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Lost & Found: Finding Hope in the Detours of Life
Like every girl, Sarah Jakes dreamed of a life full of love, laughter, and happy endings. But her dreams changed dramatically when she became pregnant at age thirteen, a reality only compounded by the fact that her father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was one of the most influential megachurch pastors in the nation. As a teen mom and a high-profile preacher's kid, her road was lonely. She was shunned at school, gossiped about at church. And a few years later, when a fairy-tale marriage ended in a spiral of hurt and rejection, she could have let her pain dictate her future.
Instead, she found herself surrounded by a God she'd given up on, crashing headlong with him into a destiny she'd never dreamed of. Sarah's captivating story, unflinchingly honest and deeply vulnerable, is a vivid reminder that God can turn even the deepest pain into his perfection.
Instead, she found herself surrounded by a God she'd given up on, crashing headlong with him into a destiny she'd never dreamed of. Sarah's captivating story, unflinchingly honest and deeply vulnerable, is a vivid reminder that God can turn even the deepest pain into his perfection.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
268 people are currently reading
2037 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
April 14, 2014
This book was very disappointing and not at all what I expected. I did not find it inspirational. It was chaotic and drama filled from start to end.
I realize the author's intent was to be vulnerable and transparent, but it seemed like she was counseling herself in most of the chapters. I did feel for her, being a prominent pastor's daughter, pregnant and unmarried and the stigma she faced with all of that.
However, much of the book felt very "self promoting" as readers are constantly reminded of her family's accomplishments and successes. For as many times as Sarah writes about wanting to be "just Sarah" and not recognized as a "Jakes", she then turns around and writes about the family's success story.
The very first page, second sentence, comments on her father being featured in Time magazine as the next Billy Graham. The very next sentence talks about their church being the fastest growing church in the nation. And then the name dropping begins.......Oprah, Aretha Franklin.........the first page of the book has very little to do with Sarah's story at all.
At one point, it felt like a reality TV show in print, as she described being angry at her fiance', taking off her jewelry and getting ready to brawl. I was concerned for her young son throughout most of the book, wondering where he was during all of this drama, and WHO was caring for him? Not just physically, but emotionally.
I found myself aching for a baby boy who seemed to be taking second place to his mother's relationships. The baby appears to be an afterthought, while the dysfunctional relationships with men are front and center in just about every chapter.
I was REALLY concerned, when as a married woman, Sarah takes off after her cheating husband and his girlfriend, leaving the two children sleeping in the house.
This "story" wasn't anything new, fresh or inspiring. It doesn't clearly lead readers in the direction of God as far as what it means to walk with Him, be in a relationship with Him and turn your life around.
It's mainly about a privileged young woman who rebels, and has her family backing her up, no matter how poor her choices. Regardless of how many bad decisions she makes, she is constantly bailed out by her family, who she eventually ends up working for.
Her version of "single divorced mom" is much different than most single moms I know. While Sarah definitely had her struggles, I think most young women who are truly struggling will find it hard to relate to this particular "Cinderella" story.
I would suggest checking this out from your local library, instead of wasting your money.
I realize the author's intent was to be vulnerable and transparent, but it seemed like she was counseling herself in most of the chapters. I did feel for her, being a prominent pastor's daughter, pregnant and unmarried and the stigma she faced with all of that.
However, much of the book felt very "self promoting" as readers are constantly reminded of her family's accomplishments and successes. For as many times as Sarah writes about wanting to be "just Sarah" and not recognized as a "Jakes", she then turns around and writes about the family's success story.
The very first page, second sentence, comments on her father being featured in Time magazine as the next Billy Graham. The very next sentence talks about their church being the fastest growing church in the nation. And then the name dropping begins.......Oprah, Aretha Franklin.........the first page of the book has very little to do with Sarah's story at all.
At one point, it felt like a reality TV show in print, as she described being angry at her fiance', taking off her jewelry and getting ready to brawl. I was concerned for her young son throughout most of the book, wondering where he was during all of this drama, and WHO was caring for him? Not just physically, but emotionally.
I found myself aching for a baby boy who seemed to be taking second place to his mother's relationships. The baby appears to be an afterthought, while the dysfunctional relationships with men are front and center in just about every chapter.
I was REALLY concerned, when as a married woman, Sarah takes off after her cheating husband and his girlfriend, leaving the two children sleeping in the house.
This "story" wasn't anything new, fresh or inspiring. It doesn't clearly lead readers in the direction of God as far as what it means to walk with Him, be in a relationship with Him and turn your life around.
It's mainly about a privileged young woman who rebels, and has her family backing her up, no matter how poor her choices. Regardless of how many bad decisions she makes, she is constantly bailed out by her family, who she eventually ends up working for.
Her version of "single divorced mom" is much different than most single moms I know. While Sarah definitely had her struggles, I think most young women who are truly struggling will find it hard to relate to this particular "Cinderella" story.
I would suggest checking this out from your local library, instead of wasting your money.
July 14, 2015
While Sarah Jakes is 15 years my junior and has gone through way more than I did by 25, I can definitely relate to many of her experiences - especially as it concerns the mistakes we make when trying to solve problems ourselves rather than depend on God and turn to those who love us without conditions. This is a book that I believe all women who deal with insecurities should read. Regardless of our parents, our wealth, our beauty, our great educations, etc., we all have dealt with something that has embarrassed us or disappointed those we love. Then, we find ourselves on a path of cover ups, loneliness, desperation, and hopelessness - we become 'lost.' Sarah reminds us that no matter what, we can be 'found,' but that we must go through the process of healing ourselves, not fixing others.
I love that this book isn't preachy. It's an easy read with nuggets that will carry people through tough times.
I also believe Sarah is a great storyteller. I began this book as an audio book, but then wanted something I could mark up and add notes, so I purchased the physical book as well.
I love that this book isn't preachy. It's an easy read with nuggets that will carry people through tough times.
I also believe Sarah is a great storyteller. I began this book as an audio book, but then wanted something I could mark up and add notes, so I purchased the physical book as well.
May 1, 2014
This is the story of Sarah Jakes, daughter of well-known pastor, Bishop T. D. Jakes. She is just twenty-five but has certainly lived a life of drama.
Sarah became pregnant at thirteen. Because of the guilt she felt for becoming a teen mother, she worked extra hard in her high school studies, and graduated much earlier than she would have, had she not missed time with her pregnancy.
Next, Sarah enrolled in college, but started flunking out when she became involved in a dysfunctional relationship with a football player. This man cheated on her constantly. As soon as one liaison ended, he was quick to find another to replace her.
Despite his disloyalty, and Sarah’s awareness of it, she sacrificed anything to have a relationship with him. This included lying to her family, moving in with him, throwing away her chance for a college education and working as a waitress in a strip club. Despite all this, Sarah wanted to marry him, and his blatant cheating continued after their marriage.
Sarah is blessed to have had her family’s support, and the means to provide a good job and material goods for her. Her family has stood by her, no matter what, and provided a safety net.
The title of the book, “Lost and Found,” implies there was an “aha” moment with God, when a change took place in Sarah’s life. However, there never seemed to be a defining moment when she turned away from one kind of living, and started down a path toward a Godly life. Instead, her story seemed to be one of making a series of bad choices and then, sometimes, adding religion to the mix.
The first fifty pages or so, are filled with her unhappiness about being in a well-known preacher’s family with a mega church. Difficulty dealing with her family being famous is used as justification of why she started experimenting with sex at age thirteen. I have sympathy for Sarah. However, I would have liked for Sarah to take responsibility for her actions herself, to hear her say, “I messed up. I shouldn’t have done that.”
I would also like for Sarah to understand on a very deep level that she has God’s forgiveness. She does not need a relationship where she is mistreated and devalued as further penance for her past.
I applaud Sarah for being transparent about her life. Being a teen mother, and a single mother, is not an easy road. The question is, where will she go from here, what will be her destiny? She is still a young girl, with a history of making lots of bad choices. It has only been two years since she got out of her penalizing , dysfunctional relationship and marriage. My hope is that she accepts forgiveness from God and herself, so that future choices will not be ones to punish her further, but to grow in the Lord’s love.
The author spends multiple pages writing about issues, that seemed like they could have been covered in a much smaller space. At times, the story rambles a lot, making it a challenge to continue reading. Because of the subpar writing, this cannot be more than a 3-star book.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
My blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2014/05/01/...
Author’s Website: http://sarahjakes.com/author/sarahdja...
Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahJakesOn...
Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahDJakes
Sarah became pregnant at thirteen. Because of the guilt she felt for becoming a teen mother, she worked extra hard in her high school studies, and graduated much earlier than she would have, had she not missed time with her pregnancy.
Next, Sarah enrolled in college, but started flunking out when she became involved in a dysfunctional relationship with a football player. This man cheated on her constantly. As soon as one liaison ended, he was quick to find another to replace her.
Despite his disloyalty, and Sarah’s awareness of it, she sacrificed anything to have a relationship with him. This included lying to her family, moving in with him, throwing away her chance for a college education and working as a waitress in a strip club. Despite all this, Sarah wanted to marry him, and his blatant cheating continued after their marriage.
Sarah is blessed to have had her family’s support, and the means to provide a good job and material goods for her. Her family has stood by her, no matter what, and provided a safety net.
The title of the book, “Lost and Found,” implies there was an “aha” moment with God, when a change took place in Sarah’s life. However, there never seemed to be a defining moment when she turned away from one kind of living, and started down a path toward a Godly life. Instead, her story seemed to be one of making a series of bad choices and then, sometimes, adding religion to the mix.
The first fifty pages or so, are filled with her unhappiness about being in a well-known preacher’s family with a mega church. Difficulty dealing with her family being famous is used as justification of why she started experimenting with sex at age thirteen. I have sympathy for Sarah. However, I would have liked for Sarah to take responsibility for her actions herself, to hear her say, “I messed up. I shouldn’t have done that.”
I would also like for Sarah to understand on a very deep level that she has God’s forgiveness. She does not need a relationship where she is mistreated and devalued as further penance for her past.
I applaud Sarah for being transparent about her life. Being a teen mother, and a single mother, is not an easy road. The question is, where will she go from here, what will be her destiny? She is still a young girl, with a history of making lots of bad choices. It has only been two years since she got out of her penalizing , dysfunctional relationship and marriage. My hope is that she accepts forgiveness from God and herself, so that future choices will not be ones to punish her further, but to grow in the Lord’s love.
The author spends multiple pages writing about issues, that seemed like they could have been covered in a much smaller space. At times, the story rambles a lot, making it a challenge to continue reading. Because of the subpar writing, this cannot be more than a 3-star book.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
My blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2014/05/01/...
Author’s Website: http://sarahjakes.com/author/sarahdja...
Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahJakesOn...
Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahDJakes
January 13, 2017
I didn't know anything about Sarah's life until I stumbled across her blog. What I love about this book is Sarah's transparency. She tells it all, the good, bad and the ugly. In order to heal and minister to others you must open up your mouth and testify about what God has done in your life. I would strongly suggest this book.
May 11, 2018
Sarah Jakes
A good insight on how Sarah grew up, the numerous challenges she went through and the joy of having a supporting family. Great read.
A good insight on how Sarah grew up, the numerous challenges she went through and the joy of having a supporting family. Great read.
November 12, 2014
It is a very interesting book. A book to be shared with your teenage daughter or sister. I enjoyed the book, though its not my story, but a story to be shared.
April 16, 2014
There are some books that when you finish them you close them thinking that was the best book you have ever read in your life. Lost and Found: Finding Hope in the Detours of Life by Sarah Jakes is not one of those books.
I am appalled that it even got published. It was the worst book I have ever read in my entire life.
Sarah Jakes spent the majority of the book describing why she made the terrible choices she made, but giving no hope or help to anyone who might find themselves in similar situations. On page 85 she did mention Jesus, but that was the ONLY time that she ever did mention him. She spent the book instead of reminding us that we have a Savior who died for us complaining about why her life was so terrible.
Sarah went on and on and on and on about her thoughts and analogies. Oh my goodness I don't even care that you happened to see stars in the sky one day and thought that you might have your life finally figured out! You didn't! But you didn't point that out, did you? NO! You tried to make yourself look like someone to be pitied over and over and over and over. I wanted to scream, "I DON'T CARE!" You go into tiny bits of detail to make it seem like you are almost gossiping, but not quite. Oh no, this isn't gossip, it is just me telling you my story which SO NEEDS TO BE TOLD (sarcasm).
On page 146 she says, "So why share this with you?" and that was the same question I had when I finished the book. Why in the WORLD did she share this? It is not helpful. It is not inspiring.
The back cover of the book says, "Regardless of how lost you feel, you, too can be found." That's right, Mommy and Daddy have a job waiting for you when your pro-football playing husband dumps you because isn't that the life that all people lead? Doesn't everyone get to pick up the pieces with money and fame from writing a terrible book that didn't even deserve to be written? But don't worry, Sarah is sure that God has great prosperity waiting for you even after you squander your life with bad choice after bad choice.
For many single mothers life is not that easy. They can't just have mom and dad foot the bill of college and daycare. They can't come back home and get a job at Daddy's company.
Sarah does have something in common with everyone else on the planet, but sadly it is a thing that she forgot to mention in her book. CHRIST! She forgot to tell us that He died for us that through that death and resurrection that we can have forgiveness of sins and life everlasting; that this gift is given to us in our baptism. When we screw up over and over and over like Sarah, like me, like everyone, we shouldn't find our hope in a hug from mom and dad because that isn't enough. Hugs don't wash sins away. Talking to friends doesn't wash sins away. Finding a job and a place to call home does not wash away sins. Baptism does.
Sarah, put down your pen. Find yourself a faithful church that preaches Christ crucified.
And for those looking for a book to read...umm, don't pick this one.
This book was given to me by Bethany Publishing House in exchange for my honest review.
I am appalled that it even got published. It was the worst book I have ever read in my entire life.
Sarah Jakes spent the majority of the book describing why she made the terrible choices she made, but giving no hope or help to anyone who might find themselves in similar situations. On page 85 she did mention Jesus, but that was the ONLY time that she ever did mention him. She spent the book instead of reminding us that we have a Savior who died for us complaining about why her life was so terrible.
Sarah went on and on and on and on about her thoughts and analogies. Oh my goodness I don't even care that you happened to see stars in the sky one day and thought that you might have your life finally figured out! You didn't! But you didn't point that out, did you? NO! You tried to make yourself look like someone to be pitied over and over and over and over. I wanted to scream, "I DON'T CARE!" You go into tiny bits of detail to make it seem like you are almost gossiping, but not quite. Oh no, this isn't gossip, it is just me telling you my story which SO NEEDS TO BE TOLD (sarcasm).
On page 146 she says, "So why share this with you?" and that was the same question I had when I finished the book. Why in the WORLD did she share this? It is not helpful. It is not inspiring.
The back cover of the book says, "Regardless of how lost you feel, you, too can be found." That's right, Mommy and Daddy have a job waiting for you when your pro-football playing husband dumps you because isn't that the life that all people lead? Doesn't everyone get to pick up the pieces with money and fame from writing a terrible book that didn't even deserve to be written? But don't worry, Sarah is sure that God has great prosperity waiting for you even after you squander your life with bad choice after bad choice.
For many single mothers life is not that easy. They can't just have mom and dad foot the bill of college and daycare. They can't come back home and get a job at Daddy's company.
Sarah does have something in common with everyone else on the planet, but sadly it is a thing that she forgot to mention in her book. CHRIST! She forgot to tell us that He died for us that through that death and resurrection that we can have forgiveness of sins and life everlasting; that this gift is given to us in our baptism. When we screw up over and over and over like Sarah, like me, like everyone, we shouldn't find our hope in a hug from mom and dad because that isn't enough. Hugs don't wash sins away. Talking to friends doesn't wash sins away. Finding a job and a place to call home does not wash away sins. Baptism does.
Sarah, put down your pen. Find yourself a faithful church that preaches Christ crucified.
And for those looking for a book to read...umm, don't pick this one.
This book was given to me by Bethany Publishing House in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2014
To be honest, I picked this book up out of mere curiosity. I always ponder how people in situations different than mine handle what has been given them. I gather inspiration for my faith from the testimony of others, and I love the truth and grace and strength of God that can be found in these stories.
Before this book, I'd never heard of the Jakes family. I don't know if that's because I'm Canadian or simply because I don't have as wide a church base or knowledge, but whichever it is, I was able to come from a perspective that was fairly unaffected.
But I didn't stay unaffected. This memoir is heart-wrenching, to say the least. Sarah is very open and honest about her sins, her need for forgiveness. She doesn't try to dismiss her behaviour, she simply tries to explain events leading up to certain situations. And in one part, she actually apologizes to a woman she hurt. While some might argue that she's merely trying to make herself look better, the point of the book is that she's not better than anyone else. As I said before, she doesn't try to hide the fact that she sinned. She doesn't glorify it, but she does make it clear that she is imperfect.
And I loved her for it. This is a great book; you truly get to see someone grow in their relationship with Christ. Even when you think things are going to be all right, she makes another mistake and you're left gritting your teeth. But also wanting to be there beside her, because you see how hurt she is and how much she desires pure love and affection.
When she finally is "found", it's refreshing: it's not because she's finally with a good Christian man who's saved her from herself. It's not because she's become perfect. It's because she's finally WITH GOD. It's the real thing, not the romantic ending of a story book--at least, not with a "Prince Charming", as Sarah says in the book.
Basically, if you enjoyed the movie Juno but did not agree with its morality, here is a Christian, TRUE LIFE version of that same tale. And my, what a tale it is!
Four stars for the book, but Five stars for this girl! Sarah Jakes, you have my deepest respect.
I received a copy of this book from the Bethany House Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
Before this book, I'd never heard of the Jakes family. I don't know if that's because I'm Canadian or simply because I don't have as wide a church base or knowledge, but whichever it is, I was able to come from a perspective that was fairly unaffected.
But I didn't stay unaffected. This memoir is heart-wrenching, to say the least. Sarah is very open and honest about her sins, her need for forgiveness. She doesn't try to dismiss her behaviour, she simply tries to explain events leading up to certain situations. And in one part, she actually apologizes to a woman she hurt. While some might argue that she's merely trying to make herself look better, the point of the book is that she's not better than anyone else. As I said before, she doesn't try to hide the fact that she sinned. She doesn't glorify it, but she does make it clear that she is imperfect.
And I loved her for it. This is a great book; you truly get to see someone grow in their relationship with Christ. Even when you think things are going to be all right, she makes another mistake and you're left gritting your teeth. But also wanting to be there beside her, because you see how hurt she is and how much she desires pure love and affection.
When she finally is "found", it's refreshing: it's not because she's finally with a good Christian man who's saved her from herself. It's not because she's become perfect. It's because she's finally WITH GOD. It's the real thing, not the romantic ending of a story book--at least, not with a "Prince Charming", as Sarah says in the book.
Basically, if you enjoyed the movie Juno but did not agree with its morality, here is a Christian, TRUE LIFE version of that same tale. And my, what a tale it is!
Four stars for the book, but Five stars for this girl! Sarah Jakes, you have my deepest respect.
I received a copy of this book from the Bethany House Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
August 24, 2014
This was a very interesting book.I thought it might be really different as her father is a well known man, I thought that it would be more "religious" for lack of a better word!
Sarah was very down to earth and honest which I found very refreshing. I like that she explained what she was thinking as she did things and you could feel her struggle for making those decisions.She was brought up with a very religious family; which on the one hand can really make things hard. I think having this background is what kept her from totally straying away from those that she loved.I was happy to see that the family did not turn their back on her or her new family. They were there to support her but not to make her do things their way. She had to learn things in her own time as well as her own way.
I was glad that Sarah also showed that although people may claim to be religious, saved again people. They are still human, and are ready to pass judgement even when it is not their place to do so. You can feel the shame and pain that these people inflicted not only on Sarah but her whole family. I think we as humans think it is our right to judge and expect people to act a certain way and when they don't they get their nose out of joint and think they they are better. What we fail to realize is that sin is sin, there is nothing in the bible that says one thing is better or worse than the other. So when a Christian gets righteous about someone having a child out of wedlock when they themselves are doing something as simple as a "little white lie". They are walking on slippery ground and should get straight with God.
If you can I would highly suggest giving this book a read.
Sarah was very down to earth and honest which I found very refreshing. I like that she explained what she was thinking as she did things and you could feel her struggle for making those decisions.She was brought up with a very religious family; which on the one hand can really make things hard. I think having this background is what kept her from totally straying away from those that she loved.I was happy to see that the family did not turn their back on her or her new family. They were there to support her but not to make her do things their way. She had to learn things in her own time as well as her own way.
I was glad that Sarah also showed that although people may claim to be religious, saved again people. They are still human, and are ready to pass judgement even when it is not their place to do so. You can feel the shame and pain that these people inflicted not only on Sarah but her whole family. I think we as humans think it is our right to judge and expect people to act a certain way and when they don't they get their nose out of joint and think they they are better. What we fail to realize is that sin is sin, there is nothing in the bible that says one thing is better or worse than the other. So when a Christian gets righteous about someone having a child out of wedlock when they themselves are doing something as simple as a "little white lie". They are walking on slippery ground and should get straight with God.
If you can I would highly suggest giving this book a read.
June 17, 2015
Absolutely amazing story. Granted, this is about the life of a pastor's daughter, but she doesn't overload the reader with God every 5 lines (some find that distracting, and to each their own). I found myself having to stop myself because portions I read were so relatable to things I've gone through that I felt like she had been following my life story and documented it all. Sarah shows that not all preacher's kids have the wonderful, pretty life, that Christians go through Hell, too, and that if you completely and totally allow Christ to rescue you in your storm, there's sure to be sunshine ahead. And if more storms do come (which they will), you're better prepared on how to handle them. Brilliance and wisdom in this book. Would definitely recommend to many of my family and friends.
April 26, 2022
Loved this book and really hit home to my own life. And how your own insecurities can gear you towards settling for what you think you deserve.
May 18, 2014
After reading this wonderful true personal experience story, I feel filled with Grace. Time and again Sarah Jakes writes about Grace. Although her father and mother are famous people in the world of ministry, Sarah Jakes had to face the world on her own two feet. Some times her way was filled with light. At other times, her road is dark. No matter whether shadowed or well lighted, Sarah Jakes kept walking and continues to walk on God's path.
Sarah Jakes tells her story honestly. Being the child of church ministers, father and mother, is not easy. For example, it is hard to find true friends. Friends who don't want to befriend you for a reason like "please have your mother sign my book." Like all young people Sarah Jakes wanted her own identity.
Another problem faced by this preacher's daughter is finding true love. So often a man's love can be false, but when you come from a good and well known family there are an extra number of false faces which greet you along every turn.
After giving birth to Malachi at an early age, the author faced times of low self esteem as she tried to map out a new path in her life. Independent, she never wanted to weigh down her parents. She carried her emotional, heavy load with God beside her. Always hoping to find the right person to share her way to Christian Love in a marriage or relationship. Before all of this Malachi is born.
I couldn't imagined a better name for Malachi, her first baby. Malachi means messenger of God. However, in this miraculous and fascinating story Sarah Jakes shares that hearing those messages happens many times when there are thunder booms all around us, the clangs and noises of real life. Like David in the Psalms, we question whether or not God has lost us or have we lost Him. Then, she quickly comes back to the light because True Grace never has let her go.
I am so glad to have read this book. Truly, it moves the heart making it pump faster or a little bit slower, but I promise, you won't fall asleep while reading Lost & Found. By the way, buy a box of Kleenex. It's no way you can read it without tears of joy or tears of sadness. http://sarahjakes.com/
Sarah Jakes tells her story honestly. Being the child of church ministers, father and mother, is not easy. For example, it is hard to find true friends. Friends who don't want to befriend you for a reason like "please have your mother sign my book." Like all young people Sarah Jakes wanted her own identity.
Another problem faced by this preacher's daughter is finding true love. So often a man's love can be false, but when you come from a good and well known family there are an extra number of false faces which greet you along every turn.
After giving birth to Malachi at an early age, the author faced times of low self esteem as she tried to map out a new path in her life. Independent, she never wanted to weigh down her parents. She carried her emotional, heavy load with God beside her. Always hoping to find the right person to share her way to Christian Love in a marriage or relationship. Before all of this Malachi is born.
I couldn't imagined a better name for Malachi, her first baby. Malachi means messenger of God. However, in this miraculous and fascinating story Sarah Jakes shares that hearing those messages happens many times when there are thunder booms all around us, the clangs and noises of real life. Like David in the Psalms, we question whether or not God has lost us or have we lost Him. Then, she quickly comes back to the light because True Grace never has let her go.
I am so glad to have read this book. Truly, it moves the heart making it pump faster or a little bit slower, but I promise, you won't fall asleep while reading Lost & Found. By the way, buy a box of Kleenex. It's no way you can read it without tears of joy or tears of sadness. http://sarahjakes.com/
March 20, 2015
In Lost and Found, Sarah Jakes takes readers through her life story and how she got lost in her past and God turned her life around. She is the daughter of famous TV preacher, Bishop T.D. Jakes. When she was a teenager, she struggled to discover her own identity and she wanted people to care about her for who she was as a person not just the fact that she is the daughter of Bishop Jakes. She also felt everyone expected her to be perfect since she is the daughter of a preacher. When she was fourteen, she decided to rebel and she fell into peer pressure. She became pregnant and was terrified to reveal the news. The father didn’t want a part in raising his son. When she broke the news to her parents and her siblings, they all decided to rally around her and support her. The rest of the book, she opened up about how she found her husband in college and how she struggled with her self-esteem. Her marriage eventually ended when he was caught cheating many different times. But towards the end of the book, she revealed how she found God again and how she has found her hope.
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who enjoys reading a book about not letting your past direct your future. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their self-esteem and finding their true identity. I liked how personal and relatable Sarah Jakes was in sharing about her mistakes and what she learned throughout the whole ordeal. I connected with her in sharing about how she had to learn how to received God’s forgiveness for her past where she could heal and move forward. Her story is a story of redemption and countless people will be able to relate to her story. If you’re looking for an inspirational story, that will give you hope that God can reach you in your darkest need, then read this book!
“I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers/ Chosen book review bloggers program.”
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who enjoys reading a book about not letting your past direct your future. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their self-esteem and finding their true identity. I liked how personal and relatable Sarah Jakes was in sharing about her mistakes and what she learned throughout the whole ordeal. I connected with her in sharing about how she had to learn how to received God’s forgiveness for her past where she could heal and move forward. Her story is a story of redemption and countless people will be able to relate to her story. If you’re looking for an inspirational story, that will give you hope that God can reach you in your darkest need, then read this book!
“I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers/ Chosen book review bloggers program.”
March 16, 2014
When I saw the title of this book in my email list I did not pay attention to the last name of the author. I just saw the first name. It was a story of a single teen mom and I was very interested to read more about it. I came to find out that the author is T.D. Jakes' daughter. I am familiar with some of his books but I have never heard of his daughter.
So in this book Sarah Jakes is sharing about her childhood that ended when she was 13. She got pregnant and had a child when she was 14. She went to a private school, graduated, entered college where she fell in love with an athlete. He turned out to be a cheater. She stuck with him, married him, fought for him for years. The book ends with her divorcing him.
The story frequently goes off to lyrical digression to describe what pain, fear, doubt etc are and how they influence our decisions. Relationships with men are the main focus of the book. There is very little said about raising children, working on career or developing relationship with God. There is very little about seeking God but there are a lot of details about the cheater, his texts with mistresses, his children outside of marriage. It gets really long and boring. How did God actually help Sarah Jakes? He gave her great parents who helped her above and beyond. I doubt she would be so accomplished today without them. I was hoping to read some powerful testimony but I found everything very predictable. What did I learn from this book? I am afraid not much. I am not even convinced that the author is actually found yet.. Divorce is not the happy end to me and definitely not a destination.
I am very glad I did not have to buy this book, it is too expensive for the content.
P.S. I received this book for free from Bethany House for my honest opinion.
January 8, 2017
Awesome Story
This book tells the story of what so many women to through in their marriage, I believe God shows us signs of the characteristics of our future mates and we sometimes ignore them and up with someone that is unequally yolked. I'm glad that through her trials it brought her back home to our Father.
This book tells the story of what so many women to through in their marriage, I believe God shows us signs of the characteristics of our future mates and we sometimes ignore them and up with someone that is unequally yolked. I'm glad that through her trials it brought her back home to our Father.
December 11, 2018
The writing was okay and I appreciated the author’s vulnerability in sharing her flaws and rough life patches. Yet, this book felt rushed full of drama with cliched self-reflection.
June 21, 2023
This book would be an excellent read for any woman who struggles with placing her value in the acceptance of others, instead of in God where it belongs. It would also be a very good read for pastor’s kids who struggle with growing up under the scrutiny of the church and the public eye. Although I don’t fit into either of those categories, the book was still a good read that kept my interest and had some really good nuggets of truth that applies to anyone along the way. It is amazing to hear all that Sarah has gone through after hearing her preaching God’s word with so much power. Her story is proof of God’s Grace and faithfulness.
November 10, 2023
Want to really get into Sarah business read this book, while drinking your water. Sarah helped draw me back to the gospel.
February 25, 2022
The book Lost and found by Sarah Jakes at the time of the book being published Is about her life. Growing up as T.D Jakes 2nd youngest daughter. This book talks about her and her life with a little bit of the family as well. This book mane a primary focus is about her. Now with this review there will be some spoilers so if you haven’t read this book, or don’t like spoilers you might want to stop reading right now.
In this book Sarah talks about how it was growing up with a famous father, and how the main thing she was trying to runway from is the only thing that truly saved her in the end. If you don’t know what that thing is it was the church. Sarah was a very smart and bright girl who graduated high school at 16 years old. She was someone who was shy but well liked and wanted to fit in with the other kids you know be normal.
Sarah had her 1st child at of 14 years old. When she got pregnant, she told her sister who then told her mother and father. Sarah thought that if she was to place a letter in the mailbox, but that plan backfired since they never got mail at the home they lived in at the time. When her parents found out they wasn’t mad or upset they where there for her, they never showed her anything less then love and support.
She ended up being home schooled and going to an alternative school as well. She had her son and life didn’t stop for her, she was able to go to school come home and take care of her son. She had the love and support from her mother and father. As a child to an adult she never let the fact that her father was famous affect her.
Sarah started collage and at 1st it was books over boys. And then she started to talk to and like this guy named Robert. and let me just say I could relate to Sarah oh to well when it came to this Robert guy. When I tell you soul ties isn’t a joke? Sarah was ignoring all the red flag in that whole relationship. She had to deal with a lot to please this man and in the end it wasn’t worth it. I feel like she wasted so much time and life dealing with this man.
I won’t go into too much of what all took place with Robert. But you are going to want to give her a big hug well at least the younger her a hug. I felt like women who love a man and find it hard to walk away should read Sarah’s story they could truly learn a thing or two from her. What I loved was her mother and father let her make her mistakes, and never judged her and was always there to welcome her home and help her when she needed it.
If I had to rate this book out of 5 stars, I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about Sarah that I didn’t know before. Have you read this book? If so, what did you like or didn’t like about it? Would you recommend this book to your friends and family?
In this book Sarah talks about how it was growing up with a famous father, and how the main thing she was trying to runway from is the only thing that truly saved her in the end. If you don’t know what that thing is it was the church. Sarah was a very smart and bright girl who graduated high school at 16 years old. She was someone who was shy but well liked and wanted to fit in with the other kids you know be normal.
Sarah had her 1st child at of 14 years old. When she got pregnant, she told her sister who then told her mother and father. Sarah thought that if she was to place a letter in the mailbox, but that plan backfired since they never got mail at the home they lived in at the time. When her parents found out they wasn’t mad or upset they where there for her, they never showed her anything less then love and support.
She ended up being home schooled and going to an alternative school as well. She had her son and life didn’t stop for her, she was able to go to school come home and take care of her son. She had the love and support from her mother and father. As a child to an adult she never let the fact that her father was famous affect her.
Sarah started collage and at 1st it was books over boys. And then she started to talk to and like this guy named Robert. and let me just say I could relate to Sarah oh to well when it came to this Robert guy. When I tell you soul ties isn’t a joke? Sarah was ignoring all the red flag in that whole relationship. She had to deal with a lot to please this man and in the end it wasn’t worth it. I feel like she wasted so much time and life dealing with this man.
I won’t go into too much of what all took place with Robert. But you are going to want to give her a big hug well at least the younger her a hug. I felt like women who love a man and find it hard to walk away should read Sarah’s story they could truly learn a thing or two from her. What I loved was her mother and father let her make her mistakes, and never judged her and was always there to welcome her home and help her when she needed it.
If I had to rate this book out of 5 stars, I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about Sarah that I didn’t know before. Have you read this book? If so, what did you like or didn’t like about it? Would you recommend this book to your friends and family?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2014
“I know this must seem completely reasonable from the outside looking in, but so many pastors’ kids get lost in the shadow of the church.”
Sarah Jakes shares her frustration with not being able to find herself, or a place within her father’s church ministry. From a young age, she was concerned how other people always asked about her father, T.D. Jakes, and no one asked about her well-being. She felt no one was interested in her, Sarah, as a person.
Sarah further shares growing up as a child, her feelings toward her siblings, and the embarrassment of being pregnant at age thirteen. Being unable to find the right ministry to connect with had only compounded her troubles.
Even though Sarah became pregnant at age thirteen, she explains the reasoning behind not revealing the biological father. She felt that since he was a teenager also, he should have the opportunity to live a normal teenage life. Sarah did not want him to go through the same ridicule from others as she did.
As Sarah tells her story, it is more of an insight into her marriage. Dealing with a man who whose continuous infidelity, before and after marriage, eventually shattered their relationship. Sarah gives her reason for holding on as the need to have someone to care about her. What Sarah did not realize was her parents did care about whatever she went through, and were there to lend a helping hand.
Sarah Jakes’ journey through testimony is nothing new or earth shaking to speak on. It is a close-up look into a personal struggle with self-esteem, needing love as an individual, and not standing in the shadow of her famous father. I found it a little tame, coming from someone who experienced motherhood at such a young age. No discussion was presented on the particular events leading to her promiscuity. I was not looking for a play-by-play intimate act, but more detailed interactions of her relationship with the father. It seems she is still looking for sympathy for her actions. This would have been an excellent opportunity to reach teenage girls dealing with the same situations. Overall, the book was an easy read, yet leaving some unanswered questions. I recommend this novel to Christian readers.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers through the Bethany House Reviewers program for an honest and unbiased review.
Sarah Jakes shares her frustration with not being able to find herself, or a place within her father’s church ministry. From a young age, she was concerned how other people always asked about her father, T.D. Jakes, and no one asked about her well-being. She felt no one was interested in her, Sarah, as a person.
Sarah further shares growing up as a child, her feelings toward her siblings, and the embarrassment of being pregnant at age thirteen. Being unable to find the right ministry to connect with had only compounded her troubles.
Even though Sarah became pregnant at age thirteen, she explains the reasoning behind not revealing the biological father. She felt that since he was a teenager also, he should have the opportunity to live a normal teenage life. Sarah did not want him to go through the same ridicule from others as she did.
As Sarah tells her story, it is more of an insight into her marriage. Dealing with a man who whose continuous infidelity, before and after marriage, eventually shattered their relationship. Sarah gives her reason for holding on as the need to have someone to care about her. What Sarah did not realize was her parents did care about whatever she went through, and were there to lend a helping hand.
Sarah Jakes’ journey through testimony is nothing new or earth shaking to speak on. It is a close-up look into a personal struggle with self-esteem, needing love as an individual, and not standing in the shadow of her famous father. I found it a little tame, coming from someone who experienced motherhood at such a young age. No discussion was presented on the particular events leading to her promiscuity. I was not looking for a play-by-play intimate act, but more detailed interactions of her relationship with the father. It seems she is still looking for sympathy for her actions. This would have been an excellent opportunity to reach teenage girls dealing with the same situations. Overall, the book was an easy read, yet leaving some unanswered questions. I recommend this novel to Christian readers.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers through the Bethany House Reviewers program for an honest and unbiased review.
February 3, 2018
In her debut novel Sarah Jakes Roberts tells her story about growing up the daughter of TD Jakes and Serita Jakes. Growing up in the spot light can have it's effects on anyone especially a child. Being under constant scrutiny and judgement can cause anyone to .live in fear. Sarah talks about how it was difficult to find herself in the spotlight and how she became lost in it. Her fear of the judgments her mistakes would bring from the world and followers of her parents ministry caused her to hid. Sarah acknowledges how her parents never gave up , they never neglected her despite the busy lives they led. Sarah explains how sometimes the church hurts people and she was a victim of the church. This hurt intensified her fears and kept her from her purpose. It created insecurities in her. Most importantly she acknowledges and takes responsibility for where her actions led her. Sarah lived a somewhat sheltered life and that sheltered life made her curious. That curiosity led her on a journey where she became lost. Sarah describes how in life we want to be accepted by others so much , we want to be like them when God made us to be different and be ourselves. The more we try to gain acceptance from others and not God we become lost and lose a piece of ourselves. We try so hard to find ourselves by looking at others when all we had to do was look to Him. On our journey in life we must always seek direction from God. Sometimes God will allow us to go through things to get our attention. God used Sarah's teen pregnancy and her divorce to get her attention. Sometimes we miss the sign and he keeps on sending them. Although we make mistakes, although we may feel we are damaged goods, although we may be broken, we must forgive ourselves. We must take care of ourselves inside and out. We must do our work and go through the process. We must not rush our healing. We must allow everything to work on God's timing, God's way. Use your pain to tap into your purpose. This book was a reminder and encouragement that anything lost can be found especially when you give it to God!
I give this books 4 stars !
May 15, 2014
I hadn’t even made it out of the introduction and I was already in tears and convinced I would probably need to purchase a whole case of this book. For sure, I wanted to share it with my grown daughters who had experienced many of the struggles Sarah describes…and grown up under the microscope of being a pastor’s daughter.
This story is so much more than just the recounting of a “PK” gone wild…it is the truth of the gospel: there is grace. A contemporary Christian artist puts it this way:
You can never fall too hard, so fast, so far
That you can’t get back when you’re lost,
Where you are is never too late, so bad, so much
That you can’t change who you are,
You can change who you are (Who You Are by Unspoken)
The level of courage that Sarah Jakes demonstrates as she shares the gritty details of her choices and how far she feels she moved away from what she knew and the grace that could save and sustain her seems to come from someone much older than just twenty-five.
This book is gift of hope. Hope for the one whose made devastating life choices, and hope for those who love them.
When I started reading I purchased a little pad of sticky notes and started writing down the points that stuck out to me. I gave up somewhere in the second chapter–there were just so many. This would make an excellent women’s study, broaching topics and examining feelings that often stay hidden and do so much damage.
Sarah makes this statement in her conclusion: The chapters of my life I’ve shared with you within these pages reveal some of my darkest hours and most painful disappointments. But as a broken window acts as a prism, filtering sunlight through its cracks I hope that you can see the many beautiful moments of color dancing within my rooms.
I recommend this book very highly and am proud to have it on my bookshelf.
I received a copy of this book to read from the publisher in return for my review.
This story is so much more than just the recounting of a “PK” gone wild…it is the truth of the gospel: there is grace. A contemporary Christian artist puts it this way:
You can never fall too hard, so fast, so far
That you can’t get back when you’re lost,
Where you are is never too late, so bad, so much
That you can’t change who you are,
You can change who you are (Who You Are by Unspoken)
The level of courage that Sarah Jakes demonstrates as she shares the gritty details of her choices and how far she feels she moved away from what she knew and the grace that could save and sustain her seems to come from someone much older than just twenty-five.
This book is gift of hope. Hope for the one whose made devastating life choices, and hope for those who love them.
When I started reading I purchased a little pad of sticky notes and started writing down the points that stuck out to me. I gave up somewhere in the second chapter–there were just so many. This would make an excellent women’s study, broaching topics and examining feelings that often stay hidden and do so much damage.
Sarah makes this statement in her conclusion: The chapters of my life I’ve shared with you within these pages reveal some of my darkest hours and most painful disappointments. But as a broken window acts as a prism, filtering sunlight through its cracks I hope that you can see the many beautiful moments of color dancing within my rooms.
I recommend this book very highly and am proud to have it on my bookshelf.
I received a copy of this book to read from the publisher in return for my review.
May 22, 2017
Quick read. Sarah Jakes, the youngest daughter of Pastor T D Jakes, tells her story of being lost and found. She tells about the twist and turns of her young life...trying to fit in but be her own person, a PK (Pastor's kid) and eventually a teen mother. Her parents still wanted her to realize her dreams. Thus, after her High School graduation she would attend college.
College opened her eyes. As smart as she was she would find herself doing less in the classroom...and more in the field of socializing. She started dating a football payer and also found herself taking care of him. She would go on to write about not paying attention to the signs that the relationship was not right but she refused to let it go. Her matriculation in college would become derailed because of it. She found out that she was only one of several ladies that he had. Her significant other would get drafted in the NFL and they would get married (but his behavior wouldn't change).
The same issues that plagued the young couple in TX would follow them to Washington, DC. Sarah, throughout the book, would echo testaments such as "when you know to do better...you should do better." But her limited experiences and inability to process hindered that. Little did she know that the exact thing that she was running from would be the very thing that she would run to.
Good read for young girls and parents. Great work that shows that being a teen parent and growing up too fast robs you of so much. Also it illustrates that God never gives up on his children. Sarah was able to articulate that through trials and tribulations her parents love never wavered. They loved her enough to give her the room to find her way...
College opened her eyes. As smart as she was she would find herself doing less in the classroom...and more in the field of socializing. She started dating a football payer and also found herself taking care of him. She would go on to write about not paying attention to the signs that the relationship was not right but she refused to let it go. Her matriculation in college would become derailed because of it. She found out that she was only one of several ladies that he had. Her significant other would get drafted in the NFL and they would get married (but his behavior wouldn't change).
The same issues that plagued the young couple in TX would follow them to Washington, DC. Sarah, throughout the book, would echo testaments such as "when you know to do better...you should do better." But her limited experiences and inability to process hindered that. Little did she know that the exact thing that she was running from would be the very thing that she would run to.
Good read for young girls and parents. Great work that shows that being a teen parent and growing up too fast robs you of so much. Also it illustrates that God never gives up on his children. Sarah was able to articulate that through trials and tribulations her parents love never wavered. They loved her enough to give her the room to find her way...
April 14, 2014
“Like every girl, Sarah Jakes dreamed of a life full of love, laughter, and happy endings. But her dreams changed dramatically when she because pregnant at age thirteen, a reality only compounded by the fact that her father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was one of the most influential mega-church pastors in the nation.“ This is her story.
Lost and Found is a riveting story. I found that I did not want to put the book down. The thought of being pregnant at thirteen is a whole world of problems, but then add on the additional burden of who her dad was. If that wasn’t enough, throw in a dose of being shunned and gossiped about by God’s people, desperation and fear, and top it off with a seriously dysfunctional love relationship that ends in a failed marriage – all while you are barely out of your teens, and the whole world is watching.
This story is honest and raw. Is it a perfect story about sin, loss and redemption? Yes to a point. But it’s more about the struggles of a young woman that thinks that she is so bad that God has totally given up on her… only to find that He has surrounded her the entire time and is delivering her into a destiny that only He could orchestrate.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
Lost and Found is a riveting story. I found that I did not want to put the book down. The thought of being pregnant at thirteen is a whole world of problems, but then add on the additional burden of who her dad was. If that wasn’t enough, throw in a dose of being shunned and gossiped about by God’s people, desperation and fear, and top it off with a seriously dysfunctional love relationship that ends in a failed marriage – all while you are barely out of your teens, and the whole world is watching.
This story is honest and raw. Is it a perfect story about sin, loss and redemption? Yes to a point. But it’s more about the struggles of a young woman that thinks that she is so bad that God has totally given up on her… only to find that He has surrounded her the entire time and is delivering her into a destiny that only He could orchestrate.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
January 16, 2018
At most I almost threw this read away cos I wasn't resonating with it. Maybe because My father is not a Bishop or I didn't get pregnant at 13. Plus I felt like she was just giving us information that is too brushed. I don't know why my expectation were higher, however the book gets better as you go deeper, hence the four stars.
A few insights I picked are: No matter what, once in your life, someone will hurt you. That someone will take all that you are and rip it into pieces, and they won't even watch where the pieces land. But through breakdown, you'll learn something about yourself. You'll learn that you are strong and no matter how hard they try to destroy you, you can conquer anyone.
Before any construction can begin, an architect draws a picture of what will be the completed structure. It is by this guide that they determine what supplies they will need, how long the process will take and labour required to transform the picture into a building .......It's not always easy to trust other's eyes to see your dream the way you see it. When you're under construction, everyone becomes an architect. They want to rearrange your dream to fit what they think it should look like or what they believe is more attainable. They say things like, 'Don't dream so big!' and 'You can do better,' or worse 'You'll never build a house (life) like that'
Whether you were born with a silver or plastic spoon in your mouth, it does't determine who you become. There has to be some fight in you. You have to be willing to become uncomfortable if you want to be stretched.
A few insights I picked are: No matter what, once in your life, someone will hurt you. That someone will take all that you are and rip it into pieces, and they won't even watch where the pieces land. But through breakdown, you'll learn something about yourself. You'll learn that you are strong and no matter how hard they try to destroy you, you can conquer anyone.
Before any construction can begin, an architect draws a picture of what will be the completed structure. It is by this guide that they determine what supplies they will need, how long the process will take and labour required to transform the picture into a building .......It's not always easy to trust other's eyes to see your dream the way you see it. When you're under construction, everyone becomes an architect. They want to rearrange your dream to fit what they think it should look like or what they believe is more attainable. They say things like, 'Don't dream so big!' and 'You can do better,' or worse 'You'll never build a house (life) like that'
Whether you were born with a silver or plastic spoon in your mouth, it does't determine who you become. There has to be some fight in you. You have to be willing to become uncomfortable if you want to be stretched.
February 25, 2019
Review by Estella Blessed
*****
Like every girl, Sarah Jakes dreamed of a life full of love, laughter, and happy endings. But her dreams changed dramatically when she became pregnant at age thirteen, a reality only compounded by the fact that her father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was one of the most influential megachurch pastors in the nation. As a teen mom and a high-profile preacher's kid, her road was lonely. She was shunned at school, gossiped about at church. And a few years later, when a fairy-tale marriage ended in a spiral of hurt and rejection, she could have let her pain dictate her future.
Instead, she found herself surrounded by a God she'd given up on, crashing headlong with Him into a destiny she'd never dreamed of. Sarah's captivating story, unflinchingly honest and deeply vulnerable, is a vivid reminder that God can turn even the deepest pain into His perfection.
More than a memoir, Lost and Found offers hope and encouragement. Perhaps you, like Sarah, find yourself wandering the detours of life. Regardless of how lost you feel, you, too, can be found.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved that Sarah was so honest. I have said for years that I can't listen to Christians who pretend that they have never made a mistake. This book was so enlighten and I am so glad that I stumbled upon or was lead to Sarah Jakes Roberts! Thank you for being so transparent and so real!
*****
Like every girl, Sarah Jakes dreamed of a life full of love, laughter, and happy endings. But her dreams changed dramatically when she became pregnant at age thirteen, a reality only compounded by the fact that her father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was one of the most influential megachurch pastors in the nation. As a teen mom and a high-profile preacher's kid, her road was lonely. She was shunned at school, gossiped about at church. And a few years later, when a fairy-tale marriage ended in a spiral of hurt and rejection, she could have let her pain dictate her future.
Instead, she found herself surrounded by a God she'd given up on, crashing headlong with Him into a destiny she'd never dreamed of. Sarah's captivating story, unflinchingly honest and deeply vulnerable, is a vivid reminder that God can turn even the deepest pain into His perfection.
More than a memoir, Lost and Found offers hope and encouragement. Perhaps you, like Sarah, find yourself wandering the detours of life. Regardless of how lost you feel, you, too, can be found.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved that Sarah was so honest. I have said for years that I can't listen to Christians who pretend that they have never made a mistake. This book was so enlighten and I am so glad that I stumbled upon or was lead to Sarah Jakes Roberts! Thank you for being so transparent and so real!
April 15, 2014
Amazing grace how sweet the sound I once was lost but now I am found was blind but now I see. This is what hymn comes to mind when I first got this book. It is hard being in the ministry spotlight for PK's especially those who are children of megachurches. So many times we think oh, they have it easy, unfortunately this is the wrong assumption by anyone.
Sarah Jakes, daughter of T.D.Jakes, was a young teen mom who was trying to find her way, but yet her family loved her just the same. Loved her and let God do his work. Her life as a young Teen mother shows how hard it was for her, but nonetheless she did well. Sarah worked very hard but God placed her where she needed to be.
Her marriage was extremely rough, especially since she was an NFL wife whose husband cheated on her. My heart broke when I read hw many times he had. He didn't care, but God cared for her and both of her children. He cared, and yes he worked wonders in what his plans were for her.
This was a book that the title and the story caught my attention, but also there is hope for the young teen mothers and such. So much grace and mercy was given to Sarah.
***This book was sent to me for my honest review and opinion.
Sarah Jakes, daughter of T.D.Jakes, was a young teen mom who was trying to find her way, but yet her family loved her just the same. Loved her and let God do his work. Her life as a young Teen mother shows how hard it was for her, but nonetheless she did well. Sarah worked very hard but God placed her where she needed to be.
Her marriage was extremely rough, especially since she was an NFL wife whose husband cheated on her. My heart broke when I read hw many times he had. He didn't care, but God cared for her and both of her children. He cared, and yes he worked wonders in what his plans were for her.
This was a book that the title and the story caught my attention, but also there is hope for the young teen mothers and such. So much grace and mercy was given to Sarah.
***This book was sent to me for my honest review and opinion.
August 19, 2014
Sarah Jakes grew up the youngest child of Bishop T.D. Jakes. She was/is the child of a Pastor so she is suppose to be the good kid, right?!
Sarah talks about getting pregnant at the age of 13 and how things changed for her overnight. Now as a child herself she had to grow up fast and be the Mother to her child. Through many tears her family stood behind her and loved her. Sarah learned that all is not perfect in love and that relationships have to be both giving to the other and not just one giving and the other taking. Sarah's book is about redemption in her own eyes, her family's eyes, her friends, the congregation but most importantly in God's eyes. She found that God never gave up on her, he gave what she asked, let her make the mistakes, but never once left her side through it all.
I connected with being a preacher's daughter heavily and felt that she was able to word circumstances and situations very well. I found myself saying "amen" to many statements.
I found the book to be slow going at times and while I know she would repeat sentences in bold for emphasis I found that to be distracting and irritating. I think she just could have made the sentence bold and not repeated it in larger font.
Sarah talks about getting pregnant at the age of 13 and how things changed for her overnight. Now as a child herself she had to grow up fast and be the Mother to her child. Through many tears her family stood behind her and loved her. Sarah learned that all is not perfect in love and that relationships have to be both giving to the other and not just one giving and the other taking. Sarah's book is about redemption in her own eyes, her family's eyes, her friends, the congregation but most importantly in God's eyes. She found that God never gave up on her, he gave what she asked, let her make the mistakes, but never once left her side through it all.
I connected with being a preacher's daughter heavily and felt that she was able to word circumstances and situations very well. I found myself saying "amen" to many statements.
I found the book to be slow going at times and while I know she would repeat sentences in bold for emphasis I found that to be distracting and irritating. I think she just could have made the sentence bold and not repeated it in larger font.
December 31, 2015
So I just fell in love with this woman!. The life experiences, pain, mistakes and triumphs that made her the woman she is today. Amazing life story about trials, failures, Gods grace and finding your way back on the path that leads you to your destiny! I encourage all to read, especially those who feel broken, lost or feel they can't recover from their life's mistakes. Just a few amazing excerpts: "Many of us spend our lives trying to become who we think everyone else is. We hardly ever realize everyone is just pretending, too" "For quite a few women who are broken and ashamed, like I've been, we actively play a role in hurting another woman just so a man can validate us" "There are some lessons only life can teach" "Our love was genuine, but it wasn't healthy" "We hear the songs about heartbreak and see the relationships around us that have fallen apart, and we'd rather accept an imperfect love than no love at all" "No matter what, once in your life, someone will hurt you. That someone will take all that you are and rip it into pieces, and they won't even watch where the pieces land. But through the heartbreak, you'll learn something about yourself. You'll learn that you're strong and, no matter how hard they try to destroy you, you can conquer anyone"
May 13, 2014
I enjoyed this book so much!!! I had not heard of Sarah Jakes before requesting a copy of this book, but I’m thrilled that I took the chance to sit down and hear her story.
I too grew up a PK (pastors kid) and while my dad was not as well known or thrown into the spotlight, I could relate to the things that Sarah shared in this book…the expectations of others, the living in a fishbowl of sorts etc.
And I think that other young women will totally relate to the desire to be loved and have a happily ever after, but the mistakes that led her down a different path than she had planned. (Haven’t we all been there, done that!)
What I love most about Sarah’s story is that it is a story of hope. I love to see this beautiful young woman reach out to God’s grace and forgiveness and use her past as a platform to shine the spotlight on Jesus. I think this book and Sarah’s testimony will touch young women who may seem skeptical….sadly, sometimes church can be the hardest place for us to go when we have messed up. I love her honesty and openness, she seems to have a wisdom beyond her years and a sweet spirit that is contagious!
Don’t miss Lost & Found!!!
I too grew up a PK (pastors kid) and while my dad was not as well known or thrown into the spotlight, I could relate to the things that Sarah shared in this book…the expectations of others, the living in a fishbowl of sorts etc.
And I think that other young women will totally relate to the desire to be loved and have a happily ever after, but the mistakes that led her down a different path than she had planned. (Haven’t we all been there, done that!)
What I love most about Sarah’s story is that it is a story of hope. I love to see this beautiful young woman reach out to God’s grace and forgiveness and use her past as a platform to shine the spotlight on Jesus. I think this book and Sarah’s testimony will touch young women who may seem skeptical….sadly, sometimes church can be the hardest place for us to go when we have messed up. I love her honesty and openness, she seems to have a wisdom beyond her years and a sweet spirit that is contagious!
Don’t miss Lost & Found!!!
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