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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Miracles for Mak

Miracles for Mak

miracles for Mak

Front side of Mak’s overcomer t-shirt

“Miracles for Mak” became the anthem soon after Faye’s* son, Mak, suffered a ruptured AVM and stroke. It’s the prayer she and her family still pray two years after his life-altering health crisis.

*

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17 Responses to Miracles for Mak

  • So impressed with the strength Faye and Mak share and carry together each day. Giving up is not an option.
    With God’s help we simply move forward on the path before us- one day at a time.
    So much for for all of the Yost clan!!
    Flowers House

  • May God continue to bless your sweet family! I pray Mak continues to heal and will have a full recovery. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.

    • Thank you so much! You are absolutely correct. Giving up is not an option! And with God by our sides we don’t have to.

  • What a beautiful story of Faith and perservance! Prayers for continued improvement!

  • What a journey for Mak. He and his mothers determination to make life better is working. Hopefully this will carry him through to independence.

  • Thank you wonderful Faye for sharing Mak’s incredible story! I admire you both so much for your faith, love and perseverance that is second to none. It has been a true blessing to be your next door neighbor for so many years and see first hand God’s work of bringing something beautiful out of something so tragic. Mak, you and your family have truly inspired all of us to never give up, stay positive and trust God, we love you all so much!

    • Sharon, you are an inspiration! We love you and David so much! God knew what he was doing when he placed us right next door to you!

  • Incredible strength, perseverance, faith, determination and love! Sleighton and I are always inspired by the powerhouse of unstoppable joy and faith that we see every time we are around Faye & Mak. We pray always for continued healing and miracles for both Faye & Mak! ❤️❤️❤️ We love you guys!!!

    • We were carved from the same place! Thanking God for that! Love you lil sis! For loving my kids, especially Mak as your own! And always being there for me.

  • I believe God has used Mak and Faye to show us his Grace. Faye is an amazing woman who is supportive to so many people especially those with disabled family members. Continue to shine his light for us all to see!!

    • Deborah, God put you in our path when He knew we needed you and your pups. I truly believe that they have helped with Mak’s healing and our families healing. They have given us so much joy and unconditional love just like our Heavenly Father! Thank you for all of your gifts! Love to you and Jesse!

  • Mak and Faye’s journey have been a beautiful testament to the power of faith and trust in God. The Holy Spirit shines through you both and continues to be an inspiration to many! ❤️ Love you both! ❤️

    • Kati, you and your whole family have been heaven sent. God knew I needed you to make it through those early days, weeks, months. Thank you friend! Love to you and your family!

  • Faye – you are the definition of selflessness, courage, strength, hope, love, and miracles. I am so blessed to witness your faithfulness and beautiful journey . I know you say, any mother would do this for their child and many out there would …. but you, Faye are simply amazing – no question. Thank you for being such a light to everyone that knows you.

  • Faye what a beautiful story of strength and grace!!! Such an amazing story of Love and protection- You are such an inspiration!! LV

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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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6 Responses to Dear Atlanta Friends, TOGETHER We Can Help End Human Trafficking in Our City

  • Oh Melony —
    What a fabulous story!!! If you watch the news, even a little bit, you know what a problem and a challenge sex trafficking is in our beloved city. These ladies and their work is fantastic and I applaud & praise them. It takes so much love, dedication and pure guts to do what they do. Thank you for discovering and uncovering their work and sharing it with us. Our prayers and gratitude are with all these fine ladies. We wish them all the strength and success God can give them. We also bless all the young girls and women whose lives they are helping, changing and making a difference in their futures. This is so beautiful. Thanks again for sharing it.

    • Thanks for reading the post. These women and many other ministry leaders in the Atlanta area ARE truly dedicated to ending human trafficking in Atlanta. It will take ALL of us getting involved to put an end to this nightmare.

  • I have a friend who volunteers with an organization to help these young women. I never really knew how prevalent it was in Atlanta until she talked to me about it. Love the info you shared about how we can help!

    • Until I interviewed these ministry leaders, I truly didn’t understand the depth of the crisis in Atlanta. So many women and children being forced to do the unthinkable.

  • Mel,
    Great resource! Thanks!
    I know you would enjoy Linda Smith’s new book, Invading the Darkness. you can order it at Shared Hope Intl.
    Blessings,Maureen

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Better Than Before

Better Than Before

The ancient Japanese art of kintsugi believes taking a broken thing and binding it with gold makes it better than before. Could the same be possible for a marriage broken by adultery?

Stephanie* believes so. Five years after their marriage

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12 Responses to Better Than Before

  • Stephanie, you are such a strong, Godly woman. I’m sure your story is an inspiration to others who are in the same situation you and your husband were in. Stay strong! Keep fighting against the devil! Love God and the good husband he gave you!

    • Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Your encouragement means so much to me. love, Stephanie

    • Thank you so much for your encouragement….. I’m clinging to Joel 2:25.

  • Stephanie as I read this the word I thought about was grace. May the Father continue to give you the grace that is needed to be what He has made you. I pray that many will read your story because we all make mistakes and are in need of forgiveness at sometime. I pray that your marriage continues to grow stronger!

    • Thank you so much! Yes I’m praying that I can help many and keep families together…I know that this is Jesus’s heart.
      Stephanie

  • Stephanie,
    God has blessed you for your obedience and you are so inspiring! I wish that so many people who are finding themselves in your situation could read your story. God often calls us to the hard places but the blessings are phenomenal.
    Thanks for sharing!! Many blessings in your marriage!

  • Thank you, Melony and Stephanie, for sharing this inspirational story. May God bless you as you bravely fight for your marriage and family.

  • What an inspiring story. Luckily I have never been there but I applaud you for doing the right thing and fighting for your marriage. May God continue to bless the two of you.

  • I’m so proud of you both for following God’s Will. I know it’s a tough road, but God does bless those who persevere and work together to build a better marriage.

  • I admire your strength and love for God to trust Him and move in obedience!!! So glad you kicked the enemy in his face and didn’t let him have your marriage!!!!

    • Addlia, thank you for taking time to read my story. I truly just want to help others who maybe going through a difficult time… I’m trusting Jesus to lead the way!
      Love, Stephanie

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Holocaust Survivor, Part 2

Holocaust Survivor, Part 2

If you haven’t read part 1 of Helen’s story. Read it here first.

Narrowly Escaped Death

Helen narrowly escaped death at Auschwitz. However, she was not free. Yet. The note given to the SS officer saved Helen, her sister Pearl,

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0 Responses to Holocaust Survivor, Part 2

  • Oh my word, what an amazing woman. Thank you so much for sharing her story!

  • Helen, Thank you for sharing your story. The world must never forget the Holocaust! God Bless You.

  • Wow
    She is a beautiful soul ?
    My grandfather helped liberate Buchenwald, and he said that they were told the same thing. He said that Eisenhower sent a directive that every enlisted man needs to see the camps, because someday someone will say that it didn’t happen ?

  • I thank Helen for sharing her story. May God continue to richly bless her life.

  • Thank you so much for sharing this story. We must never forget.

  • Helen, You are a true overcomer and I won’t forget! Thank you for sharing your story with Melony!

  • Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story.

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Holocaust Survivor, Part 1

Holocaust Survivor, Part 1

Holocaust survivor Helen Weingarten  courtesy of the Breman Museum Atlanta, GA

Holocaust survivor Helen Weingarten* shares, “I fought to survive each day. I didn’t know if we would survive the next day. Then, we would survive the next day.

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0 Responses to Holocaust Survivor, Part 1

  • It brought me to tears what she had to experience and so many others. May the Lord to continue to bless her and others who read her story here.

  • I could barely finish this read. My goodness. Horrific reminder, but needs to stay front and center. So it never happens again.

  • Such a good read Melony. These people and what they went through should never be forgotten.

  • I had goosebumps the entire time I was reading this, then the tears welled up. My goodness how horrific and the strength she had to endure this hate. God was watching over her and still is today. More stories like hers needs to be shared. It would be so amazing to meet more of these courageous families and listen to their stories in person. My heart is with you!

  • Yes, to know of this life she lived is bone chilling. So happy that you were able to interview her and know of someone that experienced this. May God continue to bless her.

  • and to think there are times in my life that I felt sorry for myself. They are not many but they have happened-as they do to every human. This horror happened and has to be the darkest side of humanity. I can not imagine that this was easy for her to speak of. Her life in its entirety needs to be written down and recorded. Your next project Mel?

  • May we never forget the horror and pain. God Bless You, Helen!

  • What a courageous and resilient woman! Helen, you are such an inspiration. My heart aches for the many losses you had to experience.

  • What a story…it’s so hard to believe people can treat each other this way. I look forward to Part II of this amazing woman’s story.

  • What a amazing overcome story! Thank you Helen for sharing it with us through Melony’s writing.

  • What a great read! I can’t wait for the rest of the story.

  • Amazing read! I can’t wait for part 2!

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Ruby Is a Gem

Ruby Is a Gem

If you know Ruby, then you definitely know Ruby IS a gem! * Her real name, used with permission.  

worlddownsyndromeday.org

 

Today is Ruby’s day! It’s World Down Syndrome Day!  If you aren’t wearing fun and funky

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0 Responses to Ruby Is a Gem

  • Love this and Ruby! Thank you for always sharing your story, Nicole… in your own words and now through Melony.

  • I am a pediatric nurse practitioner and if I could plan my perfect practice it would be an office that only saw Down’s babies and children. They are my favorite and I fully believe that they are a glimpse of heaven sent down by our Father. They are innocent, honest, loving and kind souls. I hate that these kiddos have an increased risk of leukemia but if there is one positive thing (if that’s even possible with the ‘C’) it would be that they take it in stride and never stop smiling no matter how sick they are. We could all learn from them. I enjoyed watching Ruby run around at the Overcomers Luncheon. 🙂

  • Beautiful story, beautifully written. We love Ruby and her amazing family!

  • Ruby is the cutest and most precious little girl. She is so full of life and happiness. I certainly hope she does not continue to have medical issues. Melony has written a very descriptive article of her and the love that her family has for her.

  • God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave Ruby to Lehr, Nicole, Eli & Maddie. He knew she needed a lot of love and He knew that there was a lot of love to give to beautiful, joyful Ruby from her very specially selected family. God has a plan & when we let Him “do His thing” it all has a way of working out. Good job God !!!!!

  • Love getting to spend time with Ruby and all of the Eliason’s! She loves my kids and they can’t get enough of her…. even if she does steal Suttons pacifier ?

  • What a beautiful family!

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The 1% Chance Side Effect

The 1% Chance Side Effect

Side effects: you know, those warnings on the medications we take. All of us are guilty of not really heeding those warnings. We convince ourselves they only occur in 1% or less of those who sampled the medication. We naively

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20 Responses to The 1% Chance Side Effect

  • You are in the top 1% of people on earth! Such a tough journey but so much resilience you show. I know it has to be so difficult at times. May God continue to bless you, Brett, and your family.

  • Wow, what a powerful story, Anne! Thank you for allowing Melony to share it. When we’re willing to submit our hurts an disappointments to Him, He will give us the peace that truly does pass all understanding. You two make a beautiful couple inside and out!

  • as a health care provider its so frustrating when the ‘cure’ causes more problems. WOW-what a journey.

  • Anne, I am so sorry that you had to endure such pain. You are truly a survivor and an overcomer! Blessings to you.

  • Thank you Anne for opening your life to us ~ your constant positive attitude, faith in God, and love for Brett are all inspiring to me. Thank you Melony for presenting this story for us. God is working through both of you sisters!

  • Thank you so much for writing this great story to share such a beautiful testament of God’s love between two amazingly beautiful people. Love you Anne!

    • Love you Kmmie and thank you for being such a good friend through the journey. I wish I could have given a shout out to you and so many of my other amazing friends who were there for me and never treated me any different, but I had to limit my story.

  • I wish I had the words to express how much your story just touched me. I’m also paralyzed and have not met anyone with a story who’s experience is even the slighted bit similar to my own. You are the first one. I often forget the entirety of that scripture(phillipians 4:6-7). I’m going to remember and meditate on this verse and continue to trust BELIEVE and follow HIm. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

    • You are so welcome. Did your paralysis occur from radiation as well? We were never able to find anyone else who had it happen to them.

  • Hi Anne, thanks for your inspiring story. I consider you a partner in faith because I too was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in December 2015. My symptom started out with chest pains that led me to the ER. A week after the cancer diagnosis my left leg begin getting week and I had a problem urinating. Another week landed me in the ER again because my left leg went completely out and my right leg was week. A MRI on my spine revealed a spot on my spine at the L7 level. I received a diagnosis of Transverse Myelitis. I started chemo for the cancer in January 2016 and ended June 2016. I’m currently in physical therapy for the Transverse Myelitis and even though I’m still in a wheelchair, I have regained function in my left leg. Faith has brought me to this place of a very intimate relationship with God. The doctor feels like the cancer trigger the TM but it cannot be proven. Thank you for sharing and thank God for you never giving up.

  • I knew some of this story but not the the long struggle you went through. There seemed to be an obstacle or trap at every turn. You conquered all. Having Brett , your family and friends everyone having their pain too. You knew where to turn , God and his Love. We don’t know his plan and most of the time don’t understand , just keep looking for the light. I thank you for sharing this , it can only help others in all the different struggles live has. We Love you Anne ! That goes for Ashley too ! Oh, and Brett..

    • Thank you Gene. It’s such a long story to have to tell over and over. I have mastered the short version. But thanks to Melony, everyone can hear and read all of it now.

  • I am so happy that this horrible disease has brought you closer to God.

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Who Am I?

Who Am I?

robbin baby pic

Robbin at 6 months

Robbin* doesn’t remember not knowing she was adopted. Her adoptive parents, who couldn’t have children of their own, provided her a wonderful, loving home.

For those of us who were raised by our biological parents, there

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13 Responses to Who Am I?

  • Robbin, your determination is admirable. What is even more outstanding is your love for others and not to let hate, bitterness or resentment take over. No really understands what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes; so being sensitive in situations we fully don’t understand is important you you showed just this! Thank you for sharing your story and paying it forward to others!

    • Thank you for the kind words Jessica; I am always happy to share my story because you never know who it can help:)

  • Robbin, this is a beautiful story of your journey to answering that question that you long for so many years..Who Am I? I believe your story will inspire others to pursue the same journey. Thank you for sharing and glad to be part of your circle of friends.

  • Robbin,

    I am so privileged to know you and admire your courage in searching and finding your answers. Every adopted person wants the answers to who and where they came from, the exact reasons that adoption was chosen over the two other alternatives, and to gaze upon faces in which they can see themselves. My prayer is that adoptive parents can support and encourage their children in finding their answers. You are a testimony to the fact that adoption cannot sever the original connections, nor should it.

    • Leslie, meeting you and being part of your wonderful group has been great therapy for me. Sharing our stories with others in hopes of helping them is a free gift.

  • What a loving and powerful story. It not only speaks to the issues of an adopted child, but the secrets that undermine people’s health and wellness. Your persistence gave you and your mother many gifts. It helped you find the answer to “who am I?” And it also set your mother free from the painful lies she felt she had to tell. It is a story of love, forgiveness and redemption. It is the story of new life and freedom in Christ. Your mother was free to die without guilt; and you are free to have the relationships that mean so much to you. God bless you! I’m so honored to have met you Robbin!

    • Thanks Mary for introducing me to Melony! This was a fun and somewhat tearful experience but well worth it!

  • I’ve known this story of your journey my friend ,but seeing it and reading it brought tears. Many will benefit from your story and your commitment to help others. God Bless PJ

  • Thanks PJ, yes when you see it in writing it takes on a whole different feeling?. Love you girl!

  • Robbin, you continue to amaze & inspire me more each day. While we’ve only known each other a few months it seems like an eternity because of your compassion, honesty and ability to open yourself to others. Your adoption experience will have a profound impact on others who have experienced similar situations. God is using you as a special placeholder who demonstrates the true meaning of “paying it forward”. You are to be commended for your tenacity, love, forgiveness of others and most importantly, finding you! What a remarkable story that will resonate with all. Thank you for sharing YOU!

  • I was adopted & can’t thank my biological parents enough for giving me up‼ must have been a good reason?And it gave me a chance with the best mom & dad a gal could ever have‼‼‼ thanks to the lady who gave my mom & dad a chance & choice to give a baby that BEST life possible❤️❤️❤️?

  • Heartwarming story.

  • I’ve known many people that are adopted. It is such a blessing to everyone.

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