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
There are few makers who encourage and champion the creativity of others quite like this one. In a day and age where comparison breeds cut-throat competition, and the battle-cry of individualism too often silences the sweet anthem of community and collaboration, she boldly breaks the trend and sings the praises of her creative comrades. We connected first on Instagram, quickly… Read More
While we’d connected briefly online through The Influence Network and Instagram, it wasn’t until I was shuffling into her van in a parking lot in Charlotte, North Carolina, that I realized just what a treasure she was. She’s fun, feisty and wise beyond her years, and has a knack for making everything she touches beautiful. Meet Lyndsye… WHAT’S YOUR… Read More
Life as we know it can change in an instant. And this one – this brave momma to four, with a tender heart and a wild faith – she knows it all too well. I met her 8 years ago while our husbands endured 20 grueling weeks of state police academy together. Drawn in by this common experience we shared, it was their uncommon… Read More
Being a parent is hard work. Choosing to be obedient and follow God across the world, to raise your family and flesh out your faith in an impoverished nation, is a whole new sort of difficult. I’ve watched this precious family over the past several years, as they’ve navigated missionary life, tragedy, loss, grace and provision – and an unexpected… Read More
