Meet Your Ambassadors

Let me introduce you to Shanita Jackson-Opolot...

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Shawn is a beautiful soul. She has a quiet, unwavering presence about her. She is a little more calculated about her words than most but when she opens up to you, you will find a deep well of wisdom and strength. She is comforting to be around and it doesn't take long to learn that she has a passion for kids and helping those in need. I love having her as a part of our team at Skybreak Church and I know you're going to be encouraged by her story...

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Q: How long have you been at Skybreak Church?

A: I believe since about 2009/2010

Q: In what capacity do you currently serve?

A: Lead Teacher in Kids Ministry for 5th & 6th graders.

Q: What excites you the most about being an ambassador?

A: Walking through life with ladies, hearing their stories, being their champion and most importantly, letting them know masking their true self isn’t required - letting them know they belong. We get so caught up in what people think, we shrink ourselves unknowingly, and I want ladies to know it’s okay to be authentically you - that’s how God made us. I’ve struggled in this area for so long, and now I have this new found God-confidence that I’ve never felt and I know it’s because I stopped trying to rely on myself to fix my issues and started relying on God - I’m not perfect though, I still have control and trust issues but his grace is so sufficient.

Q: Tell me something that most people don't know about you?

A: I tried to come up with another answer really, but I can’t - I like hard core, cover your ears rap.

Share your story

In 2006, I moved back home from Houston - I walked away from an unhealthy relationship that I had been in for a number of years. I was lost and didn’t know what was next. My reason for moving to Houston was to get my psychology degree at Texas Southern University, but I was back home with nothing to show for the 6 years I’d spent in Houston. I recall talking with a friend, complaining about everything wrong in my life, and I don’t know if it was out of frustration or love, but she said, “You need to go to church.” That resonated with me, not because I grew up in church, though I had been baptized, or because I was lacking a relationship with God, but it was something else. I just didn’t know at the time. I don’t believe it was immediate, but eventually I made it to Skybreak Church. I remember attending those first few months, during worship I would cry, almost as if there was some type of purge occurring. I began serving and eventually settled into kid’s ministry, serving our 5th/6th graders. I attended services regularly, I was faithful in attendance and I even began tithing, but there was a problem. I was still that same girl who walked into those church doors broken, insecure and not sure of my worth. Every Sunday, I was listening to the sermons, but my doubt, trust and control issues kept me from believing wholeheartedly. As I was struggling to “find myself”, and sorting out how to fit God into my life, I met a guy. He later became my husband, Geoff. I had never been that up close and personal with someone who had as much faith as he had. I would often think - he’s too good for me, I’m going to taint him, but he was patient and showed me unconditional love, although he did call me combative at times. As newly married couples do, we began planning for the future, saving for buying a house, and preparing to start a family; however, life had other plans. In April 2016, Geoff was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. During the next 3 months, I wanted to run - our vows would run through my mind... "in sickness and health". I hadn’t signed up for this - not cancer! I felt life was moving forward, but we were stuck in a repetitive cycle of hospital stays, doctor visits, trips to the pharmacy and constant updates to family. I wasn’t talking to God much during this period, but I had a playlist on Spotify aptly named, Lifted Up, and every day, throughout the day, I would listen to “When the Fight Calls” by Hillsong. As the song says, I felt my world was caving and that song spoke to our situation and brought life and I was able to keep moving forward. In Isaiah 61:3, it speaks about God giving us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness - I love that verse, because even in the worst of circumstances, even if I couldn’t feel it - I was being strengthened. 3 months after the diagnosis, he passed away. The first year after Geoff’s death, I was on autopilot, often wondering when I would think about Geoff and remember the good things, and not be plagued by the last 3 months of his life. I would often consider "why?" - and the one thought that kept reoccurring was for me to grow closer to God. I was in church, I was serving, a model Christian on the outside, I was even figuring out I had worth - but I was still carrying around baggage that needed to be settled. I spent a lot of time trying to “self-correct” - whatever that means, but as I started to press into God, I learned that my true identity lies in him and if I didn’t know him or his word on an intimate level - I would continuously be in a holding pattern, not growing. In 2017, I began attending bible study regularly, listening to podcasts, and I also joined a life group. During a retreat with SOS women’s ministry, I was outside looking up at the stars with a friend - and I mentioned to her that I didn’t think I would ever meet anyone who would love me more than Geoff and she quickly reminded me that God loves me. As she walked away, I was still looking up at the stars, I heard the words, “I love you.” It was not audible, but it grabbed my attention as if is was. It was something that I had never experienced, but instantaneously, I felt the love of God and since that time, I’ve had a deep desire to grow in my relationship with Him. Accepting his love, grace and mercy has given me confidence in areas I never thought possible. I’ve accepted that I’m not perfect and I will make mistakes, but his grace is sufficient. When you see me now, I’m at peace, I’m joyful and I’m not broken an most importantly, I know my worth. My journey is still evolving but I’m at peace with who I am in Christ. Don’t get me wrong, THERE ARE DAYS I have to fight this flesh hard, but I’m reminded of my favorite verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

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Thank you Shawn for sharing this with us. I know it wasn't easy to put words to what you've been through these past few years but so many people need to know that what they're facing right now is only temporary. You sharing your story allows Geoff to live on, in a way. I remember him and his smile- through it all. Cancer sucks. I know how much it can hurt a family and attempt to steal, kill and destroy. Pastor Janet is currently faced with the harsh reality that cancer has returned in her body- this time in a major organ. Our family won't give up hope. If you know someone who has cancer, the best gift you can give them is to never give up hope. It is our anchor. When all seems lost, cling to the cross and the comfort of Jesus will be close to you. Let your faith be louder than your fears today. Give somebody a hug. Let somebody know you're praying for them.

Please consider praying with us at noon everyday for the healing of Pastor Janet. If there is someone close to you facing circumstances that seem impossible as well, we'd love to be praying with you, too! Feel free to comment and let us know!

Love you friend,

Kendra