Finding Faith In Deep Waters

Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee sunny skies and smooth sailing. In fact, the waters of life are often tumultuous, crashing over us. Sometimes we can feel that we’re drowning in a sea of confusion, division, frustration, complacency, or disillusionment. We need more than a shallow faith to survive these deep waters.

Cue - an amazing new book called Into the Deep, written by Lauren Gaskill pictured in the middle of the gal-pals above. Lauren's the founder of the loveliest online resource - She Found Joy - and in her new book she shares how she and others have learned to swim with Jesus in the deep waters of life—facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and chronic illness—only to discover a more authentic, enduring faith that cannot be shaken by circumstances. In addition to examining the character of God and the lives of women and men of the Bible who chose to dive deeper with God, she provides practical examples and tools that help us take our faith to the next level by learning to make decisions by faith alone, control our reactions to overwhelming situations, and live a life rooted in love.

Get ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage, and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy! Why? Because we're chatting with Lauren now!

Why did you write Into the Deep?

I wrote Into the Deep because I know there are people swimming through life who feel like they can’t keep their head above water for one more day. I know this because that used to be me. Into the Deep is not just a love letter from me to them — its invitation to courageous faith is a life preserver for us all, and it’s why I’m still here today.

You've been diagnosed with a chronic illness (EDS III). How has God taught you to rely more on Him through it?

As someone who has “weak” genetics and has fought chronic pain for 10+ years, I know I won’t make it through a single day if I’m not relying on the JOY of the Lord to be my strength. God is my lifeline. My all in all. My living water. Without Him, there would be no hope for someone like me.

Advice for women struggling with stress or their health?

Keep giving your hurt to Jesus. Every second. Every minute. Every hour. Give Him your stress. Give Him your health. Give all of your burdens to Him and then refuse to pick them back up again. This, along with 2 Corinthians 10:5, is a simple practice, but it changes everything. Also, praise is super important. The next time you want to yell or punch something, I dare you to start singing to Jesus. Just sing His name if that’s all you can think of. I promise you it will turn your day around!

How can we learn to ‘swim with God?'

We learn to swim with God by daily choosing to trust and pursue Him, while practicing the biblical aspects of faith we discover in His Word. (You can read all about these practical ways to go deeper in your faith in my book!)

How do you stay grounded?

Of all the things that keep me grounded, these are the ones that rise to the top: My Bible, a good swim, prayer walking, my husband, my family and my dear friends.

Tell us about your podcast and Ladies Night Out events!

In 2015, God called me to launch the a podcast to encourage and inspire women to find joy in all of life’s moments and grow in their faith. As a woman who lives with an incurable connective tissue disorder, I know how hard it can be to choose joy and faith every day. But Jesus is worth it, and when we seek His joy and put our faith in Him, there is nothing we can’t overcome. After a year of hosting the podcast, God called me to take the mission of spreading authentic joy around the U.S. by creating a one night mini retreat called She Found Joy Ladies Night Out. 

For the last three years, my team and I have hosted these events faithfully, providing special experiences for women to come together in an impactful and inspiring night of food, fellowship and fun. She Found Joy was born out of a desire to help women discover an authentic joy in Jesus, live it consistently and give it abundantly, and that is our hope for this ministry as we continue to grow.

How can we learn to turn our pain around for good?

We can’t turn our pain around for good. But if we allow God into our pain — He can and will redeem it for good. That is a promise we can count on.

Lauren Gaskill is an author, speaker and founder of She Found Joy. Diagnosed with an incurable genetic disorder (Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), Lauren is passionate about encouraging others to fight for faith and keep hope alive — no matter what. When she’s not writing, Lauren loves to cook, bake and go on hikes with her husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is affectionately named Reese after Lauren’s favorite candy, peanut butter cups.