Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sherine Leslie-gooden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sherine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
My hero is and has always been my mom, Carlene Williams, who passed away in September 2005. She was the strongest person I’ve ever known. Growing up, I saw her unwavering faith in God and her resilience. Every Saturday, my sister and I would have to be in church. I am truly grateful for this upbringing because this is what helped me to return to God when I walked away. I remember when she took sick; I had never heard her complain or curse God for allowing her to become sick. Instead, she would encourage me to remain in church and serve God. What I admire most is her unwavering kindness and her ability to find joy even in difficult times. Her example taught me the importance of perseverance and compassion. Her life has shown me that even when life is hard, you can still choose to be kind and to keep moving forward with the help of God. That is something that I try to do in my own life. She was a humble, reserved, selfless, disciplined, godly woman, and very thoughtful of others. Her unwavering support and love shaped the person I am today, and her values continue to guide me in every aspect of my life. I strive to honour her memory by embodying the qualities she exemplified, hoping to make her proud each day. She was my encourager and motivator; she would encourage me and other siblings to do our best in school. Her belief in our potential instilled a sense of confidence that has carried me through many challenges. As I navigate my path, I often reflect on her words of wisdom, using them as a compass to steer me towards my goals. Her selflessness and unwavering support have instilled in me a deep sense of compassion for those around me. As I navigate through life’s challenges, I aim to reflect her kindness and generosity, believing that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
Sherine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello, I am Sherine Leslie-Gooden, wife, mother, writer, and author, but most of all, a woman of God. I am a compassionate servant of God with a passion to touch lives for the glory of God. I am a very active member in my church, where I am the team lead for the children’s ministry. I am a graduate of the University of Technology Jamaica, hold a Bachelor in Business Administration, and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Public Administration. I am passionate about empowering and encouraging others to walk in their divine purpose despite the many obstacles and setbacks that might have come their way. I live by the motto, “Nothing is working against me; God will work it out for my good.” My favourite scripture is “And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV).
February 2024, my first book, Process for Purpose: Learning to Trust God’s Plan and Purpose in Your Season of Waiting, was published, where I share my story of faith, hope, and resilience with others to encourage, uplift, and bring hope.
It was during these darkest seasons of feeling hopeless, disappointed, fearful, and discouraged that I pushed myself to seek the Lord on a deeper level and learn more about trusting and waiting upon Him, even when I didn’t understand, so that I could shift my focus from the situation to God and help others do the same. This book is written to help others going through their darkest season and who are feeling discouraged, as it seems no end is in sight to their suffering.
This book consists of practical strategies that will help you embrace and endure your season of waiting, trust God, develop your faith and patience muscles, and learn to stay encouraged, hopeful, and motivated despite how long you have been waiting. Don’t allow your situation to define your life. Climb over that obstacle and continue moving forward.
I am most proud of the fact that despite the many obstacles and setbacks, I didn’t allow it to stop me from pushing forward and sharing my story to bring inspiration and encouragement to my readers. With every word I write, I hope to ignite a spark of hope in others, reminding them that they too can rise above their circumstances and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37KJV. Each challenge has shaped my narrative, empowering me to uplift others who may be facing similar situations.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2017, my life turned upside down. Unexpected situations arose, forcing me to reassess my priorities and embrace change in ways I had never anticipated. Each obstacle became a lesson, guiding me towards a newfound resilience I never knew I possessed. I was falsely accused of fraud at work. The charges led to my arrest, and I spent a week in jail, followed by a weekend in prison. The entire ordeal was a public disgrace. I lost my reputation, my job, and nearly my peace of mind. As I sat in that jail cell, I wrestled with God. “Why, Lord? What did I do wrong? Why would you let this happen to me?” It was a painful and traumatic experience, and I felt like my world had collapsed.
But even in my darkest moments, God was there. Romans 8:28 tells us that “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Deep in my spirit, I began to sense that God was using this experience to shape me, even though I couldn’t see it at the time. As I meditated on Scripture, the words of Travis Greene’s song “You Made a Way” echoed in my mind. Slowly but surely, I gained strength. I knew deep in my soul that I couldn’t navigate alone. I had to rely on God for strength, surrender my worries, and trust in His plan.
My case dragged on for over eight years, with constant court delays and financial struggles. I was placed on interdiction. Despite the overwhelming challenges, I remained determined to trust God for justice, praying that one day the truth would prevail. Each day was a test of my resilience, but I refused to let the circumstances define my spirit. I was fearful, confused, and weary. But in those moments, I turned to prayer, worship, the word of God, and the church community, spending time in the presence of God and the words of encouragement from my husband, family, and friends. I found peace and comfort in the promises of God, in the stories of people who faced trials greater than mine but held on to their faith. I learned to take my eyes off my situation and shift my focus from the storm to the unwavering presence of God.
Even while riding out my own storm, I still avail myself as a vessel of service to God and others. In doing so, I discovered that my own storms could become a source of strength and encouragement for those around me. Each act of kindness and support not only uplifted others but also fortified my own spirit, reminding me that we are all interconnected in this journey of faith and resilience. I began to dedicate myself to serving faithfully, wholeheartedly, and committedly in my church community. I have also written published articles encouraging others. It wasn’t just about escaping my situations; it was just about finding purpose in the midst of my pain. It was about remembering that even when I felt hopeless, I still had something to offer. Serving others helps to take your eyes off your situation and give you a sense of purpose and encouragement. It was a way to remind myself that my life and identity don’t have to be defined by my circumstances but by my relationship with God. This understanding transformed my outlook, allowing me to see the beauty in the struggle and the strength in vulnerability. Embracing this truth not only fostered resilience within me but also deepened my connections with others who were navigating their journeys.
I discover that even in the darkest of times, light could shine through acts of service and compassion. From these, I learned that faith wasn’t just about believing; it was about acting, about living out my convictions even in difficult circumstances. And as I dedicated myself to God and service, I found that God was working in ways I couldn’t have imagined, preparing me for greater purpose and a future of greater service. My journey has taught me that resilience is not merely about enduring hardships but about transforming them into stepping stones towards growth and understanding. Each challenge has shaped me in ways I never anticipated, fostering a deeper appreciation for both my achievements and the lessons learned along the way.
So, if you’re facing adversity today—whether it’s in your finances, health, or relationships—remember that God is still in control. He is walking with you through the storm, and He has a purpose in your pain. Trust the process, even when you don’t understand it.
God’s timing is perfect. He sees what we cannot. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Even when you’re in the thick of it, be confident that God will go before you, making every crooked path straight and leading you to His divine purpose. No matter what you’re facing, trust Him. He has already made a way.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The day I had to pivot in life was both daunting and exhilarating. I realised that sometimes embracing the unknown can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. It was a moment that forced me to reassess my priorities and confront my fears head-on. While the path ahead seemed uncertain, I felt a renewed sense of purpose guiding me towards a future I had yet to explore. As I took that first step into the unfamiliar, I discovered strengths within myself that I had never acknowledged before. Each challenge became a lesson, teaching me resilience and the value of adaptability in even when you faced with trials. During that time, I learned to channel my frustrations into spiritual and personal growth, exploring new hobbies and interests that ultimately shaped my character. In January 2017, my reputation was tarnished when the unexpected happened: I was arrested, charged, and placed on interdiction with an ongoing court case for eight years. Despite the overwhelming challenges I faced, I was determined to rebuild my life and fulfil my purpose. The journey was filled with obstacles, but I knew that trusting in God, perseverance, and resilience would be my guiding principles. I had just completed my Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance and Banking in 2015 and was ready to climb in my career. The weight of the situation felt unbearable, wrestling with the emotional turmoil that followed. Each day became a battle, filled with uncertainty about my future and the impact on my reputation.
It was as if the very limitations I faced had ignited a fire within me, propelling me to seek opportunities I had once thought unachievable. One day I sat down with my journal and began to write. I had been journaling since high school and had a dream of writing a book one day. At first I was a bit hesitant. What is it I am going to write about? I sensed the Lord telling me to share my story with others on how I am enduring my process while I am waiting for my victory. This hunger has risen up in me to write as the days go by. I enrolled in a mentorship program where I was guided through the process of writing my story. Upon completing the program and finishing my manuscript, I decided that I was going to get it published. I didn’t know where the money was coming from, but I stepped out in faith, trusting that God would provide because He placed the idea within me to share my story, and He did. My book was published in February 2024, and the response from my story was unexpected; people connected with my authenticity and were truly encouraged. My book made it on the Amazon best sellers list in March 2024. To God be all the glory.
The investigation dragged on, a slow and tiring process. But I no longer defined myself by it. I had found a new path, a new purpose. It had been a painful, humiliating experience, but it had also been an inspiration. I had pivoted, not to erase the past but to create a future where my God-given purpose and story can share. It was not the life I had planned, but it was the life that God has planned for me. He stated in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I will forever continue to trust His plans for my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: SherTheEncourager
- Facebook: Sherine Leslie-Gooden
