Through the Darkest Valley

Over the last ten years, Jory experienced the highest highs and lowest lows of his life. Swinging between the loss of his parents and grandparents to the birth of his 3 children and successfully selling his company, Jory felt untethered through the waves crashing through his life. He longed for something to help him through the valleys, and shares that “even the peaks didn’t feel as elevated as I thought they would feel. I wanted something deeper.”

As he reflected on his life, the things he once found meaning in started to lose their value. He reflects, “it became clear that the yardsticks I was using to define my life (money, prestige) were inadequate, unsustainable and empty.” 

This search for meaning led him to faith in Jesus, sharing “After being patiently pursued by the Lord, it became clear that there was only one thing that could fill the Jesus-sized hole in my heart, and I became a believer on April 25, 2023.” After experiencing such drastic highs and lows over recent years, he finally felt like he stood on solid ground. 

Jory and his family started attending HP Pres at the recommendation of a friend soon after his decision to follow Christ. This fall, Jory and his three children Jack (7), Oliver (3), and Matilda (1) were baptized together alongside his wife Charlie, who was baptized as a child. Jory shares, “I’m more relaxed, free, and comfortable now – more at peace. I’m operating with a foundation that’s more aligned with who I’m supposed to be.” 

All the money, success, and accomplishments in the world cannot fill the longing for something greater. A relationship with Jesus is the only thing that offers us the lasting hope, peace, joy, and love we all desire. All we have to do is follow him and he will lead us safely through the darkest valleys (Psalm 23:4).