Clay and Jana Jackson | Shechem Book

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A COVENANT STORY

Shechem

of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob... and me.

Jana Jackson is a wife and mother of three. When she’s not chasing her toddlers, Jana (BS, MS) enjoys coffee and long talks with family and friends. An award-winning teacher, she brings an academic skill set and enthusiasm to creating curriculum for disciples of all ages. She and her husband Clay serve a church plant in Arlington, Tennessee.

Jana Jackson

/ Author

Shechem | A Covenant Story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob... and Me.

Before I became a mother, I thought I knew the purpose of the covenant God has made with humanity and what it means to trust Him.Then came a trial involving my child that challenged my whole belief system. One day I realized I was completely broken and asked the Lord to fix me. In the process, the Lord directed me to a place called Shechem in Scripture. My journey through Shechem has given me a deeper understanding of this covenant: its purpose and its blessing. A place called Shechem is where I found brokenness could be transformed into trust by the hands of the Covenant Keeper.

$15.00

Before I became a mother, I thought I knew the purpose of the covenant God has made with humanity and what it means to trust Him.Then came a trial involving my child that challenged my whole belief system. One day I realized I was completely broken and asked the Lord to fix me. In the process, the Lord directed me to a place called Shechem in Scripture. My journey through Shechem has given me a deeper understanding of this covenant: its purpose and its blessing. A place called Shechem is where I found brokenness could be transformed into trust by the hands of the Covenant Keeper.

If you had asked me when I became a mother what my life was built on, I would have told you that it was my trust in God.  I had experienced circumstances in the past where trusting God was my only option, so I thought I had that concept down pat. I thought I knew what it meant to fully rely on the Lord. Then came a trial involving my child that really challenged my whole belief system. I realized that trusting God with my children is a whole different ballgame than trusting God with myself. It’s not because I lack the faith that He can handle the job; rather, it’s knowing that He doesn’t always shield His children from pain by leading them down the path of least resistance. And that is the exact opposite of the nature of a mother. I want to protect my children from hurt and suffering. While God allows struggles and trials to develop their relationship with Him, I want to remove obstacles that threaten their happiness and security.  Surrendering that need to control circumstances to God is so hard, and an exercise in which I initially failed.

The day I became a mother, like most new moms I experienced insecurities and worries about stepping into my new role. I wondered how I would be able to manage all of the various job requirements my new title demanded. As most parents will tell you, the titles of “Mom” and “Dad” are really umbrella terms that cover a multitude of unspoken roles. Caretaker. Nurse. Chef. Secretary. Comforter. Nutritionist. Behavior Specialist. Counselor. Chauffeur. Therapist. I worried how well I would manage the situations that made these unspoken roles necessary. Among other things  I was especially concerned how I would handle injuries and trips to the ER which felt inevitable since I had given birth to twin boys and boys can sometimes be fearless and enjoy playing rough. I questioned my ability to answer their difficult questions and help them navigate future relationships. I worried about giving them experiences and opportunities early in life while still protecting their innocence. I considered choices they would make as they grew into adulthood that would be outside of my control. Even though I had these experiential concerns, there was one aspect of parenting in which I had no worries, whatsoever.  In fact, I was probably overconfident in my ability to perform well in this particular role of motherhood: the role of teacher.

Teaching is a talent that came naturally to me. I knew at the age of 4 I wanted to be a teacher, and never seriously considered any other career. I felt like the Lord gave me that skill, so I was very diligent to use it for Him, whether in a religious or secular environment. I became a public school elementary teacher and taught 4th Grade—my very favorite grade— for several years. In addition to a full-time teaching career, I taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, kids’ church camp, after school programs and pre-school programs. I have written articles and developed curriculum for Sunday school teachers. I’ve conducted teacher training sessions to help other teachers grow their skills. I was even named the elementary “Teacher of the Year” for my district. Though I had used my teaching degree to help others, my greatest desire was to use it for my own family. What better way to give that “gift” back to God than to teach the special gifts He gave to me?

With this goal in mind, I exited the 4th Grade classroom and entered a much smaller classroom as a stay-at-home teacher mom. When I considered my children’s education and development, I had no worries, only excitement as I pondered the endless opportunities. Little did I know I was about to encounter a situation with my child that would challenge not only every bit of confidence I had as a teacher, but also my faith as a Christian. I had no idea that when I transferred my educational employment from public school to a home environment, the Lord was actually transitioning me into the role of the student rather than the teacher.

A COVENANT STORY

Shechem

of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob... and me.