Meet the Women of NAOBC – Jaylynn Cook

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Jaylynn Cook.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: Our family has lived in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida (my birthplace) as God has led us through my husband, Bill’s, pursuit of theological education, teaching, and pastoring. We moved to Louisville in August 2000 for Bill to teach New Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his teaching career, our lives had revolved around the pastorate and ministry so when God providentially led us to NAOBC shortly after our move it was the icing on the cake! We have three wonderful children: Lydia is married to Blake Ring and they are parents to Will (14), Riley (12), Emery (11), and twins, Hadley and Ainsley (8). John is employed with Cellular Sales and cares for our grand dog, Rosco. Paul is married to Laura and they are parents to Lila (almost 3) and are expecting our 7th grandchild in April (our 6th granddaughter…bless Will’s heart.) Bill and I have been married for over 38 years and I am still amazed at God’s providential plan in bringing us together and the joy and laughter Bill brings to my life and our family.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: When we arrived at NAOBC in the Fall of 2000, we had longed for a place where we could live life with God’s people, saying our joys and sorrows together and brothers and sisters in Christ; serve God’s church side by side; and be a light for the Gospel in our community and in the world. I co-direct our Women’s Ministry with Rose Booth, serve as Director of the Ladies’ BFG, and have the privilege of serving as the lead pastor’s wife alongside an incredible team of godly staff wives.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: A fun fact about me is my love of all things involving renovation! I love to paint walls, work with tools, and see my vision for a room come to life. I am grateful for a husband who cheers my successes and comforts me when I end in disaster. :-) On one occasion I painted our kitchen three times…in one week…and all he did was smile and ask if I was satisfied with the final outcome. What woman asks for a wall to be removed for her birthday present and gets it?! After 20 years in our home I still find new projects to work on and Bill patiently lives with the mess until completion.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: I have thought deeply on which woman has had the greatest impact in my life. So many have touched me at times when the Lord knew I needed them most, but it was my Mom who first shared the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with me as a child. Even when our family life was far from perfect, God has allowed me to look back with hindsight to see that in His wisdom He used an imperfect Mom, who did the best she could in difficult circumstances, to draw me to Himself at the age of 7. That hindsight reminds me of my own sinful flaws and that He graciously uses imperfect believers to accomplish His will everyday. He has given me a priceless opportunity to love Mom more deeply than ever as my sister, brother, and I have journeyed with her through her battle with dementia in recent years and now as Hospice cares for her in her last months. As I read Scripture and sing hymns to comfort her, I am reminded that God has used her and those early trials and struggles to mold me into the image of His Son. Years I once thought wasted now serve as sweet reminders that He redeemed me by His grace and gave me a mother who shared with me the mystery of the Gospel.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: This past year has been difficult for everyone. As the world suffers under the pandemic, our country experiences unrest, joblessness, anxiety, and an uncertain future where do we turn for hope? As a Christian I have found my comfort and peace in that which is certain: the character of our God, His sovereign power over all things, the inerrancy of His Word and its unchanging Truth, and the saving message of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) By His grace, I am clinging to the One who never changes but is ever changing me.

You can follow Jaylynn on Facebook.