42: Lessons on Love and Forgiveness with Sally Ives

Summary

In this episode of the Grace Raised podcast, host Riah Jaffrey speaks with Sally Ives about her profound journey of faith, suffering, and redemption. Sally shares her early experiences of hearing God's voice, her struggles with grief after losing her son, and the transformative power of prayer and community. Through her testimony, Sally emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, the ongoing journey of grief, and how our experiences can be used to comfort and help others. The conversation highlights the beauty of finding hope and joy amidst suffering, and the assurance that we are never alone in our struggles.

Sally Ives

I am the second oldest of 5 children, initially raised in Massachusetts until as an early teen, my family began moving back and forth across the country. I had primarily attended congregational churches and was briefly introduced to churches of other denominations, many of which I served in by teaching youth groups and Sunday schools. I attended undergraduate and graduate schools in New England, attaining degrees in Educational and School Psychology, and married my first husband in 1981, moving in 1982 to Bar Harbor where I have since lived. My children were born in 1987 and 1990, and in 1991 I became a single mom when my first husband left for "greener pastures".  Through my married years, I had attended church only intermittently, but then began attending a local Lutheran church.  In 1993 I accompanied a friend one morning to a campground service in which the message pricked my heart and, while I had been sure that I was a Christian, I had questions. At the urging of my friend, I sought out the pastor, Chuck Ives who had spoken that morning. We set up a time to meet up for a hike, since that was a favorite leisure activity for the both of us, and along the trail leading up to Beech Mountain, I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus. Chuck and I quickly became best of friends and 6 months later, in February 1994 we were married. We continued to raise our boys (his daughter completing her nursing degree). In 2010 I tragically lost my 19 year old son, a loss that changed me, yet drew me even closer to Jesus.  Chuck and I have often served together through marriage ministries, and since the loss of my son, I have been called to serve other grieving moms. Together, Chuck and I have 5 grandchildren (his daughter's 2 girls and my son's 2 girls and 1 son); we have also "adopted" a young woman with 3 children. The Lord has most recently called me into women's ministry as biblical counselor through Healing Hearts, as mentor for the Rock School of Ministry, and  leader within the Rock Church. I look forward to the Lord's continuing to grow me and expand my ministries as I now enter into retirement from my day employment. 

About

Join Riah Jaffrey for a podcast series where we draw on our personal stories, examine the truth of God’s word, and identify the lies, false identities, and unbiblical beliefs that keep us from walking whole heartedly in the power of our new life through the gift of Grace in Jesus. Join us as we share what it is to walk in relationship with Jesus; where we discover new life in death and step into the supernatural power of God’s Grace and Glory. 

If you would like to share your story you can submit a request on our website at thegraceraisedpodcast.com, or send us an email at thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com. If you would like to donate to help support the ministry you can click the donate link in the show notes or go to thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate.