My season of adversity began in 2020, when I was diagnosed with ALS, a disease with a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years. When my husband and I received the diagnosis, we broke down in tears for what felt like forever. After regaining composure, I asked Shannon for a moment alone and walked down a nearby nature trail. What happened next is difficult to put into words. I prayed, thanking God for the incredible, undeserved life He had given me, and surrendered, saying, “Lord, let your will be done, not mine.

If I had to describe my life in one word, shaped by my walk with God, it would be lighter. I feel unburdened—free from fear and doubt—filled with joy and peace I never knew before.

God has shown me I am never alone and that fear should not define me. Through my diagnosis and every challenge, I found unexplainable peace in surrendering to Him. I pray He uses me to help others see that, no matter the season, God is there. Our Papa with open arms. He is the only true source of peace.

My defining moment began when Pastor Rochelle met me as a broken girl working at Outback Steakhouse. She showed me the love of Jesus and taught me I was God’s daughter. That truth became real at the 2014 One Sisterhood Extravagant Love Conference, where His Word pierced my heart and changed my life forever. Later, losing my dad at 18 left me broken and angry, but God pursued me and sent people like Pastor Rochelle to guide me. Becoming a single mom also filled me with shame, yet God restored me. I once believed I was unlovable, but now I know I am fully forgiven, chosen, and called.

God has given me confidence by showing me who I am in Him. For years I believed lies about being unworthy, but His Word gave me courage to step out in faith. I never thought I’d serve in ministry, yet today I lead and help others walk with God. Walking boldly means choosing His Word over feelings, leading with faith, and trusting Him daily. My life is now filled with hope, joy, and purpose, and what once disqualified me is now the very platform He uses for His glory.

The enemy tried to convince me that my joy ended there, that I was destined for a life without healing or hope. But God wasn’t finished with my story. I laughed when told I’d never smile again. I pursued education despite depression. I found love when I thought I only carried baggage. I sang praises when I believed my voice held no impact. Though tragic, this loss drew me closer to God, altering my walk with Christ forever.

Today, I have the honor of leading worship in our church—something I never thought I’d have the confidence or courage to do. I once believed I was too broken and unworthy, but God reminded me He doesn’t need perfection—He uses anyone, any story, at any time. After losing a child, peace seemed impossible, yet the Lord renewed my strength and made me whole. My hope is for women to know if He did it for me, He can do it for them. He is more than able!

It was the summer of 2021 on a Wednesday night (there’s just something about Wednesdays at Abundant 😊). I was going to service with my late husband, Aldo, for the first time, and I knew I could not step into this new season while still smoking. Before church, I threw away my vape pen and weed, saying, “Jesus, I lay it all down at Your feet.” Addiction had been a band-aid for depression after losing my GrandmaMom and being in a toxic, abusive relationship. God pulled me from darkness, renewed my mind, and prepared me for my marriage, my son Caleb, and even strength to endure Aldo’s passing. Through healing, worship, and surrender, I learned who I am and Who I belong to. My heart sings Hallelujah! ❤️
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I never thought I’d raise my son without my late husband, but God has been my anchor. His joy gave me strength to endure and press on in Christ. Though this season is hard, it’s been unbelievably blessed! God never abandoned me, surrounding me with love and support. That day Aldo went to the hospital, I declared I belonged to Jesus, standing firm on His Word. Today, I walk boldly, rooted in His truth, serving at church, and raising my son to know God’s goodness.

Being a woman is a blessing. Between family, work, and daily responsibilities, I became consumed by busyness and ignored a small pain in my breast. Months later, after giving birth to my baby girl, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer while caring for her and my 7-year-old son. I clung to God’s Word and prayed through fear, determined my children would know Him. Through radiation, chemotherapy, and surgeries, God sustained me. Today, my son is nearly 22, and my daughter is soon 15. God’s faithfulness carried me, reminding me that His plans are greater than mine. I learned to let go, trust Him fully, and walk in His perfect love.

As a child and young adult, I was shy and timid without God’s Word in my heart. His Word has given me confidence, and with God first, decisions are easier. I ask, “Does this align with God’s Word? Will this honor Him?” Psalm 68:19 says, “Praise the Lord… for each day He carries us.” I’ve learned life is better when I let Him carry me. Even in storms, I stand on Exodus 14:13, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Isaiah 41:10. With God, I keep moving forward in peace and strength.

I once believed I could do life alone, but God revealed the beauty of community and the strength in sharing my story. As I pursued the Lord, His Spirit gently nudged me to grow as a friend and serve those around me. In saying yes to Him, I discovered the blessing of being surrounded by incredible women who continually remind me that I am never walking through life by myself. Their encouragement, love, and faith have shown me that true strength is not found in isolation but in unity. Through community, I have learned that God never intended for me to walk alone.

Now that I walk confidently as a child of God, I no longer fear speaking up, sharing my story, or reaching out to help others. In His freedom, I’ve discovered the joy of being myself and embracing the gift of community. Every woman should know it is a blessing for others to know her—she is a light in this world! Do not stay quiet; allow the Lord to use you to share His love. When we pour out for Him, He pours back in unimaginable ways.

On Friday, June 7, 2019, my life turned upside down when my husband suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. I found myself with two kids, not knowing what to do first. It was the hardest road I’ve ever crossed, holding onto them for dear life. My most defining moment was coming to Abundant, not knowing what to expect. The first three teachings felt as though Pastor Jared was speaking directly to what we were going through. I know now it was the Holy Spirit. God really does choose your church and pastor. I melted into Abundant, realizing I wasn’t alone—God was guiding my way, one step at a time.

There were so many hurdles I had to go through. I never thought in a million years I’d be selling my house, our business, and vehicles, then buying another house on my own. My husband always handled the business, but I had no choice. Did I have help? Yes, but I still had to do it. Looking back, almost 6½ years, I ask myself how I got here—the answer is always God! My life is different now. I walk, talk, think, and live differently because He is always with me.

A lie I believed, one that kept me from living fully, was that I was never good enough or worthy. Everything I loved—my life, family, and marriage—was slipping through my hands like quicksand. I felt powerless and stuck, watching life pass me by. At 25, lying lifeless on the sofa, I wondered why I wasn’t happy when I had everything I thought I wanted: a great marriage, career, health, home, and no financial burden. Yet I was empty and hopeless. Then I remembered God, whom I had strayed from. Out of desperation, I cried out for forgiveness. By His mercy, He lifted me, and everything began to change.

I never thought I could live with peace in my own mind, love myself, or experience life without insecurity. Yet here I am, enjoying moments and conversations with genuine joy. In my darkest season, I believed I had denied God too many times, but when I cried out, He met me with mercy instead of judgment. That changed everything. Now I see myself the way He sees me, and peace fills my life, marriage, and future. My prayer is that every woman embraces this same freedom and love.

When I was a junior in high school, my dad cheated on my mom. Watching her emotional struggle and becoming her support system forced me to grow up quickly. I felt I had to protect everyone, even when I needed protection myself. I became independent, not wanting to rely on anyone. As I drifted, I tried drugs and suffered anxiety attacks, knowing deep down it wasn’t who I was. Angry at my father, I grieved the old me who went to church every Sunday. Then I felt a tug on my heart to return. I needed church, good people, and His path. That was my mustard seed of hope.
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The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I trust the Lord is with me. In struggles, I’ve learned to surrender and let His peace overcome me, knowing He is moving in ways I cannot fathom. I once struggled to know who I was, but by being still and surrounding myself with a good circle, I found wholeness. Even when I felt alone, going to Memorial Park and Bible study reminded me He was near. You’re never too far—He is always waiting for you.

When I was six weeks old, my biological mother left my dad and me. At five, my dad gave his life to Christ, and soon after met my stepmom at church. They married when I was six, and I believe God placed her in our lives to love us and shape me into who I am today. She has been the best mom I could ever ask for, teaching me to love and serve my family. In 2017, doctors found a rare tumor in my uterus. Fear tried to consume me, but I filled my heart with God’s Word. He gave me a promise of long life, and faith rose within me. Surgery was successful, and I am completely healed.

I’ve gone through things I never imagined, but I see now how God has used them to help me minister to others. His faithfulness has allowed me to say, “Look what the Lord has done in my life!” Though trials came, I discovered the power of speaking God’s Word. Just as Jesus defeated the devil with Scripture, I can overcome by declaring His truth. God promises hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). No matter what, His plans are good, and He will see you through.

I share my testimony not to draw attention to my past but to glorify God’s transforming power. My journey began in hardship, yet today I walk in victory and purpose by His grace. At 15 years old, I became pregnant and by 19 was raising three children as a single mother, often walking long distances to work as a nursing assistant. Later, my marriage faced struggles with addiction, but through prayer, fasting, and faith, God restored my husband, who has now been sober for 19 years. Under Pastor Charles Nieman’s teaching, our marriage was rebuilt on biblical principles. With God’s strength, I returned to school and earned nursing degrees, including my master’s, fulfilling what once seemed impossible.

Today, I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, something I never imagined in my early years. I was once without vision or direction, but through surrendering to Christ, everything changed. God gave me purpose, hope, and a future. Every trial shaped me, and now I have a God-centered marriage, a loving family, and a fulfilling career. Attending One Sisterhood gatherings has strengthened my confidence, courage, and purpose. Pastor Shannon’s testimonies inspire me to keep walking in my calling. I testify that God is faithful—He restores, empowers, and makes all things possible.