More About Jacqui

Tell us about your family, your children, and the daily life of your home.

I live with my family in a lovely leafy suburb of Greater London and have been married to my tall Australian hubby for 24 years, we have two grown children ages 16 and 22 and a very bouncy Vizsla. I’m a recently graduated Home Ed mum and now dedicate my time to my family, still life photography and encouraging women.

Tell us when you started to follow Jesus, and about your journey with Him.

I came to Christ in 1997 when I was 27 years old. I come from a quite broken childhood and as a young adult went on to develop anxiety disorder which crippled my life for years. Addicted to cigarettes and alcohol and on my second marriage I was exhausted and very lost, I searched in many spiritual areas for peace but found none. It took one of my closest friends taking his own life to catapult me towards solid answers. A miraculous intervention by God began to unfold in the following six months and after countless moments of Him revealing Himself to me I gave my life to Jesus on 26th August, just 16 days after I was married, it was quite an adjustment for two newlyweds! One of my favourite scriptures is Proverbs 4:18 in the Good News translation, “The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come”. I think anyone who walks with Jesus can attest to the truth of that verse, my life has only gotten stronger and more stable, not without difficulty and heartache but His love and light are with me.

What ministry or work in your community gives you personal fulfillment?

I run a Mum Heart group which meets monthly in my home which is a great joy to us all. We come together over a WHM book and bible study and wash it all down with endless cups of coffee and tea. I also teach Home Educated children photography and enjoy meeting with them in small groups for fun workshops.

What hobbies or activities do you most enjoy pursuing in your free time?

Photography as I’ve mentioned is my other passion, I’m inspired by the Dutch Still life painters of the golden age particularly Jan Van Huysum and Rachel Ruysch. Rachel Ruysch was the forerunner to Yan and was mum to ten children, all home educated! I love to recreate still life compositions photographically and play with props, light and post-editng to create a painterly aesthetic. I put out a complimentary monthly newsletter called The Beagle For Beauty which showcases my work as well as other beautiful finds in my month such as poetry, music, films, books, recipes and fun intrigues, this project brings me a lot of joy as I bring it to you.

Thinking of books you’ve read, which authors have influenced you most?

It’s difficult to choose but topping my list of author influencers across fiction, theology and inspiration would be Elizabeth Goudge, Francine Rivers, Sally Clarkson (of course!), Paul Scanlon, Eugene Peterson, Dane Ortlund, Andy Crouch, C.S. Lewis, Ann Morrow Lindberg, Jason Lanier, R. Kent Hughes, Austin Kleon, now I really must try and stop!

When it’s just you, what music or musicians do you most enjoy listening to?

I have a very eclectic taste, I like what I like and that can range from Fernando Ortega to Harry Styles or Twenty One Pilots. Depending on the mood and situation I might reach for David Phelps for some heaven ascending vocals, Cool & The Gang to get the housework finished or Axel Flovent for some evening chill. If it’s a good song with heart touching lyrics, a good narrative of the human struggle or just a great bop I might go for it. And I can’t forget my daughter Zoe Wakelam’s beautiful music!

What books of the Bible, and what specific passages, mean the most to you?

Again, this is a very broad question and one that’s difficult to narrow down. Currently I am in Hebrews considering the priesthood of Christ and His deep desire for us. Hebrews 4:16 is hitting afresh deeply and has been a favourite for many years, God is always ready to help and offer grace in my time of need.

What are you passionate about, and who inspires you to be even more so?

Not wanting to sound cliche but I’m passionate about Jesus first and foremost, “Where else can I go, You have the words of eternal life?” He saved me so thoroughly, my love for Him fuels me forward. I’m passionate about learning and growing in Christ but also as a human being. I love to encourage others wherever I find myself. Strong women inspire me, women who exhibit humility and strength in equal measure. Mentor Paul Scanlon inspires me to keep becoming the best version of myself as does Sally. I’m also passionate about my family, about creating a home that’s an outpost of light in the darkness and a safe haven to find love and their wings. And lastly, pursuing beauty through my photography. I think God speaks to our inner places through beautiful art and I aim to offer that beauty to others. I love to encourage other women and mums and run a local Mum Heart group here in the UK .

How did you first connect with Sally Clarkson and Whole Heart Ministries?

I first heard of Sally from her podcast in December 2015 and got to meet her in Oxford at C.S. Lewis’ home in April 2016 at an intimate gathering for women. I began my first Mum Heart Group as well as setting up Mum Heart UK, Ireland & Europe Facebook groups. September that year I took my husband to hear Sally and Clay speak in Wales where Sally then invited me to her leadership intensive in her home in Colorado Springs the next month. God provided miraculously for me to attend and, overcame my fear of flying! Upon my return, Sally and I teamed up along with a friend to get the first Mum Heart conference launched in London for March 2017. Since then we have run further conferences in London and Edinburgh, leadership intensives, and had many UK adventures.