When asked to tell the story of GraceFull Goods, founder Sharon Roberts’ typical response is
“Do you want the whole story or something simple?” While she says it can all be summed up with one simple word, “obedience,” the whole story involves inspiration she received on a mission trip to Romania and this scripture verse, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads the fragrance of knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14) At the time, she thought everywhere meant Romania, but when she returned home and started back into local ministries with Beloved Ministries, a mission that serves single mothers, she found that local ministries were important too.
Beloved Ministries, a local non-profit organization, ministers to single mothers in the Golden Isles community. As part of Beloved team, Sharon realized that they needed fundraising and opportunities for income. She says, “God continually gave me messages to walk in obedience. It was after returning from Romania in 2015 and spending time with one of my dear Beloved friends, that I realized how great the needs were in the single mom community: financially, emotionally and spiritually.” She realized that the “everywhere” in the scripture included her hometown. Fair Traded needed to start here. She continues, “I knew that the skills that I had as a jewelry artisan could be shared, sales could be made, and supplemental incomes could be provided. Little did I know, the spiritual growth that would take place or the walking in intimacy and relationship with God together.”
On October 1, 2015, GraceFull Goods officially became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. And since then, with a mission to uplift women in need, whether they be single mothers, women in recovery, or artisans in impoverished countries, 25 ladies have learned skills, earned money, witnessed together, and grown in their own walk with Christ. These beautiful ladies have incredible stories that just haven't been heard. GraceFull Goods provides hope and opportunity through the art of jewelry making. Each piece is lovingly handcrafted by one of these women. Sharon says, “By doing "life" together, I am able to teach them skills to help a little -- financially, emotionally and spiritually. We are sisters in Christ. We live the love of Christ together and learn what GraceFull Goods stands for: faith, hope, and empowerment. May God always use this for his glory and take it wherever he wants it. May we always walk in obedience.”
1 of 4
2 of 4
3 of 4
4 of 4
Marci, one of the women helped by the ministry, starts her story by saying, “No one ever sits and dreams as a little girl that they hope to get married, divorced and then their ex pass away. I was tired and scared. I knew it was only by the Grace of God I put my feet on the floor every morning. Life is amazing with Jesus and even more amazing celebrating it with Sisters in Christ. I asked Jesus awhile back to place women in my life who would get me. I wasn't even sure I got ‘me.’” Then she joined the ladies of GraceFull Goods.
Marci shares, “I was invited to sit at a kitchen table surround by fear, well- beads, wire, peg boards and rope, it scared me. I just kept thinking fake it till you make it. I listened, watched and tried. I knew in that exact moment Jesus was at that kitchen table because what I created amazed me, all the while surrounded by women of God. I went home and literally dreamed a design. I was so scared to try and explain it the next day, but I was the new girl. Something empowered me to mention my idea. Just throw it out there. I was surrounded with such support and encouragement I even believed I could do it. I made a piece I loved. The very first piece I ever watched someone buy was my piece. I knew at that exact moment Jesus had wrapped his arms around me and I have never felt safer. This was the creation of the ‘Lord, Have Marci!’ bracelet.”
Another GraceFull artisan, Ginger, explains that her story is “A story of recovery, divorce and receiving Grace. In 2015 I was served with divorce papers on the grounds of my untreated alcohol abuse. The very next Sunday I heard a little voice say go to church. I had turned my back on Christ for the past 40 years. Three weeks later I entered recovery and through prayers and obedience I began developing a deep a relation with Christ.”
She found her way to GraceFull Goods too. “In 2016 I started praying for women to be placed in my life that would continue to help me grow even more spiritually. Through Beloved Ministries, God led me to Sharon's table and I knew my prayers were answered. Sitting around her table with my sisters in Christ while sharing life and listening to praise and worship music has given me new hope, strength, and empowerment. As someone in recovery, it truly has given me a chance to get outside my problems and learn even more compassion and love for others. This has been and continues to be an amazing spiritual awakening! Grace-Filled.”
Less than 1 year into existence, GraceFull Goods has been blessed to go to other parts of "everywhere". Sharon explains, “God has opened doors to so many places. We do work with women in recovery locally. And we have relationships with Romania, Africa, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Only He can write this story. My prayer is that GraceFull Goods is used for His glory and that we can all learn to love as Christ loves us.” Consider purchasing your holiday gifts from GraceFull Goods this year, your purchase provides income and greater hope and opportunity to these ladies in our community and beyond. Visit gracefullgoods.com to shop online or to learn more about this wonderful organization.
