In this tender, sacred conversation, Sarah is joined by her dear friend Shannon Cox and Shannon’s niece Jessee Allred, who served in the Sweden Stockholm Mission (2008–2009).

Jessee shares how mission scriptures about vision, perseverance, and “holding on” became anchors throughout her life—from major life decisions, to waiting years to meet her husband in the Air Force, to navigating motherhood across global moves. She opens up about her son Teddy’s early heart procedure—and her current pregnancy with baby Evie Grace, who has a life-limiting diagnosis.

This episode is a reminder that faith doesn’t erase the hard… but it can carry you through it.

Share this with a return sister missionary, a young woman preparing to serve, or anyone who needs hope today.

0:00 – Welcome + why Called Sister exists

1:20 – Shannon introduces Jessee Allred

3:15 – Shannon’s mission realization: “This isn’t a detour—this is my path”

6:10 – Jessee: why she served + Sweden Stockholm (2008–2009)

9:25 – Coming home + “my mission president said go find your husband”

12:10 – Waiting years + promptings that led to Virginia (and James)

16:10 – Not a detour: how music became part of the plan

20:00 – Marriage + Air Force life = “a mission call every few years”

23:00 – Motherhood journey: four kids + naming patterns

26:00 – Teddy’s heart diagnosis + NICU experience

31:30 – Deciding on baby #5 + “I kept feeling someone was missing”

35:00 – Finding out: Trisomy 18 diagnosis + “worse news each ultrasound”

41:00 – Faith doesn’t guarantee outcomes: still praying, still faithful

45:00 – How her mission prepared her for this trial

49:00 – Key scriptures: “hand to the plow” + “where there is no vision”

54:00 – Her vision now: enduring well + power through covenants

58:00 – Advice for future missionaries: do it + hold on

1:02:00 – Testimony + “It’s not hopeless—it’s just Friday”

1:06:00 – Closing: you’re still Called

✅ “Cool Quotes” 

“I thought my mission was a detour—then I realized this is my path.”

“Where there is no vision, the people perish. That scripture carried me through everything.”

“It felt like God got me to Virginia with a plan that made sense… and then revealed why.”

“I kept counting the kids and thinking… everyone isn’t here yet.”

“We weren’t less faithful this time. We prayed. We fasted. And the answer wasn’t what we wanted.”

“I’m learning that ‘ease’ doesn’t mean ‘easy.’ It means He helps you carry it.”

“It’s not hopeless. It’s just Friday. Sunday is coming.”

“Just because the name tag came off doesn’t mean you’re not needed. You’re still Called.”

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