Plan B Resilience

Plan B Resilience

“God teaches us resilience when our plans fall apart,” Jodi believes. “Overcoming is relinquishing the plans you have and embracing the new plan God has for your life.”

* Her real name is used with permission.

A Family in Need

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16 Responses to Plan B Resilience

  • What a witness to the Awesome power of our God and answered prayers. Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift my eyes to the hills – From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

  • Thank you Doris! Yes there are many answered prayers! I’m thankful for the prayer warriors we have had!

  • I love seeing how God has given Peter and Jodi His strength to carry on in spite of all the difficulties that have come their way! It is amazing to see God’s grace and mercy at work in their daily lives! I’m thankful for their example. It shows me that life will not always be easy, but our God is still good and He is faithful, and we can trust Him! Thank you for not giving up Jodi and Peter! I love and appreciate you both. So thankful you are a part of my life!

  • Thank you Jane! So grateful you are a part of our lives! Life is hard, but our God is faithful!!!

  • Jodi has lived a remarkable life! Disappointments and setbacks can often derail us, but I love how Jodi continued to press on, even when she was angry at God (and I love her willingness to include those feelings as part of her journey.) I had the privilege of praying for Jodi one time before a meeting began. I felt the pain and agony of her mother’s heart, which compelled me to continue praying for Jodi and her family. As we learn to trust that God is always for us, we can lean in during the most difficult of times. We don’t always get the storybook ending answer to our prayers, but I’m thankful that I can see God’s faithfulness and evidence of so many answered prayers through Peter and Jodi’s determination to love their kids unconditionally – the way God loves each of us!

  • Thank you sweet friend Lori! Its amazing how God puts people in your path at the right time when you need prayer and encouragement! Thank you for being that person and for your kind encouraging words!

  • Incredible story of resilience under fire! This story gives those with struggles so much hope. Thank you, Jodi for sharing so open and honestly. You are being used by the Lord for such a time as this to help others run the race with endurance when they feel that “life” has pushed them out of the running lanes. (Insert BIG applause here.)

  • From the days at The River until now, you and Peter have been a blessing and a testimony to Bob & me. May God bless you in unexpected ways in 2020.

  • Thank you Tammy! My prayer is that it will bring hope and encouragement to others struggling.. Hebrews 12:1 and 2 is one of my life verses!

  • Peter & Jodi: Greetings from hot and wheat harvesty central Kansas (Hillsboro). You may recall that I moved here in 2010. I received your family update via the steadfast and good-hearted Stephen Stout. This has obviously not been an easy road for you all beginning with a risky and brave start, but praise the Lord! for your good and ongoing faithfulness and His!, And to Peter, maybe it is OK for us to get along with little or no MLB this year (but I do miss it)..

  • Thank you Bob and Trisha for your encouragement to us and prayers and wisdom as Peter has begun his aggressive Lyme Treatment

  • Thanks for the encouragement David, great to reconnect. Lots to catch up on since we saw you last! We are so grateful for the Lord’s faithfulness to us that continues to get us through challenging times!

  • This was so neat to read! I have so many good memories growing up with Tina and Rich, playing at your house and the Thorson’s. Tina was one of my best friends when we were young, being in the same class at school and church and always riding our bikes up and down the alley between our houses. You guys were an inspiration to me when I was going through adopting my 4 kids. You are an amazing example! God is so good!

  • I’m so glad you got to read it Nina ! I’m so thankful we have inspired you and so proud of you adopting 4 kids!! Wow, God is amazing!

  • What a beautiful story of unconditional love!! Thank you Jodi and Peter for your willingness to share your wisdom gained!

  • You are so Welcome Faye. I pray our struggles will encourage others who want to give up to “hold on to the Anchor” who’s Rock we can trust and will carry us through any storm! Hebrews 6:19

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Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month

autism awareness

Elmo with Julia

In April of 2017, the children’s television show, Sesame Street, introduced Julia, a muppet with autism. The show’s autism awareness initiative carried the theme: See Amazing in All Children.

Thank you, Sesame Street, for continuing to

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6 Responses to Autism Awareness Month

  • Both of these young women are extraordinary! Thank you for shedding some light on ASD and how it affects different people, well… differently. It is so true the saying “if you’ve met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” It is a broad spectrum indeed. Bless you!

  • Way to go Hannah

  • Powerful stories – thank you for speaking out and advocating!! Powerful to see the journey- thank you for sharing

  • A wonderful article about a great family! Denise is a great mom with awesome kids!

  • Denise Bains ❤️❤️ We love you so much and Kai Kai is especially blessed to have you as her Mother. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • Great stories. My son was diagnosed at age 36 with Asperger’s which is no longer a stand alone diagnosis. It now falls under the spectrum of Autism, although the higher functioning end of the spectrum. In retrospect, I can now see that some of the traits I thought were shyness were likely indicators of his condition. Back in the 80’s, there was not a lot of information about Asperger’s. Even today, it is hard to find info about adult Asperger’s.

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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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Redemption

Redemption

In July of 2017, Atlanta Redemption Ink was launched so the redemption Jessica* found when she covered her trafficker’s logo with a new tattoo could be shared with countless others.

* Her real name is used with permission.

Over 160

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13 Responses to Redemption

  • Jessica, so glad you got your tattoo covered. I had my property tattoo removed a couple years ago. It was a long process, but so worth it. It was freeing! So glad you were set free by God’s overcoming love! Blessings to you!

  • Maureen, thank you for sharing your experiences. So glad you were able to be free and experience freedom through the removal. Praying blessings over you!!

  • This is something that I never thought about. I can’t imagine the nightmare this brings to everyone. I hope more attention will be brought to this to stop it.

  • Jessica,

    I’ve read your story a few times now and each time it hits me harder— you are such a brave and inspiring woman! Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability in sharing your story. I wish you and your family the best!

    Kit

  • Wow. As the mother of two young girls this story scared the hell out of me. To think they could innocently go on a job interview and end up essentially kidnapped is terrifying. And they say Atlanta is a major hub for human trafficking. Terrifying. This story should be given to everyone who escapes so they can see the redemption and hope. Amazing.

  • Jessica ,

    Unbelievable! Your story is powerful! Surviving your nightmare is definite proof that God has great plans for you. I admire your courage in allowing your story to be told. I’m personally familiar with some of your struggles and know others who have faced similar life threatening situations. I hate hate hate that you have seen such darkness but am encouraged to know that your overcomer story is going to impact lives for Jesus.

    Diane

  • Jessica, I am so proud of you. You have found how to take some of the most challenging times in your life into something so beautiful. I appreciate you sharing your story for others who may need to hear it. You are a blessing in so many ways. Overcomes United is an amazing group and you have made it even better. Welcome!!!

  • Wow! Your story is so timely. My radio station is supporting this very cause right now. I’m so glad you were able to overcome this horrific event and put your talent into God’s hands. I know He is going to bless you for the work you do. You are amazing! God bless.

  • Jessica, what a strong young woman you are to be able to overcome all of this! I know you could not have gotten out of the abuse without God’s help. I’m so glad you knew that’s who you had to turn to. He was just waiting for you to ask. God is so good and I am sure he will continue to bless you in your work.

  • Thank you everyone for your kind words, support and love.

  • Wow. I cannot believe all that you endured by the time you were 23. Thank you for bravely sharing your testimony. You have opened up my eyes more to sex trafficking. It’s so sad how common it is. I bet by sharing your story you are saving lives. So happy of where you are now. You are a true overcomer.

  • Princess Jessica. I’m so proud of you! More importantly, Jesus is proud of you!! May you always walk in the knowledge of your royalty.

  • I never would have thought or considered. Thank you Jessica for being willing to share your heart!!!

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A Place to Call Home: The Flip Side of Homelessness

A Place to Call Home: The Flip Side of Homelessness

H-O-M-E. Four powerful letters knit together.

Most of us take home for granted. Not Addlia*.

She truly understands what the other 553,742 homeless people in the United States in 2017 faced when they didn’t have a place to call home.

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34 Responses to A Place to Call Home: The Flip Side of Homelessness

  • Addlia, I knew a little about your journey, but I had no idea of the long-term intense struggle you have weathered! What strength and grace! Thankful you never let go of God! I am so very proud of you! I claim God’s favor over you and that your speaking career will grow to the point you never have to think about money. Many blessings on you and your sweet boy! Keep Shining, Love!

  • You are a pillar of strength to your son and most importantly to yourself. Grace and gratefulness can move mountains. I’ve worked with high school youth in the past as a volunteer, and one of the key tenets taught was gratefulness, because it’s impossible to feel bad if you’re grateful for something. You take that conviction to a whole new level, and I am amazed by your strength and tenacity to repeatedly claw your way to a more stable life for you and your son. He is a fortunate young man. God bless and I hope the future holds great things for you.

  • Thank you Diane! I love you! I promise to keep shining!!!

  • Thank you Brooke!! I am truly grateful! I have the choice to give up or keep going and I am no quitter!!!! I appreciate you!

  • Love you hunny!! The Lord is on your side and I look forward to what He has on store for you. ??. You are consistently an encouragement to me and many others.

  • I’m so proud of your strength,growth,tenacity and strength!!!!!God is going to make it good for you This I know!….Total Recovery!!!!❤️

  • I am so grateful to have meet you the season of when I did … God used you to minister to me in my brokenness!!! Your story is amazing, healing , and most of all it shows the love of Christ!!! Keep this momentum up sis !!! You ROCK‼️?✅?❤️

    • Awwww you absolutely rock!!! I thank God for using me to touch people like you! So grateful to have you ?

  • From the time we met I knew there was a jewel inside you-it’s your vibrant spirit. Satan has and may continue to throw his darts your way but you keep showing him that your God has an even greater game plan for you and your life. You are such an inspiration to others to keep fighting! You help others to sparkle too. Your story is only beginning.

  • Addlia!! I’m so blessed by your transparency, trust and faith in God. You didn’t give up when you could have. Your resiliency will bless and lift others facing the same or similar situations. I see you writing a book to tell your story that will empower, bless and encourage others to keep going when they want to give up! Love you to life! Love, Nedra

  • Addlia you are one of the strongest women I know. Not just because of the struggles you’ve been through, but because of the faith you’ve kept in the mist of where you’ve been. I agree with you, I believe God is using you to reach those who are homeless, hopeless, sick, and depressed. And though the enemy tries to knock you down, I know that you WILL prosper because God IS on your side! I look forward to everything that God will bring forth through you!! Thank you for sharing your testimony

  • Addlia – You have an awesome story! Keep strong!!!!

  • You have always had a larger than life personality and faith in God! I’ve heard your testimony but didn’t realize just how intense and hard your life has really been. You are so strong and beautiful and a great mom and friend! Always thank God for little blessings and never give up hope for a better day! Love you!!!

  • Addlia, I’m so very proud of you and Jaiden! It takes courage to share a testimony such as yours. Keep pushing, keep fighting and keep persevering. But most importantly, always be aware of your feelings as to understand when a “no” is needed. You and your son are always the top priority! Love you!

  • We see people we “know” only to find out we never really “know” people unless we take the time to care! All I can ever remember is that smiling face and kind spirit! I think the last time I bumped into you it was at Target. I wish I would’ve known all the hardships you were going through?! Through it all you’ve persevered AND that speaks volumes to who you are as a person! I applaud the fact that you never gave up on GOD because so many times we do. We question, we deny and we lean on our own understanding instead of trusting in him and the process! It takes courage to be transparent but we never know who we help heal through our own stories of trial and tribulation! I happy to see things working in your favor! Never forget your Dancing Diva big sis is a call away! I might not have much but I’m willing to share what I can??

    • Thank you Shunte!!! Trust me there were times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel!!! It’s all a part of the process!!! appreciate you!!! I’m so glad to still be connected to you after all these years!!! Love you so much my Dancing Diva Big Sister!!!! ?

  • What a powerful testimony that testifies to the goodness of God and the strength, courage and hope you found in Him through your journey! I’m so grateful that you had your son, Jaiden, that kept you going during those times of deep darkness and mental anguish! I’ve been suicidal and know that dark place of despair and hopelessness! That’s why I’m so glad you had God and your son to keep you going until you were able to see a glimmer of light and hope for your life! I’m so glad you didn’t give up on YOU! I love that you decided to change your perspective! Sounds like you started seeing things from your heavenly position in Christ Jesus…as victorious instead of defeated! So GREAT! I also love what you said…“It’s one thing to be overlooked, devalued, or underestimated by others, but don’t overlook, devalue, or underestimate yourself. Don’t give up on yourself….” That really stuck out to me! I know you sharing your story will inspire others to realize they have value and not to give up on themselves and life! Your story offers people a life-line attached to hope! You are one tough lady and I think you are priceless in the kingdom of God! I know God is and will continue doing GREAT things through you!!! Woohoo ..What a testimony!

    • Wow!!! I appreciate you Diane!!! Thank you for taking the time to read my story and imparting amazing encouragement in me!!!

  • Congratulations Addlia! The Lord will use your story to encourage many! I love how you chose to be grateful. May Jesus continue to bless you and your son!

  • Addlia! I am so happy to have gotten to meet you! I love you sweet girl!!!!

  • God shall use you in a great way. He already is. I’m so very proud of you. Thank you for being transparent. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength! Keep smiling, keep sharing your story., keep moving forward with your hand in Gods hand. He has you wrapped safety in His arms. Love you lady!!!!

    • I appreciate you for your encouragement and love towards me. Thank you for taking a glimpse into my story!

  • You have a huge amount of strength. I know that God worked in your life and I’m so happy he did. You have beat all kinds of odds and have been blessed for it. Keep up your strength and live a happy and full life with your son.

  • I love the fact that you have the resilience to bounce back. Always standing on the promises of our God is what your story reminds me of.

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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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Grateful, Part 2

Grateful, Part 2

If you haven’t read part 1 of Dianne’s story, please read it here first.

God Protected Her

One night after moving into her own apartment, Dianne invited a friend over to hang out. When Dianne heard footsteps outside the

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0 Responses to Grateful, Part 2

  • Thank you Dianne for sharing your story and for your dedication with Victoria’s Friends. May God continue to bless you.

  • What an amazing testimony, Dianne! God allows our past circumstances to equip us to help others in the future. I wouldn’t know the first thing to say to someone who struggles with these situations, but because you’ve been there, you can relate and you can help! There’s always a quick connection when you’ve gone through the same situation as someone else. God gives us the choice on how we use our life circumstances. We can choose to dwell on the horrific details of the past OR we can use it to give light and hope to those who desperately need it and may not hear it otherwise. I am so thankful that your friend shared the love of Jesus with you and that you have accepted it fully! His love has allowed you to come out of the darkness and allowed you to share it with others. What a blessing! The mercy and love that Jesus gives us is nothing short of amazing!

    • Wow LeAnn…well said!!! Thank you for your beautiful comment. I’m so thankful God is a God of hope, restoration and new beginnings. I love how He turns our situations and circumstances around and uses them for His glory. I thank God everyday for Angela; for the way she allowed His unconditional love to flow through her. Experiencing His love truly set me free! It is a wonderful, glorious feeling to be free in Christ Jesus! I’m so grateful! You are blessed and loved by the Greatest Lover of all. 🙂

  • Rejoicing with you for a life restored!

  • I am so happy for you Dianne!!! Happy for Mike, too!!! God has transformed you both and given you new life by His grace through our Savior Jesus Christ, just like His word says!!! Thank you God and thank you Dianne for sharing your life with so many!!!

    • Thank you Amelia Ann!!! I’m so grateful for God’s transformation in Mike and myself! I’m so grateful for His never-ending, patient love that continues to pursue us even when we aren’t worthy. I’m so grateful that He sees us as worthy in Christ Jesus because of the finished work of the Cross. Thank you Jesus! It is such a blessing to be able to enjoy life with Mike with Jesus at the center of our relationship. We wouldn’t want it any other way. 🙂 I appreciate you taking time to leave such a sweet, encouraging comment. It’s a blessing we are sisters in Christ! Love and blessings to you and yours…Dianne

  • So touched by the depth and beauty of this story. Redemption and now generational blessings flow from The Lord through Dianne. What a gift to so many lives. Honored to call Dianne my friend!!

    • Thank you sweet precious Rachael! I love you and I’m blessed and honored to call you my friend. We are sisters forever!!! woohoo Praise the Lord! 🙂 <3

  • I am blessed to never have had an addiction. I can’t imagine what a hard life.

  • I am in tears!!! Your testimony Dianne is sooooooooo Amazing!!!!! I thank God for His protection over you! As dark as your first half was it was so amazing to see how God kept you, kept your mind and your body! I am so grateful for you and God’s awesomeness in your life!!! It takes a lot of courage to spread the love of Christ at strip clubs! You are awesome sauce!!!

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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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Out of the Dark

Out of the Dark

Out of the DarkMost of us have been there. In the dark. Feeling lost. Trapped. Lacking vision. Lacking hope.

Singer/songwriter Mandisa WAS there, but now.

Now she’s out of the dark and into the light!

This album is POWERFUL!

 

 

Out

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0 Responses to Out of the Dark

  • Love all the songs! Bleed The Same is a constant reminder that God created us ALL! It reminds of us all of the changes the world has seen and how much a sense of entitlement seems to the belief of so many; we no longer tolerate “anything” and it’s really sad. We no longer listen to people and the stories they have to share; we “assume” because they are not like me there is no value in creating a relationship and that is exactly why we have people in our lives for RELATIONSHIP! God wants us to have a relationship with HIM and we have others around us to create relationship. The song for me is also a reminder that this life is not our final destination and is so temporary! We will bleed the same in front of God when our time comes and we answer for our sins! Let us be reminded to love each other, find peace and be a support to one another, not an enemy! Great album! Thanks for sharing and writing Melony!

  • Sounds like another wonderful album. Thanks for the heads up!

  • I’m sure you bring so much light and happiness to so many with your music.

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Loved the Feeling of Being Starved

Loved the Feeling of Being Starved

bridget-in-high-school-2

Bridget in high school

Like every college freshman who adds the “freshman fifteen,” Bridget* began dieting and exercising her sophomore year. Before long the glamorous idea of getting healthy turned into an obsessive behavior. One that took over her life.

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3 Responses to Loved the Feeling of Being Starved

  • Bridget I am so proud of the woman you have become! What a struggle and journey to find out who you really are! Thank you for sharing your worst moments so that others don’t have to feel alone and realize there is another way! Hard work does pay off and we learn so much from our adversities. Your faith and determination have made you who you are today and you will still keep growing and learning! I have had the pleasure to actually work with this young talented lady and when she first shared her story with me I had no idea she had been through so much because she is a beautiful person on the outside and the inside. We shared stories of our faith and troubles and have created a beautiful friendship! She has come so far and to personally know this woman is truly a blessing! Her smile will make you smile!

  • I found this blog to be one of great hope, that a person CAN overcome!!! love it

  • I know several people that have been anorexic or are still that way. It’s a hard and sad life for them. I hope you are on your way to complete recovery.

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