Collected My Tears

Collected My Tears

tearsTears collected in a bottle. An unusual idea, but David used this phrase in Psalm 56:8 to describe how God keeps a record of human pain and suffering. He cares for us when we are hurting. 

Rhonda* clung to

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5 Responses to Collected My Tears

  • WOW! What a beautiful story of how God heals the broken hearted. Much needed in this day and time to not give up on life or family. Thank you for sharing.

  • It was a hard journey to get to the point of being capable of sharing this. I am happy it impacted you!

  • We are currently going through a very rough season with our adult son. We brought him home to live with us over a year ago as he was suicidal and in the throes of addiction. Rhonda, your article encourages me to keep pressing in to HIM, keep praying, keep trusting that He is working even when we can’t see what He is doing.

    • Cheryl, I think we forget that God’s hand IS on the wheel. Let Him carry you and this burden. Take it minute by minute. You have to break it down like that some days. Keep your hands up to the sky in praise and prayer. For when our hands are down, we are drifting away from Him.

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The Voice in My Head

The Voice in My Head

Nicole as a young girl

“For many years, the voice in my head convinced me the sexual molestation happening to me was my fault,” Nicole* shared.

Her perpetrator, a family member, began abusing her when she was five years old.

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8 Responses to The Voice in My Head

  • Nicole, you have a beautiful testimony!! Your life has been an amazing journey and I am surprised the enemy fought you so hard. The devil never wants us to come into full circle of our life with the Christ. Continue to share your testimony and overcome life’s obstacles, be strong in Christ my sista!!

  • This will bring much healing to so many. I am so proud of Nicole, and we love her. Keep believing that God has even greater than what you can imagine.

  • Nicole has more strength and determination than I can even imagine. May God continue to be with her and give her everything she needs to have a happy life.

  • Wow! What a powerful testimony!! You are a courageous warrior woman!!! I am so proud of how you didn’t succumb to the traps of the enemy. It takes true strength to rise up and turn away! I love how God’s voice took over the other voices! What an amazing woman you are!!! And to think God’s not even finished yet!

  • Thank you for sharing your overcomer story. He has redeemed you for His glory! Blessings!

  • Thank you ladies for your responses and your kind words. Some days are super smooth, and others…not so much. But such is life, right? Ups and downs are a sign of life. So, I will keep living, keep pressing, and keep testifying. My goal is to empower others to healing and wholeness. It’s hard work, but we are equipped for it!
    Blessing,
    Nicole

  • Hi Nicole, I read your overcomer story about two weeks ago and was very touched by it. We have so much in common, you could be my twin. Suicidality has been my go to for years. I totally get you there. I am so grateful you allowed Melony to bring your story out in the open. You are so brave. I would love to meet someday, maybe at one of Melony’s events. I like you. ?. I promise I’m not creepy…just goofy!

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Victims of Crime: You Have Rights, Too!

Victims of Crime: You Have Rights, Too!

Ever been the victim of a crime? It can turn your life upside down. Anxiety creeps in. You begin to question your safety everywhere you go.

Maybe you’re lucky and you haven’t.

The statistics are staggering: 328,236 felonies or violent

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0 Responses to Victims of Crime: You Have Rights, Too!

  • Having never been the victim of a crime I wasn’t aware this sort of help existed. Such a valuable service for people in a vulnerable time of their lives! You ladies do amazing work! Thank you!

    • Thanks, Brooke! It was an incredible experience to learn about what they do. I would definitely want their support if I were the victim of a crime. Please share the post so others are aware of their rights, too!

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Strong and Courageous: Defeating Pancreatic Cancer

Strong and Courageous: Defeating Pancreatic Cancer

Defeating pancreatic cancer – the cancer with the lowest survival rate – takes a woman who is strong and courageous. And Mary Anne* IS that kind of woman.

* Her real name is used with permission.

Wasn’t Always Strong and

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30 Responses to Strong and Courageous: Defeating Pancreatic Cancer

  • Mary Anne is truly an example of how faith, courage, attitude and gratitude can see you through many obstacles. She never gives up and it brings joy to me to watch her gain her strength and be able to do the little things she could not do months ago. She is, indeed, an overcomer!

    • I love you so much! You are my sister and you never fail to come to my aid when I need you!
      Thank you for loving me and giving the BEST advise whether as friend, nurse or doctor! You are so smart!

  • Love your story of faith and courage Mary Anne. As a cancer warrior myself, I can relate to your inspiring journey. So happy for you! God is so good!

  • I believe that you are one of the most inspiring and courageous people I know. You bring my heart such joy and happiness. I am so thankful to have met you, and that you are my friend. I have learned so much from you, and I too am blessed because of you. My love always…

    • Wendy, I have always been so proud of you! As my friend, customer, and the incredible mother you have become. I love you and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

  • Mary Anne your strength is so beautiful!!! I thank God for your healing and your life!!! You are absolutely amazing!!!!

  • Rejoicing with you! Thank you for sharing your journey of healing. Bless You!

  • Dear Mary Anne,
    This is a beautiful testimony and we have seen you live out your faith in God and be strong and courageous! You have touched our lives and the lives of many others in this journey. We give praise to God for your witness and strength!
    Love, Travis and Donna

    • Dearest Donna and Travis, I love you both so much! Your friendship and support have meant so much to me! Thank you for everything! May God Bless You both and Merry Christmas!

  • Mary Anne you are truly a blessing to everyone you meet. You have inspired so many people by sharing your story, your journey, and most importantly your faith. You have touched so many lives with your courage and positive attitude. God be with you as you continue to heal. God is not done with you my friend. God bless you always. Love Barbara

  • What an upbeat person you were and still are. I’m glad that you chose to put God back in your life. Of course he was part of your healing physically and emotionally. May God continue to give you a clean bill of health and keep you strong in your faith and your health.

  • What an incredible story of brokenness, faith, redemption, and healing!!!!!!

    • Thank you, Jeff, for taking the time to read my story and for your blessing! God Bless You and Merry Christmas

  • You are an amazing woman and I am blessed to know you and love you. What an inspiration and so happy to call you family. I will be passing your story on to some of my family. Thank you for being Patti and Mikes friend and now mine. We can all learn something from your strength and faith journey. Love you so much!
    BTW what are you doing for Christmas?

    • Nancy, I am so blessed to be able to call you my family! You and Scott have welcomed me with open arms along with your incredible children, Lacy and Michael! I love you all so much and am so proud of your family and faith in the Lord. I do have plans for Christmas Day and I thank you for thinking of me! God Bless You and your family and Merry Christmas!

  • So happy you are well again. God is good! Thank you for sharing your amazing story with us. I pray you will continue to have good health and will continue to live the life you want.

  • Mo, What a wonderful story to the road of healing ,And what you taught me. The Power of Prayer. And when feeling down, just turn to the person next to you and say: Neighbor, Everything is going to be Alright. ( Key West ) 2018. Love you to the moon and back and more.

    • To my sweet Samich!
      I love you so much and thank you for always taking such good care of me when we travel. I feel so safe and I love your bear hugs! I also love our love of sports that we share. Neighbor, everything will be alright!

  • You are a remarkable person! Your positive uplifting spirit amazes and inspires me. You are a true testament of embracing life and “living”. I am so grateful I have been blessed to know you. Love you

  • MaryAnne- thanks for telling your story! Melony, thanks for sharing it! It is truly inspiring! The work of the Holy Spirit in your life amazes me!! You are a source of love and light in my life! Love you!!!❤️

  • Mary Anne is such an inspirational person. We have had the pleasure of getting to know her personally and she truly is a wonderful person that lets the light of Jesus Christ shine through her smile and affection for others. Her story has and will be a gift to many because it teaches us several things: 1. It’s never too late to come back to the Lord; 2. Never give up; and, 3. God is faithful. We love you Mary Anne and consider your love and friendship a tremendous blessing!!! Here’s to a cancer-free 2019! May God continue to richly bless you and yours!!!

  • You are the most amazing person i know and I’m so grateful to have you in my life. You inspire me and I love you very much..

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Fresh Start

Fresh Start

A broken home by age one set the wheels in motion for years upon years of struggle. In a time when divorce wasn’t common, both of her parents quickly remarrying other people was confusing and divided her heart.

Tracy* wouldn’t

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35 Responses to Fresh Start

  • Tracy, so glad you found freedom in Christ. Our past does not define us, but when we are willing to share how Jesus set us free we bring glory to His name. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. I know your testimony will change lives. God Bless You!

  • Wow! I loved meeting Tracy at the Overcomers Celebration and loved reading her story. Tracy has definitely been through so much but what a blessing she is now to so many.

  • Thank you, Tracy, for sharing your story. Your life and words are an inspiration to us all. God bless you!

  • Tracy, you exude lavish love, grace and pursuit of Christ! You are a champion for women living in the fullness of His love, forgiveness and freedom! Thank you for your story. You inspire and encourage all who know you. So grateful for your transparency, transformation and His redemption! Love you! I don’t know where I’d be without the fresh starts only Jesus can give us!

  • Tracy, CONGRATS on your “fresh start!” Your story shows your strength and resiliency! You are such an inspiration! It was such a pleasure to meet you at our Overcomer’s Celebration! Also, I am so glad I purchased your book, “Tuesdays with Tracy.” The book is filled with such amazing devotions that truly speak to the heart, soul, and spirit; It has blessed me and others in a special way! May God continue to bless you abundantly!

    Peace & blessings,
    Sherry

    • Sherry, Thank you for your encouragement and for leaving this precious comment! I pray blessings over you also and it thrills my heart that you are enjoying my book. Much love to you!

  • Tracy, you truly are an overcomer through and through! You have embraced your story as a means to minister to other women and God is using you in mighty ways! So grateful for your heart and passion for Christ, Tracy! May you continue to be blessed and strengthened as you are such a blessing to others!

  • Tracy, My heart was broken over your childhood. No child deserves that kind of stress! However, we both know that what the enemy meant for harm, God can turn into a triumph! So glad your mother accepted Jesus! How very awesome! I love that you became a counselor! Amazing! Your story thrilled me and is an awesome testimony of how great our God is and how He is always right there, waiting for us to call on Him. I am so proud of your story and delighted that you have a precious family. I produce events and hire speakers all the time. Check out my website at: http://www.smartchicklife.com. I will look for you on FB and friend you. And I will check out your website. Many blessings and favor over everything you touch. God bless you for sharing your story! Diane Carden

    • Diane, Thank you and you are so right that God ALWAYS leads us to triumph! And in addition to my mom becoming a Christian, she is one of my very best friends, and she is married to a wonderful Christian man and works for a national ministry. Jesus has really shown off in our lives! Woot! I will look for your friend request and I pray blessings over your ministry as well!

  • Thank you for sharing Tracy! To God be the glory!

  • Yes and amen! So grateful for your vulnerability and courage to share your life and love with others. We are MORE than conquerors through His power in us. So good.

  • Tracy, what a blessing it was to be able to move into your dad’s house with his Christian family. Life would have been so different if you had not done that. Your life is filled with helping others and making a difference in their lives. May God give you everything you need to keep doing that.

    • Thank you Glenda! My fresh start at my dad’s surely shifted my path and even with its own set of challenges, God was faithful and continues to heal, restore, and deliver His grace. I have found that God likes to show off – LOL! Blessings to you!!

  • After all these years, I had never heard your testimony. Now I understand your “big love,” compassion and wisdom comes from personal experience. Priceless. God has been faithful turning your ashes into beauty and the hope you impart to others is overwhelmingly Him.

    • Karen, Whether you realize it or not, you have made an imprint in my life and God always uses you to encourage and uplift me. I am so grateful that we met many years ago. Love to you!!!.

  • Beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness. Thank you for sharing and pressing in to bring life to those who need it desperately!

    • Shannon, Thank you so much for taking time to read my story and I so look forward to knowing you more this year!!! Many blessings to you!

  • My precious friend Tracy, we’ve talked about your story many times, but I had not heard every one of these details. This account is so well written and made me weep… both because of what you went through, and because of the way God has flipped the script and used it for exponential good. His goodness flows, and He works miracles, and He moves mountains for (and through) his beloved children! Because of your faith and obedience, He uses you and your story to bring abundant life to so many. Praise Jesus! Also, how wonderful to be introduced to Melony’s website! Hello and love to both of you. What you do to help others is awesome and inspirational, and I pray that God continues to bless you and your ministries!

  • Thank you for sharing your story! A great encouragement to me as I am outside-looking-in with many young similar — searching and desperate –young women.

    • Bridget, Thank you for listening and know that God dearly loves you and has amazing plans for your life, even when you don’t see it or feel it, God is always on the move!

  • Tracie thank you for sharing your story! I too thought that God had given up on me at one point in my life, I did not understand how he could be letting all the bad things happen to me if he loved me so. I know now that he was preparing me for what I was to do in my life now. I know your story will help others also. I am so blessed!

    • Teressa, Our God is amazing and I celebrate that you also have experienced God’s love and restoration. Much love to you!

  • Dear Tracy! I will never forget when you came to FBCS many years ago now and shared your story, it was powerful then and today you continue to love us and God so faithfully, thank you fellow OVERCOMER, I love you right back!!! I benefit and share with others from your spiritual devotions in “Tuesdays with Tracy”, they bless me and others!!! You will definitely hear God say well done my good and faithful servant. Mt 25:21. I am so happy for you and all in your precious family!!!

  • Life with Christ is definitely full of fresh starts!!!! I am so inspired by the fresh starts He has given you!!!

    • Addlia,
      Thank you for taking time to read my story! God has the LAST WORD on everything and everyone! Blessings to you!

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A No Casserole Illness, Part 2

A No Casserole Illness, Part 2

If you haven’t read part 1 of Diane’s story, please read it here first. Three years after her official diagnosis, Diane experienced a turning point in her journey with bipolar disorder. She made a decision that would change how she

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0 Responses to A No Casserole Illness, Part 2

  • Thank you both for sharing Diane’s story. It’s powerful and will help many people just because you had the courage to fight and not give up. Mental illness and suicide impacts everyone because it’s ether happened to you, a family member, school or work acquaintance, or a friend, so it’s critically important to start treating mental illness like physical illness. If you’re sick – seek help – no matter what it is. So glad you kept fighting for help, and then had the fortutude and kindness to share your story. Thank you!

  • I’ve always said nobody brings a casserole when people have a child with a drug addiction and you are so right about it being the same for mental illness. I admire Diane for sharing her story so openly. I hope not having to keep what she is experiencing a secret allows her to receive more compassion and support when needed. I know it will certainly help others to know her story and I hope the stigma of Bipolar can be erased very soon so others can feel the freedom to share as well. I think it was great the way you included the details of treatment. Although everyone is different, you often just assume help will be trying medication after medication that probably won’t be effective. It’s good information to share what alternative treatments could be. Thanks for sharing!

  • Diane EVERYTHING about your story inspires me! I’m so very thankful you shared!!

  • Brooke, what you shared is profound. Mental illness does not discriminate between gender, political stance, race . . . Everyone is affected in some form or fashion by mental illness. I have been so blessed to have a support network that has worked really hard to understand bipolar and how it affects me specifically. My desire is to speak out for those suffering in silence until those who are suffering can speak out for themselves.

  • Thank you for bringing to my attention the hard fact that there is little to no support for families affected by substance abuse. It’s a difficult journey for both the caretaker and the one with the disease. I was in treatment with so many ladies in recovery for drugs and alcohol and I witnessed their struggles up close and personal. It’s not pretty but I applaud those who get up and persevere.

    Thank you for the encouragement regarding my personal journey with bipolar. It helps give me strength to push thru the tougher times.

  • Your words blessed my soul I know that you are all to familiar with the journey. Please know that each time you come to mind I send a prayer up on your behalf. Can’t wait to meet face to face one day.

  • Diane
    Thanks for sharing your story with so much transparency! You are an overcomer. Such a beautiful family. Blessings

  • Laura
    Goins
    June 30, 2018
    6:35 pm
    Reply

    Diane so proud of
    you for sharing your
    story. I feel like the
    little sister. You have
    come so much farther
    than me in such a short time. Love you I have more knowledge about
    our fighting this battle.
    Love you sweet sister.
    L

  • Maureen, thanks for taking the time to read a ‘No Casserole Ilness’ . Transparency for me has been a work in progress. I desire to help pave the wave in reducing stigma in the church. Thanks for your encouraging words.

  • Laura, thank you for commenting on the article.. you are definitely the big sister. You have paved the way for me. It was your encouragement early on in my diagnosis that brought me to a place of excepting my diagnosis. From there I became vocal about mental illness. What I love about your journey is your passion for Jesus. Without Jesus we are doomed. You have modeled that thinking and behavior for me. I love you big sister! Hope to see you soon!

  • Diane,
    I appreciated you sharing your story and all that God is doing in your life, through the blessings of a wonderfully loving and supportive family, throughout the wealth of knowledge gained in your experiences overcoming, learning, as, you have disciplined yourself with Jesus’s power that you so correctly say and I quote you, “we are doomed without” ……..
    I grew up with mental illness with my oldest brother in the 50′ and 60’s when the stigma was more intense so, I relate to all you said.
    I look forward to meeting you one day. Blessings and prayers for you and yours, Ann

  • Amelia Ann,

    I apologize for not getting back with you sooner. Honestly, I thought I did reply. Anyway, thank you so much for your encouragement You definitely understand my journey because up close and personal experience with your brother. Yes, stigma was so much greater in the 50’s and 60’s. Still today mental illness is not viewed as an illness like a “physical” illness. Suicide is a selfish act rather than a product of the illness. I too look forward to meeting one day soon! Thanks again!

  • This is such a difficult situation that is overlooked so many times. Hopefully it will become visible more often and more quickly.

  • This disease has been put under the rug too often. Hopefully it is more in the light now.

  • Diane,

    Thanks for sharing! You’re truly an overcomer, an inspiration to many.

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A No Casserole Illness, Part 1

A No Casserole Illness, Part 1

“When I was finally ready to share my diagnosis of bipolar disorder with the church, I was told it was probably not a good idea to go public with it. That same day, the wife of a male church member

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9 Responses to A No Casserole Illness, Part 1

  • Diane, I am grateful for your story. Thank you for being so transparent. I have watched my dad suffer all my life with severe depression. I, too have felt like why is no one praying for him and coming to visit him and encourage him from the church? I have come off a season of supprsssed anger that turned into depression. I felt lost and isolated. I thought the same thing you did – when you have cancer everyone rallies around you. Depression is a cancer of the mind and soul and it is lonely and isolating. I agree that we need to keep bringing these stories to the forefront and the church must be there for sufferers. Praying for you! I’m here for whatever you need. Love, Holli

    • Holli, I’m so sorry to hear about the lack of support your dad has received. It’s unfortunate that your dad along with countless others suffer in silence.

      Well said, “Depression is a cancer of the mind and soul”.. I’m also sorry to read that you too have suffered from depression. It’s a very isolating and lonely disease. I’ would make you a casserole but I don’t cook. I will commit to pray for both you and your dad.

  • I have no answers for how to be there for those who battle, I have not done this well on any level. I fear the space I felt this dear friend was asking for actually sent a message that I didn’t care. She is a precious gift to all who know her and I could not be prouder of how she is giving life to so many others by giving the gift of going first.

  • Diane – I have no doubt God is supremely pleased with you. Like a proud father watching his child take the next difficult step towards healing and progress, God knows the faith it’s taken for you not to abandon your faith and to share your story. Your story will be a powerful tool He uses to soothe, heal and restore so many who share your struggle. As Christians our hope is in God’s ability to make something beautiful from our pain if we’ll let ourselves be used. Thank you for being a willing vessel through which he can touch so many.

  • Thank you so much for your encouragement. I’ve learned with my daily challenges that this illness and most others are not possible without God. The struggles are not pretty but like you said God has a way of making them beautiful.

  • Tami,

    Your reply to this post speaks volumes about your love for me. I am grateful for the prayers you have offered up on my behalf and the challenges of others you may know. We are not all called to be in the trenches of the illness but to pray for peace and hope for those of us who plummit into the pits of darkness. I would not be here today if it weren’t for God’s grace and the prayers of those around me.

  • I was told by a church member that my depression was due to the fact that I had a weak faith and did not trust Jesus enough. Needless to say-I stopped talking to her. I can so relate to the world being in color again. With my medication-the world is in color and I feel like I am standing on level ground. Without it I feel like I am in a dark hole struggling to see the light at the top of the hole, scraping and fighting to get back onto level ground. Post partum depression hit after my second child and the violent death of my brother in law. This affected my husband and my mother in law so dramatically-naturally. I have tried over the years to stop taking medication. I had a pastor tell me that if I was diabetic I would take my insulin or if I had high blood pressure I would take my medicine. But you are right with the stigma of mental health. No one thinks twice about the diabetic, etc. But mental health is looked at as a weakness, a character flaw. When I counsel patients (I am a nurse practitioner) I will often share that I have depression/anxiety as well. If we DO NOT talk about it as we do other illnesses-we will never change the stigma. So I take my medication. And I don’t worry about it anymore! I get how you feel. Totally.

  • Shannon,

    I totally missed your reply to the no Casserole Illness story. Though the church welcomes “everyone” with open arms, they have a ways to go in their acceptance of mental illness. At least for me ,they are attempting to chisel away at the stigma. Like you, I jump at opportunities to speak on its behalf. Who better to educate others than those of us who suffer. I’m sure you are an encouragement to all you come in contact with. You encouraged me to stay strong in my journey. This stuff ain’t easy!!!

  • May God give you all your needs as you continue to recover.

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Grateful, Part 1

Grateful, Part 1

Dianne* met a couple of strip club dancers when she was 17 who encouraged her to dance, but she told them she wasn’t interested. So they encouraged her to turn tricks instead.

* Her real name, used with permission.

“I

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0 Responses to Grateful, Part 1

  • I can in no way comprehend this kind of life. It’s tragic. I pray in part two she turned her life around and is serving our Jesus.

    • Thank you for your comment Glenda! Yes…there is wonderful restoration, victory and joy in part 2. God is amazing and there is no place dark enough, low enough, far enough to keep God’s love, light, grace, mercy and compassion from reaching us.

  • Dianne, I am so sorry for all you went through. No matter how deep the pit is that we find ourselves in, Jesus extends His hand to pull us out. He is a God of restoration!

    • Thank you for your comment Maureen! You are so right! There is no pit dark enough nor deep enough to keep the hand of Jesus from reaching us. And I have personally found that His precious nail scared hand is always extended. He is AMAZING! I love how God is a God of restoration. He can take the broken pieces of our lives and make something so beautiful! Only God! I love how everything the enemy meant for evil and harm, God uses for His glory if we allow Him to. Part two reveals His grace, love, restoration, and healing!

  • Wow-I always knew there was something extra special about you and now I see a little bit more into why. Thank you for sharing what you’ve shared thus far. Incredibly powerful testimony and genuine to the core.

    • Rachael you are so sweet and so kind. I still have the earrings you made for me. That gift was from you heart and it truly touched my heart. You are a beautiful and amazing woman. I am glad that we are sisters in Christ and get to hang out for eternity! I love you girl!

    • God can sure take a bunch of mess and make one amazing story out of it. I am so grateful today to be free in Him!!! Thank you for taking the time to read part 1 and commenting. Blessings to you…Dianne

  • Knowing Dianne personally–I’m pretty much speechless for appropriate words that can describe the EXTRAORDINARY SUPERNATURAL RESTORATION that Jesus has done in her and for her–she is absolutely a NEW creation in Christ, and a wonderful friend and sister in Christ to me! Thank you (!!!) Dianne and Melony for so boldly sharing your victorious story, so that many others can be greatly encouraged.

    Jesus’ heart of love and forgiveness is the SAME toward every person (Rom 2:11), and since He did such mighty things for Dianne, He greatly desires to do the same great miracles for anyone else who’s reading! Just say “Amen, Jesus!” =)

    • Amanda I love you! You are such a wonderful friend and sister to me! You are such an amazing teacher of the Gospel…The GOOD news! I have received and continue to receive so much from you. Your commitment to sharing and teaching God’s Word is amazing. You are relentless. If anyone is in the Marietta area and would like to learn more about our wonderful, gracious, loving Father, you are welcome to come to Amanda’s Bible study at the Marietta library off the square on Monday nights at 7. You can go to http://www.freelyforgivenforever.com to find out more.

  • Dianne, you have an incredible testimony of God’s unrelenting love in your life. I am so encouraged, to the point of tears.

    • Thank you Bridget! You are so precious! I feel so blessed and honored that Melony wanted to share my journey. I love what the enemy meant for harm, God took and used for His glory! I am so grateful today that His love is unrelenting! His love is everything! After having an encounter with LOVE/GOD…everything in my life changed! Our Papa is amazing and I thank Jesus continually for the finished work of the Cross! All I can say is…Only God! 🙂

  • Dianne, what courage you have. I know your confession brings you healing. I pray it helps others find release from the grips of Satan.

    • Jennifer, I want you know that I am eternally grateful for you. You were a “key player” used in God’s plan to redeem, deliver, restore, and heal me. I don’t even want to think about what life would have looked like without you being a part of it. I love you!

  • I am soooo glad we got you two hooked up! Your story needs to be shared, Dianne! There are so many lost and hurt and abused and emotionally scarred girls and women out there that need an exit and need a glimpse of hope! But you are more than a glimpse of hope–you are a light of rescue and restoration in a dark place! I love you!

    • Kiera you made me cry! I love you so much and I’m so grateful for our friendship! You are such an inspiration and light to all! You continually inspire me. I am so grateful that God divinely hooked us up and that you are a part of my life! Let’s Rock it here and in eternity 🙂 <3

  • HELP!!! I’m stuck at the cliff-hanger. I can’t figure out how to,get to part 2 So I can read about the redeeming power of Christ through your story.!

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Warrior Woman – Hear Me Roar

Warrior Woman – Hear Me Roar

Teressa warrior woman quote

 

 

Warrior Woman – Hear Me Roar

Teres’sa* is definitely a warrior woman. She and the other warrior women at the sexual abuse counseling center where she works adopted the motto “Hear Me Roar!” to remind them

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12 Responses to Warrior Woman – Hear Me Roar

  • oh my I was overwhelmed with emotions reading this! You are a survivor and overcomer! Your strength in the Lord will continue to heal you and guide you down a path to be able to help others. sharing your story is the only way to educate others and to show others there is another path you can take. Thank you for sharing such intimate details of your life. Prayers for continued healing and courage.

    • Thank you so much! I speak at many events and tell my story when I feel that there maybe someone there that I could help. I have been surprised at the response I get. It is amazing how many people come forward asking how they may get the same kind of help that I did. I tell them that they have made the most important step already; that is, by standing up and facing the fact that they have been abused. I know now that I was put here for a reason and that reason is to help others to become an overcomer and a survivor because once you have done that you are no longer a victim. Thank you for the continued prayers.

  • A beautiful testimony of God’s redemptive love!

    • Thank you and yes it is, I see him working in my life daily now! I know he has a great plan for me. I trust him to lead the way.

  • Teressa I couldn’t bring myself to read your story til now. I wish I’d known and I’d have let you come down the street to our house. I’m SO proud of you and love you dearly!!

    • Tiff that is the thing NO ONE knew or if they did know they weren’t saying anything. I was too afraid to tell anyone after what happened at school. I have taken the negative that was given to me and made it into a positive. With each person I help it makes me that much stronger. I am proud of you too my dear friend and love you too!

  • Hi Teressa,
    I read your story and I am very happy you have been surrendered to God and received His great love, mercy, grace, strength and power to accomplish all the positive works and life changes He has provided for you and others that you wrote about. Praises to God for all your blessings!!!

    You will be staying with me March 23 rd for our Overcomer Celebration on 24th…. I am so looking forward to meeting you!

  • Hi Amelia,
    I am so sorry that I am just now responding back to your kind words. I am also so sorry that I did not get to make it to the celebration. I was just so worn out after the passing of my dad and returning from my vacation just to have to get right back on the road again. I am hoping that I will be able to attend next years. I was looking forward to staying with you and having dinner with everyone on Friday evening. Thank you again!

    Teres’sa

  • Teressa, I can not imagine having been so abused. I’m glad you decided to seek God and professional health. I’m hoping you are leading a happy life now.

    • Thank you Glenda! It was hard for so long, I understand that God had a greater plan for me which I am for filling now. I am blessed with a very happy life now.

  • Teressa,

    Wow, so many emotions reading your story! I love that you’re an overcomer helping others overcome. Brings to mind 2 Corinthians 1:4.. Thanks for sharing!

  • I am proud of you that you found your way through this abuse, and I pray you are living a happy life now.

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10 Responses to From Rubble to Royalty

  • Tammy, I am so sorry for all the abuse you endured. You are an overcomer! Thank you for sharing and shining a light on the injustice of sex trafficking. Blessings!

  • there is a heaven. and then there is a hell – this is the justice for what these men did to her. there is a place in heaven for her final peace

  • Tammy,

    Melony mentioned she had another Overcomer story, and I could tell in my brief conversation with her last night, your story hit her like a semi truck , but I had no idea it was this big. The amount you have overcome is just unbelievable, and your story is full of such intense pain, deceit, loss, confusion, and so much more. I thank you for sharing your story. My niece works with sex trafficking, and I’m going to forward your journey to her. Before my niece got involved in helping women that have been exposed to sex trafficking, I thought it was someone who kidnaps a child, fills them with drugs and sells them as a service. But, as she and you just stated it can be your own family members, or friends, or people you reach out to for help. This was shocking to me, being a mother of a teenage daughter. I think your story, and the hard work my niece does, will help educate everyone. I thank you so much for sharing your journey, as I know it’s a hard thing to do. God has given you a voice to help stop this type of abuse, and for that I’m so grateful. I hope you continue to spread the word of God, and help get this information out to others. You are far more than an overcomer. You are a survivor that has taken something extremely horrific and turned it into a ministry that is just amazing.
    God bless you,
    Angie Thomsen

  • Melony, This is a very powerful testimony about overcoming. Good to know she turned so much evil and wrongdoing into a positive influence in her life. I am very proud of you for taking the time to meet, interview, and share these stories so that other lives can be positively impacted.

    Love,
    Dad

  • Tammy, thank you for sharing your story. I’m happy to hear you have overcome and are helping others. Many blessings!

  • Tammy, thank you being so honest and real as you shared your story. You can inspire many and help many. Your will, faith and determination have gotten you so far and will continue to do so! Many hugs!

  • Tammy, just the fact that you can profess faith in God is a miracle. You are one of his most precious, beautiful, effective assets to bring victims His peace and comfort, and you are inspirational to the rest of us. Let me never complain nor wallow in self pity about my own mountains. For you are my new benchmark!! May God keep you and bless you and make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you forever. Amen.

  • Tammy, your story is one of innocence stolen and unrecoverable, yet you have allowed that part of you that remained tender and unsullied to be exposed and vulnerable enabling you to be a bearer of light, reaching into the darkness and making a way where there was no way for others to escape an otherwise inescapable pit of despair.

  • Dear Tammy your story brought me to tears. With what you have been through I would say you are the strongest person I have ever known. I’m so proud of you for just continuing to do the things that you needed to do to defeat this cycle. You are absolutely amazing

  • This situation is so sad. It is scary to know how much of this there is. Hopefully things will be better in the very near future.

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