Joanna Leonard
Hi, I’m Joanna Faith Leonard. I’m delighted you’ve joined me as I share
glimpses of my journey from deep despair and overwhelming fear
back to what I refer to as ‘packaged joy.’
My Story
I was born the fifth child of nine. My sister, Deborah Grace, died at two and a half years of age, just one year before my birth. At seven years old, I would journey to my new home in the mountains of New Hampshire.
I would be raised in a low-joy, fear-based environment for the next six years. The abuse I would endure would change my life forever. For much of my adult life, I would appear to many as a high achiever accomplishing my dreams and goals. I’d marry the love of my life at 21, serve with him for years on the foreign mission field, and give birth to two sons (our greatest joys). I’d go on to become a registered nurse serving in remote communities, both in Central America and Papua New Guinea. What wasn’t evident to many around me was the deep sense of unworthiness and fear that controlled my relationships. I viewed much of my life through the lens of pain and anxiety. I was alone and desperate for hope.
My Healing Journey
In 2018, I was introduced to the book “Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You,” written by E. James Wilder, James G Friesen, Anne Bierling, Rick Koepcke, and Marybeth Poole. God would use this book to change my life forever. Within it was an invite to Life Model‘s annual gathering (Transform) which my friend and I would attend later that year. I would leave this gathering exclaiming I have found my people. Part of my healing journey included blogging lessons God taught me along the way. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to print my blogging journey. Although this journey was very personal, I take joy in sharing it with you, my friends, and my family. Thank you for joining in this joy-filled journey with me.
-Joanna Leonard
