One of the most common fears I hear from women who feel called to ministry is this: “How can I lead others when I’m still healing myself?”

It’s an honest question. Many women have experienced trauma, heartbreak, or seasons of deep loss. And when you’re still navigating your own healing journey, it can feel impossible to imagine helping someone else. But here’s the truth I need you to hold on to: your healing does not disqualify you. In fact, it may be the very reason God has chosen you.

Healing Is a Journey, Not a Finish Line

We live in a culture that prizes perfection and completion. But healing doesn’t work like that. It’s not something you can check off as “done.” Healing is a journey with God, a process of peeling back layers, facing old wounds, and allowing Him to meet you in new ways.

That’s why Paul could say, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s power doesn’t wait until you feel strong enough — it shows up in the middle of your weakness.

If you’re waiting until you feel fully “healed” to step into ministry, you’ll never move. Healing is ongoing. The real question isn’t, “Am I done healing?” but rather, “Am I willing to let God use me, even as He continues to heal me?”

Why Scars Matter

There is wisdom in timing. Leading from an open wound can be dangerous — both for you and those you’re serving — because you’re still bleeding. But once a wound begins to heal into a scar, it carries a story.

Scars don’t erase what happened. They testify to it. They say, “I’ve been through something, but I survived. God carried me through.”

When you minister from your scars, you’re not preaching theory — you’re living proof that healing is possible. Your scars might be the very thing God uses to give someone else hope that they can survive too.

My Own Healing Into Ministry

I’ll never forget the first trauma healing group I attended. At that time, I was carrying so much pain, much of which I hadn’t even named. That group created space for me to be vulnerable, to bring my story before God, and to allow Him to start peeling back the layers.

It wasn’t instant, but it was transformational. In that circle, I experienced freedom and clarity I had been longing for. And it was out of that space of healing that my ministry was born.

That’s why I am so passionate about our Christian Trauma Healing Certification Program. It mirrors my own journey. Women begin by going through six Christ-centered classes that allow them to focus on their own healing. Only then do we equip them to guide others. It’s not about skipping your process. It’s about letting your process become preparation.

I’ve watched women walk in carrying years of silence, shame, or grief — and walk out with confidence, clarity, and the courage to step into their purpose. That’s what God can do when you say yes, even while you’re still healing.

Facing Fear and Imposter Syndrome

Now let’s talk about the fears that hold so many women back.

• “What if I’m not ready?”
  
  
• “What if I fail?”
  
  
• “What if people don’t take me seriously?”
  
  
• “What if others say women shouldn’t be in ministry at all?”
  
  

I know those voices well. They are the voices of fear, imposter syndrome, and tradition. But none of them have the authority to define you.

Fear says, “Wait until you feel ready.” God says, “Move, and I will be with you.”
Imposter syndrome says, “You’re not enough.” God says, “I will equip you.”
Tradition says, “Women can’t lead.” God says, “In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh — your sons and your daughters will prophesy” (Acts 2:17).

If you let fear or imposter syndrome dictate your steps, you’ll stay stuck. But when you choose obedience, even with trembling knees, you discover that God’s power shows up in ways you could never manufacture on your own.

Why You Can’t Wait Until You’re “Ready”

Here’s the sobering truth: you may never feel “ready.” Healing will always be in progress. The enemy will always try to remind you of your past. Someone will always have an opinion about your qualifications.

But God is not asking you to be perfect. He’s asking you to be willing.

Every time you take a step in faith — even while still healing — you break chains, silence lies, and show others what it looks like to walk with God through pain into purpose.

Final Thoughts

If you remember nothing else from this message, remember this: your healing journey is not a disqualification — it’s preparation. God often calls us to lead out of the very places we’ve been wounded, because those are the places where His power shines brightest.

You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t have to wait until the scars completely fade. You don’t have to silence every doubt before you say yes.

What you do need is the willingness to step forward and allow God to use your story as a vessel of healing for someone else.

That’s why I want to invite you to join our Christian Trauma Healing Certification Program. This isn’t just about gaining tools — it’s about walking through your own healing in a Christ-centered, supportive community and then being equipped to guide others. It’s a powerful way to turn your pain into purpose, to find freedom for yourself, and to become a channel of hope for others.

Your journey could be the breakthrough someone else is praying for.

Your Sister, 

Rev. Jocelyn