Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Morgan.
Hi Jen, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is somewhat difficult to sum up in a short paragraph, as with most people. Ever since I can remember, I have loved surrounding myself with people; laughing, talking, sharing, and doing my very best to lift others up. I have always loved to write, even what I was little, I would create stories thinking that someday I would be a writer. My faith life has been a long journey and due to being raised in a large Catholic family with parents who instilled this in all of us since we were born. I am the youngest of 9 children and I started experiencing what it meant to have a deep faith when I was 8 years old and my oldest brother was tragically killed in a car accident. Seeing my parents and siblings navigate such a harsh reality was an example to me of what it meant to be strong and carry on without questioning our faith. Throughout my life, I faced quite a bit of adversity in marriage, friendships, financial strains, grief and so much more, but what I found is that when I wasn’t clinging to my faith, I was stuck in a sea of confusion and fear constantly searching for something to fill the voids of unhappiness and emptiness. I’ve always suffered with low self-esteem and the need to fit in. It wasn’t until I discovered my purpose of leading and teaching women by using my real-life story that I realized I can make a difference. I strongly believe in women lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down. As I became more authentic with who I was and accepted it, I knew that there was something bigger for me and my mission. That is when I started writing for “real”. In 2021, my first book, “Bring It On”, was published and I am now on a path to speaking to as many women as I can to help encourage them to search for hope in times of feeling hopeless.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Hahaha – I’m sorry, but that made me laugh out loud! It has absolutely not been a smooth road for me. My struggles came in so many forms. I would say the biggest difficulties in my life have been with tragedy. I have lost 3 brothers and one of my very best friends – all tragically. Those have been the times where I was knocked down and had to search for ways to come back from them. I have been married for 27 years and have 3 children…which, has also not proven to be a “smooth” road, but one that has taught me how to grow and find positive, healthy ways to cope when adversity creeps up. My husband and I struggled financially for the entire first half of our marriage, not to mention all of the other things that can challenge a marriage along the way. Having low self-esteem and constantly craving attention and acceptance led me to dark places that I have since fought to find a way out of. Relying on faith, family and of course, some fun has brought me to a place of greater peace and joy. I am so thankful for that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am so proud to have started my mission to inspire women to unmask, unveil and unleash their purpose without fear or judgment. I want to use my story and my authenticity to provide a hope in a time of feeling hopeless. We all have a story, yet it seems that so many of us hide behind masks of fear, shame, anger, resentment, etc. and we wear our fake smiles to cover up the emptiness that resides inside our heart. My mission is to encourage women to lift each other up and “dive in the ditch” with one another when there seems to be nobody else. I want my stories of grief, heartache, and pain to be shared as an example of how when you have faith, you can and will survive any battle thrown your way. I have written my first book, “Bring It On” and my website and social media is helping me share this message with others. www.jenmorganinspires.com and @jenmorganinspires on FB and IG is where I do this.
I think what sets me apart from others is that though I am a very strong Christian woman, I do not bash anyone over the head with it. God is a huge part of my life, but I like to say that it’s ok to be “fun, fabulous, and faithful”! I am still me! I am imperfect, broken, and beautiful and I own that now. My events usually have wine and bubbles, music, prayer, and lots of laughter. Combined with great women who aren’t afraid to just be themselves – no judgment, no fear! That’s what I’m all about!
I have also written an 8-week women’s study, HeartWork, that will be published in 2022/2023. In addition to that, I am in the midst of starting my TV show and podcast, “Women Wisdom and Wine with Jen Morgan” and I am booking speaking engagements in homes, churches, places of business, or Zoom calls.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Because of my “extroverted” personality, most people would be surprised how much I suffer from low self-esteem and the need to be accepted and liked by all. This is something that has improved in me so much over the past few years, but it is definitely something I still struggle with from time to time. People sometimes see me surrounded by different groups of friends, having fun and I tend to come off as the life of the party, so they are surprised to know how much my need for acceptance has really debilitated me at times. This is a place where I have had to do a deep dive into who I am, how I can improve from within and work on accepting God’s love for me.
People are also surprised at how much tragedy I’ve endured throughout my entire life and how my foundation of faith has brought me through time and time again. I always try to remain hopeful in all circumstances.
Pricing:
- Book $24.99
- Speaking engagement varies in $
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@jenmorganinspires.com
- Website: www.jenmorganinspires.com
- Instagram: @jenmorganinspires
- Facebook: @jenmorganinspires
Image Credits
White Orchid Photography
