Joy in the Journey

"God sometimes takes away what seems good to us, in order to give us the best. . . . All God's testings have a purpose, and you can assume that God knows you can handle them." These words of encouragement come from a woman who met adversity with unending faith and overcame a personal tragedy that will inspire readers. In 1990, author and speaker Jo Ann Paris Leavell stood at a podium in a Baton Rouge hotel and had an "episode" that would change her life. Unlike many of the experiences she has spoken about to countless groups through her work with Southern Baptist churches, this was not one that she immediately recognized as a joyful, faith-reinforcing event. Her right arm went numb and she began to lose concentration. Doctors later concluded she had suffered a stroke. While the stroke was considered minor, she was required to slow down her speaking schedule and make life-style changes that would greatly alter how she continued her teachings. Added to this was the uncertainty of test results and the stress of other potential health problems. This singular event began toaffect the way she thought about herself, her ministry, and her family. Overwrought with depression, she felt she had lost the joy of God. Joy in the Journey is her story of how she recovered the joy and how, when emergencies strike, one should be prepared to maintain the joy inlight of despair. This invigorating book recounts the influences that led to her depression and how you can spot these influences before they strike. Borrowing from scriptural passages, exercises, and her own experiences, she has created a model for others to follow in overcoming their own personal setbacks and reclaiming their faith. Mrs. Leavell remains active in pursuing her ministry focused on ministers' wives and regularly addresses women's groups throughout the South. In addition she has taught interdenominational Bible studies and conducts family life conferences. She lives in New Orleans with her husband, Dr. Landrum P. Leavell, president of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is also the author of Don't Miss the Blessing (pb), published by Pelican.