Meet Jenn Barrows | Mentor & Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenn Barrows and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenn, how do you think about risk?
Today, I risk rejection and judgment by stepping out in faith to share my dysfunctional past and alcoholism, subsequent recovery, and a love for Jesus that set me free. In a culture that celebrates excess and hides pain behind social media smiles, I want others to know there is no shame in seeking help for your alcoholism or other problems. My journey was filled with people who showed God’s love on a daily basis and led me back to my Christian faith. I want to shine that light for others. I established the Refined + Recovered ministry to share my experience of healing and growth in the hope that others would be led to recover from their difficult pasts and current pains. Jesus gave His life for me, I can certainly risk my reputation for Him. “Indeed, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested and chosen you in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Refined + Recovered was born out of a passion for helping others heal and grow by sharing the daily application of Biblical principles and a personal relationship with God. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, I was riddled with anxiety, a desire to people-please, self esteem issues, and no boundaries. I always felt this emptiness in my soul, like something was missing. For years, I filled it with alcohol, relationships, drugs, and material things. After reaching an emotional bottom in 2014, I sought help for my alcoholism, went to therapy, read every self-help book I could, and reparented myself slowly with the image of God as a loving Father. God has given me the opportunity and strength to face my faults and insecurities, learn from them, and grow into the woman He would have me be. It is my hope that by sharing my past and healing, others will see God’s light and the hope for a brighter future. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband and I have a pretty low key life, but we do love amazing food. So, our visitors better bring their stretchy pants. We love living in Prosper and are blessed with stellar restaurants and wonderful places to do life on a daily basis. Salsa Tex-Mex is a favorite for patio dining and brisket enchiladas, followed by churros and ice cream. Heaven! On a Friday or Saturday night, let’s hit up The Gin for some live music and a Dirty Bird sandwich. Yes, it is sinfully delicious. Or, if we are craving Italian food and ambiance, Eddie Napoli’s delivers both along with some tasty garlic knots to start dinner and a lemon cake to finish it. Delizioso!! On a Saturday morning, spin class at Re:Gen fitness would be in order after all the gluttony. Afterwards, we can reward ourselves with a Peanut Butter French Toast shake from Prosper Nutrition. I may or may not have an obsession for those shakes. Healthy and delicious?! Yes please!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When we joined Preston Trail Community Church, I started serving in the children’s ministry. Each Sunday as I taught Bible stories about Jesus’ love, I saw these little faces light up. It restored a faith in me that had been missing for a long time. Those seeds that were planted each Sunday by talking, singing, and dancing with 4 year olds grew into a love for God I never could have imagined. Here’s to those sweet kiddos that showed me love for Jesus in the purest form.

Website: www.refinedrecovered.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/refinedrecovered

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refinedrecovered

Facebook: www.facebook.com/refinedrecovered

Image Credits
Jen X Photography Cortnie Dee Photography