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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Don’t Shrink Back

Don’t Shrink Back

When Susan* felt the storms rage and threaten to take her under, a small voice said, “Don’t shrink back!”

Those words are found in Hebrews 10:39. It says, “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are

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19 Responses to Don’t Shrink Back

  • Thanks for sharing my story, Melony. It’s an honor to be included among this group of women who refuse to give up.

    • So thankful for your willingness to share your incredible story! Welcome to the overcomer family!!!

  • Susan, I thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to me and I appreciate that your love for God and your walk with him is unwavering. God bless you!

  • Thank you for an inspiring story! It feeds the soul to see people flourishing despite the challenges that life throws at them.

  • Susan you are a warrior in this disease but more than that for God . I thank-you for sharing your journey. God allows our journey for his purpose & for me it was to draw me near to Him closer than ever before! I thank God for each day so it allows me to shine for Him & pave a path for other’s whom are suffering in there own journey’s that living with a chronic illness isn’t a death sentence it’s a wake call to not take one minute of each day for granted to spend it on whom we love & what we love doing & to always shine a light on Hope!

    • I hate that missed seeing this months ago. You said it well. Chronic disease allows us to dig deep into what matters most. Definitely a wake up call… or perhaps a call to lean ever more on the arms that hold us fast. Some days I wonder if we weren’t created to simply be an army of prayer warriors. Shine on, girl!

  • Thanks so much Susan for sharing your life story with us Overcomers, welcome and I look forward to meeting you one day !!! It is very encouraging to know how God’s love and care for you and your family has made you stronger and that these experiences with Him only serve to whet your appetite for more of His sweetness that He promises us in Ps 34:8. Many more blessings to you and yours.

  • Wow! This is an awesome story that is sure to inspire and bless many people…

  • What a journey, wow… thank you for sharing. I know this will inspire others and I pray it reaches those individuals that may have needed this,
    God bless,
    Angie Thomsen

  • Susan, thank you for sharing your story. I am so inspired by how with every trial you continue to press on and fight! It is such a blessing to see how thankful you are for His provision and what a trust you have in Him!

    • Cindie, My first husband used to say something like, “Peter gets the real credit for stepping out of sailing ship. Our ship is sinking. If we don’t step out in faith, we’ll drown.” So, it’s stand in faith or give in. And Jesus has done too much for me to give in. Blessings to you!

  • Inspiring story. Glad I read it.

  • Susan, you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story! Continue to be a prisoner of hope! God is truly able to heal you and your son! Continue to “don’t shrink back!”

    Peace & blessings,

    Sherry

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Up and Running

Up and Running

Jami*, a double below the knee amputee, has been up and running for the last twenty-one years. A remarkable feat given she wasn’t a fan of exercising before losing her legs.

In her book, Up and Running, Jami

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0 Responses to Up and Running

  • Jami, being a double amputee is a gift that you use to inspire and open doors for so many. I am amazed at your story and the “over the top”attitude you have about life.

  • Jami, thank you for sharing your amazing story and thank you for showing how to face difficulties in life with grace, strength and the determination to live the best life possible. You are a great inspiration to us all!

  • Jami, What an inspirational purpose your life has for you and others! Thank you for encouraging those you meet and the kids you teach.

  • Jami, after knowing you way back when … those school,days in Phoenix … I am thrilled every time I read about you and your achievements. No question in my mind you have taken the love and strength you got from you parents and grandparents and soared. So proud of what you have done.

  • WOW Jami! You are so amazing and such an inspiration! The way you continually rise above your challenges and difficulties is such an inspiration for all of us!!! I can’t imagine what those 11 days must have been like and all the challenges that followed; yet you exude courage, strength, positivity, joy, love and perseverance! You’re one amazing gal! You have taken every situation that life dealt you and have conquered it with grace, beauty and positivity! God is using you and your life in such a wonderful beautiful way! I’m so excited for the kids who will be touched by your life as a teacher. Those “overcoming seeds” you will plant in their lives may one day be their lifeline! You’re an amazing woman… beautiful inside and out! Thank you for sharing your story… it had truly blessed me. Keep soaring! Love and blessings… Dianne

    • Hello Dianne

      Thank you for the sincere words, they really made a difference for me. Sometimes I do get caught up in life and question why me??? But, then I take a minute to count my blessings and remember my mission of making a difference for all those I meet. I love what you said about “overcoming seeds” I have a true passion for teaching and it shows through in each of my classes.

      Hugs,

      Jami

  • Jamie,
    Wow, what an inspiration. The power of faith, strength and determination. Thank you for sharing your story, it is so easy to give up when our lives take a turn We didn’t see coming, but you took back your life and I’m just grateful that you shared it because it has reminded me that we can get through anything, and overcome when we have faith, love, and strength to accept things we can not change.
    God bless,
    Angie

  • Wow! What a story of faith, determination and courage! You’ve had multiple life altering events that many would have given up hope right from the start! HOPE is what many lack when going through a trial in their life and you showed us there are no excuses! We make our own choices when in a rut! Thank you and God bless you as you keep sharing your story!

  • Jami, you are WonderWoman! I loved reading your story. You are a phenomenal example of a positive attitude and a lot of grit!! I can’t begin to imagine the impact you have on the people around you and what a gift your story is to other amputees!

  • Wow! What an inspiring story. When life knocks you down, you get back up. Over and over again. As a cancer survivor myself, I have a warrior mentality. But sometimes I do have an occasional “pity party” day when treatment/surgery side effects get the best of me. Thank you for the reminder to change my mindset on those days. Life is definitely too valuable to give in to those moments. xoxo

  • Jami — as I runner myself, your story means so much to me. Thank you for sharing your story.

  • What an ambitious overvcomer. I am so impressed.

  • Jami,
    My first cousin, Richard, was your attorney so I’ve known of your story for years and have often told friends about you. I just had a hip replacement at 64 and am now doing the necessary rehab. I mentioned your story to my physical therapist yesterday and found a link to your new website. Sorry to hear that you’ve been tested with cancer but know you will fight that as well. You remain an inspiration!

    Be Well!

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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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Look Twice – Save a Life

Look Twice – Save a Life

 

Ordinary days can turn tragic in a split second.

An ordinary weekend motorcycle ride on a sunny day in June of 2012 turned tragic when Jessica* and her boyfriend were hit head on by a truck. She survived, but

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7 Responses to Look Twice – Save a Life

  • Melony, thank you for sharing Jessica’s amazing story with us. She is a powerhouse of determination, strength, faith, and inspiration to us all. I am honored and proud to call her “friend.”

  • Jessica
    I am awestruck by your story! Your mental fortitude is inspiring. God clearly has big plans for you. I can’t imagine all of the lives you will continue to impact with your story. Thank you for sharing. Many blessings to you!

  • Thank you for sharing my story Melony. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost four years, just a few short weeks away. So much has happened. I’ve grown so much! The stories on your web site are inspiring to keep me going. Several suffer from accidents like mine and have chronic pain from other issues. I just keep trying to do my best and let my story be a lesson to others to show love in your weakest and most hurt moments. Trust God, even though we can’t see Him, He always puts others in our lives to show off His good works!

  • This is an amazing story about an amazing women. Though we don’t know each other well I have come to admire your strength Jessica. Just remarkable!

  • Great story Jessica, your strength, positive attitude and determination are an example for many to learn from. May you continue in your healing process and show others your positive spirit! Thank you for sharing?

  • Jessica, So happy you found joy! I relate to your pain – I too had a broken body from gunshot wounds. I found I need God’s grace each day to deal with chronic pain (as you know some days are better than others.) I am rejoicing with you that God sent you such a caring husband.
    God Bless You!

  • What determination to survive. I praise you for giving it your best and being an overcomer.

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Lisa’s Perfect Match

Lisa’s Perfect Match

Sometimes an individual doesn’t realize the incredible story of overcoming her life is until it’s pointed out to her. Lisa* is definitely one of those individuals.

* Her real name, used with permission.

Lisa’s aunt, her mother’s sister,

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9 Responses to Lisa’s Perfect Match

  • Always encouraging stories! Thanks Melony and Lisa!

  • Lisa, This is an incredible story of overcoming life’s trails and tribulations. So glad you were able to stand on the promise of Jeremiah 29:11!

    • Maureen,

      Thank you for reading my story and your kind comments. I’m thankful to be alive and give God all the glory!

      Lisa

  • Lisa is definitely an overcomer! She is an amazing woman who has held steadfast to her faith, family and friends during difficult periods. She has endured each circumstance with constant conviction of the Lord’s hand, provision and presence in each situation…and all with that beautiful smile! She treasures Speed’s devotion to her and sacrifice for her well being and benefit. Difficult seasons have produced diligent disciples and examples to many! Lisa – big hug to you my friend! xo

    • I hope you know how much you and our friendship means to me. You caring about me and laughing at my silliness is just another example of God’s blessings on my life. It doesn’t matter where we leave off or how many months pass without us seeing each other, we pick up where we left off and that to me is a great, true friend. I hope to see you soon! Love you. Xoxo

  • Wow, an incredibly resilient lady and whole family. Lisa, you are an amazing individual. Melony, thank you for sharing yet another inspiring message.

  • Cindi, thank you for reading my story and for your kind words! Lisa

  • Lisa, I am so happy for your recovery. May God continue to give you everything you need to stay healthy.

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Fear Not Tomorrow

Fear Not Tomorrow

Sometimes healing doesn’t happen. Here on earth, anyways. Sometimes overcoming life’s tough challenges happens when you reach heaven.

A year ago today (April 15, 2013), Carol* finally experienced her healing and became the ultimate overcomer.

*Her real name, used

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4 Responses to Fear Not Tomorrow

  • Carol was a precious friend who I miss daily. So many memories of laughter shared & stories exchanged! Even before her illness her faith was strong & bold. She loved life but she knew that there was more than that & had her eyes set on eternity. Losing her here on earth before we all wanted to is a struggle but knowing that she was going to her eternal home with her Lord & Savior gives me hope & peace. What a sweet reunion it will be with her when it is our turn to go to our eternal home. Sending my love & prayers to her family on this day.

  • Thank you for writing this post. He continues to be glorified by her life and physical suffering.

    Oh, how I miss Carol. Her illness and passing progressed while I lived out of the country and I was only able to visit with her twice after her diagnosis. Our parting was not goodbye, but ’til we meet again,’ because we both knew we WOULD meet again. So thankful for her friendship in my life and her influence in our family. She was my teenage daughter’s Sunday School teacher the year we moved away and my daughter missed her teaching and amazing spirit greatly.

    She never tried to present herself or her life as perfect, although to anyone looking in from the outside might make the mistake of thinking it/she was. Her joyful attitude to the ups and downs of life were truly one the of the MANY blessings of her friendship. I still have difficulty imagining a temporal world without Carol in it. And I will stop typing now as the tears are making it difficult to see.

  • If sweet Carol were able to sit in the school office today I would say to her that she has provided a link to the future by how she and her husband raised up a family faithful to the cause of the Christ. Even as her laughter still echos through the halls, the voice of her daughter teaches, prays, and loves on a classroom of fifth graders; what a reflection of the image of God and the image of a much loved mom. Oh glorious day when the trump will sound and we will forever be home together. I will find you when I hear your laugh. Look for me. I’ll be the old educator with a book in one hand and a school roster in the other.

  • I knew Carol when she and Paul lived in Richmond, VA. Carol and I were Mary Kay consultants under the same leader who was a mutual friend. We roomed together for conventions and spent some time together at meetings. She was a beautiful and fun woman even then. We lost contact through the years, and I didn’t even know she had faced this battle with cancer until I read your post. This is a beautiful testimony of Carol’s walk with the Lord. Thanks, Melony, for sharing this story. I look forward to seeing Carol again in eternity. I’ll be praying for Paul and their children.

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An Overcomer’s Wisdom

An Overcomer’s Wisdom

 

It has been a year since I began sharing the stories of overcomers. I have been blessed by each of these women. Their willingness to share their struggles and how they’ve fought to overcome them not only blesses

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7 Responses to An Overcomer’s Wisdom

  • Mel,
    I admire the great work you are doing. Your stories have blessed many people and God has used your words to share His great work. Thank you for sharing your heart and the words of others with the rest of us.
    Teresa

  • The website is such an inspiration. I love the “O” symbol. It’s identifiable with you. A good way to brand your cause. Congrats!!!!!!

  • Thanks Teresa and Tracee! I have learned so much from these amazing women. I’m excited to share more stories in 2014!

  • Great work for 2013. Looking forward to more interviews of overcomers in
    2014.

  • I am so proud to be a part of this project. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say you inspire us Melony!

    • Thanks, Sharon! You inspire me! Can’t wait to see how your most recent challenges turn into another overcomer story!

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Devastating Loss in Hurricane Katrina

Devastating Loss in Hurricane Katrina

On this eighth anniversary of the deadliest and most destructive hurricane in America’s history, Hurricane Katrina survivor Jennifer* shares her story of devastating loss. She might have lost almost every material thing in the storm, but she gained a closer

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3 Responses to Devastating Loss in Hurricane Katrina

  • I remember sooo many people moving to Atlanta, living in school gyms, YMCAs, churches, really nowhere to go…I think we probably have more giant weather events like this around the corner with global warming.

  • This inspiring story is proof that “we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!”

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