“If I had the opportunity, I wouldn’t change a thing! With each decade, I’ve lived and loved and been the best I could be with the help of God, my family and friends.“   Stephanie’s story: This Bible verse has always brought me peace, letting me know that God truly has gone before me to…

“If you want anything in this world, YOU have to work hard for it. For most of the world life is not easy, but hard work will pay off in the end.“   Jamie’s story: My parents divorced when I was 4 years old. My father re-married within about 9 months. My mom had custody…

“To my surprise and shock, I was diagnosed with a meningioma (a brain tumor). The location in my brain was the area that controls the speech and coordination. In March, I underwent a craniotomy to remove it. To describe my recovery process could be said nothing short of miraculous. I was admitted on a Tuesday…

“I haven’t always extended the same love and care to myself that I give so freely to others. I’ve spent decades nurturing everyone around me—students, children, family—while putting myself last. Eventually, it caught up to me. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore.…

“I have had awfully dark times and wanted to surrender, but I’ve survived every crashing wave and found strength to get back up and find joy in the next ride. I’ve also learned that in some instances, there’s more strength in surrendering, as it isn’t giving up – it’s releasing the need to control. Once…

“I am beside myself with appreciation, standing here in a mound of my own flaws and unique perfection. I am free knowing they just love under-dressed, waterlogged, playful, lyric-chasing, awkward-in-a-crowd, over-thinking, over-sharing, touching & hugging-too-much, over-salting everything all the time – me.“   Darlene’s story: Hi there, Gorgeous! I’m so happy you’ve turned up for…

“As a reminder of life’s impermanence, it urged me to enjoy each moment with renewed gratitude. In losing my parents, I found a new facet of myself – intrepid and vibrantly alive.“   Beth’s story: In the beginning of my 40s, life handed me an unexpected gift wrapped in sorrow. The loss of both my…

“No matter the season of life, I’ve learned that resilience, determination, and a positive spirit can carry you further than talent or luck ever could.“   Michele’s story: I am a retired teacher and coach with a lifelong dedication to education, mentorship, and personal growth. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State…

“Two things can and do exist at once: sadness and great joy, sorrow and determination, helplessness and hope, rest and growth. Both things need to be acknowledged. One does not negate the other.“   Amanda’s story: Learning to hold two things gently at once has been the emotional work of my life. I lost my…

“Being a mother of 4, I would sometimes forget about who I was and feel I was only destined to be a mom. To all the moms out there feeling this way, trust in the Lord and follow His lead. Your time will come!“   Jessica’s story: It took me some time to realize that…