Episode 5:
The Famine and the Feast, Loaves and Oranges & Loving the Ties That Bind
With Sharon Ward
Sharon Ward is a midwife, a mother of five and a grandmother of three and counting. Her husband has been a pastor and ministry leader for decades. Originally from the U.K., they and their family now reside in Australia.
In Part 1 of this episode, Sharon shares how the start of her motherhood journey with the Lord tested her own faith and perspectives through infertility and a long wait for the child she so desperately wanted. What followed were 5 children in 6 years and another test, this time of her own will to live. Through complications caused by a routine surgery, Sharon fought to hold onto the abundant life given to her and meet the challenges her recovery then presented to her young family.
In Part 2, Sharon talks more about how her perspective on living an abundant life was shaped by her rapidly multiplying family and the challenges that this created. The growing strain on her time, finances and physical strength built on Sharon's ability to innovate. She found herself trusting God for His provision in unexpected ways, looking at what was already in her own hand, which led to the gathering of true riches in her life.
Photography by Max
In Part 3, Sharon reflects on how seeking God's Kingdom for herself and developing her relationships with her family have become deeply connected. Sharon finds herself now in a place where the busyness has come to mean peace through living a full life with her family, community and God which is still surprising and challenging her.
Scriptural References
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 145:8
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
Resources
Book: Tricky Kids, Andrew Fuller
Links
Good Reads, Tricky Kids, Andrew Fuller