Where Passion & Purpose Collide
I’m not sure whether it was the beautiful tattoo on the back of her neck, or that she smelled like all the best essential oils blended together, but I immediately noticed her sitting there in the row in front of us at church. It wasn’t until she opened her mouth that I realized who she was. That was years… Read More
Having known me since I was a wee lass, not only is she like another mother, but she’s become a dear friend and mentor-figure over the years. In fact, she’s the sweet soul who prayed me through the discovery and recovery of sexual abuse in my childhood when we visited South Africa 11 years ago. I cannot think of… Read More
She has a quiet confidence, takes killer photos of everything from kids and birds to the brilliant night sky, and she loathes ugly fonts and badly designed marketing material as much as I do. Her authenticity is disarming, and her love for youth, undeniable. Meet Stef… What’s your story, morning glory? My story involves both physical and emotional trials that… Read More
How does one even begin to introduce someone who has transition from stranger to my friend, mentor and counselor in a matter of years. She has become to me a lighthouse in the storms of life. While I was initially struck by her poise and wisdom, it was her warmth, tenderness and refreshing transparency that quickly endeared her to me…. Read More
I first met her at a hand-lettering class I taught in the small village we both now call home. She’s quiet, tenderhearted, smart and creative – and she has a story that she’s learning to tell with more courage and confidence as she steps out of the shadows and into the light. Meet Brenda… What’s your story, morning glory? While… Read More
I met this brave young lady for coffee a few years ago to talk about life and love, and was heartbroken to see her – standing alongside her parents – on the news as they shared their story during the Larry Nassar case. Her long road to healing has brought her through depression and anxiety, to a place of freedom… Read More
I had heard of this fierce soul long before I’d had the opportunity to squeeze her in the flesh. A dear mutual friend had wept while sharing the story of their struggles, and the joys of their small victories, as they fought to bring their adopted sons home from the Congo. And I’ve continued to watch in amazement as they’ve navigated the turbulent road… Read More
I met Lisa and her delightful family for the first time on Mackinaw Island. I instantly liked her. She’s effervescent, wise, funny and so beautifully raw. And she has raised 5 incredible human beings (and home-schooled them) to boot. We’ve shared multiple deep conversations over the past few years, and I’m incredibly honored that she’s kicking off this new season of… Read More
I first met this small package of dynamite back in 2002, when my then-fiance was introducing me to “his people”. With a smile that lights up the room, and the most delightful freckles, this gal immediately caught my eye. Her commitment to allow her broken-heart-made-whole story to fuel her passion to unconditionally love the lost and lonely, through foster care, is both astonishingly beautiful and incredibly… Read More
I had heard of this talented gal – and had watched her perform (with her crazy-amazing voice and gorgeous curls) – long before I’d had the pleasure of meeting her in the flesh. Leaving her home state of Michigan to grow new roots in Florida, this wife and momma has a story of struggle and resilience that will inspire both hope and greater levels of intentionality in your… Read More
This sweet cow-huggin’, cookie-bakin’, math-teachin’ Alabama girl captured my heart early on during our mutual rendezvous with The Influence Network. Her honesty and vulnerability is both refreshing and convicting, and her story hope-stirring. Meet Ali… WHAT’S YOUR STORY, MORNING GLORY? I grew up in a wonderful Christian home, but it wasn’t until I met the end of myself that I truly met the… Read More
I met this word-loving wife and mom, what feels like a million years ago, when my mum and I were speaking at a women’s retreat. Her and I connected on campfire benches and bonded over our mad love for writing. I was immediately struck by her quiet strength and raw, gritty love for Jesus and her people. Meet Zena… What’s your story, morning glory?… Read More
