in her own missteps of loving others and offers evidence that God restores and asks us to keep engaging with humanity to share His love. "What a Beautiful Mess is convicting and thought-provoking as we dig deep to evaluate our God-given passions and our human brokenness. Jackson's vulnerability is a love letter to anyone serving vulnerable populations. Her ability to detail what it looks like to chase after God's plan for our lives yet "hold onto the baton" rather than pass it to Him hits deep. This journey should be required reading for anyone entering into ministry as it profoundly forces us to look in the mirror and continually course correct on where He [God] is leading. The freedom this mirror gives from pride and praise is invaluable for all believers." -Nicole Taylor, Executive Director, Congregations for Kids "Once in a while, you meet someone and know that this person will leave an impression that lasts a lifetime. Melissa is one of those people. Melissa loves fiercely and will pour herself out in service to whatever she feels God has called her into. When Melissa sent me her book, I could not wait to read it. "What a Beautiful Mess" walks the reader through the down and dirty of what it means to lose oneself in the joy of service, and yet find oneself in the arms of a God who sees. Melissa shares her joys and sorrows in her life of service to her family, friends, and the many Ministry endeavors God has called her into. "What a Beautiful Mess" is tender and vulnerable, pulling the reader into the author's story of the real and the raw in the battle between pride and desires of the flesh, and the journey of giving up our need for approval to find rest in the only place it truly exists, Jesus. Journey with Melissa through her incredible story of a life's desire to serve authentically and a growing understanding of what must be lost in the journey. You will leave this story finding a friend, someone who gets us and our daily battle for more of Him, and less of ourselves." - Jackie Siochi, Senior Director of Programs, Acres of Diamonds Melissa has a Bachelor of Social Work from Spring Arbor University and has worked with marginalized populations as a foster parent, exchange student coordinator, and transitional housing manager in cities across the country. Melissa, her husband, L.D., and their four children have changed their address many times, and yet their mission remains the same: love God and love others.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0D571MCD4
• ISBN13: 9798322005834
• Release Date: May 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 165 Pages
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.4" x 5.5"