Linda’s* first DUI at age 36 should have been a wake up call. But it wasn’t. At that time, she had no thoughts of admitting to having an addiction to alcohol. Her job as a marketing director for a chain
If you haven’t read part 1 of Jule’s story, please read it before reading the conclusion to her story.
Bryan, Jordan, Jule, and Christian
Two years after having a double mastectomy, Jule’s doctors found a suspicious
Jule is an amazing woman whose light does always shine! She truly does rock on!
Jule certainly practices what she preaches! She is an inspiration to all she meets and I feel blessed to know her and call her a friend! What a blessing!
Wow.. This is truly “one for the books.” What a life long journey!!!
What an incredible story of strength and faith. Jule, you are walking testimony to the power, strength and grace of God. Thank you for running into His arms instead of running away!
Jule is definitely an inspiration to all she meets. I’ve never seen her without one of those amazing smiles. Many blessings to you all!
Jule is truly a testimony of her love for God and his love for her. I’m glad she had lots of good firends and family to help her through a lifetime of challenges.
Jule is a true inspiration for all.
Once again, JULE is the most inspirational person/friend I have ever known. I will be the first in line to see her speak. love you Jule
It is rare to find someone that has the spirit that Jule does….she is truly a remarkable person and she proves that life is not about the things that happen to you, but most important what defines you is how you react to the things that happen. Jule has a message that needs to be shared and I want to help her get it out to the people that need to hear her…..any suggestions will be appreciated!!
HI Melony! I happened upon your Blog this morning when I searched for The Scarf Game, and I am so happy I did! I, too have blogged about this courageous woman who I was blessed to call my friend.
As I consider all I know and love about Jule Furr, I am inspired to go forward in my life journey with her mind, living out my faith with the best version of myself.
These writings (both Part 1 and Part 2) are wonderful, thought-provoking, and moving. I have linked both parts in my recent blog post on Pages From Joan (Facebook Page) / joanwpage.com (on the web)
I look forward to following your blog!
Best,
Joan
As Jule* approaches her 50th birthday this year, she realizes she has faced one type of health struggle or another for many years of her life. Her beautiful smile and positive outlook on life would cause you to think she’s
Mama Furr is by far the strongest woman I have ever met. She is one big ray of Sunshine wherever she goes. God bless you, Jule Furr! Lots of love from the Barto clan.
I first met Jule when her son, Christian, was in my two year old preschool class. With all the struggles she was going through at the time, she was still an encourager and great preschool Mom! I am blessed to have been a room mom with her as Christian and our daughter, Nicki, shared the same ECS grades! Jule, you are definitely a gift from God to our family! Love from the Hood Gang!
God is so good. We could all use a dose of that Sunshine! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and trust in The Lord. His love endures forever…
I met Jule at my kids school, and fell in love with her, she is all this and much more, my kids came across her during school stuff and fell in love with her as well. She always has a smile, and makes you feel like you are the only person in the room, she is amazing, and I agree God’s chosen one, Such a blessing, and the most courageous women EVER…
Jule is a ray of sunshine to all she encounters! She brings laughter, joy, a huge heart and a sense of what is possible to all! She exudes a life lived without regret and one lived for Christ and loving others. She is a definite blessing in my life!
Our family met the Furr’s through baseball and what a gift and a blessing they are. Led by Mama Furr of course! I have seen her sit in 100 degree weather, sick as a dog, without complaint, to watch her baby boy play ball. And I saw a team of ball players share a national championship with her – rejoicing that she made it to watch them. Thank you for honoring her spirit and zest for life. Everyone who meets her leaves being better than before.
My aunt Jule is truly an inspiration, and I don’t know where I would be without her. She is a wonderful blessing in my life. Thank you for sharing her story!
Jule is a truly remarkable woman! My family has had the pleasure of taking a couple of beach trips with her and her sweet family. Her light most certainly shines!
I am Jule’s cousin only two years younger. I remember learning about Jule being sick so young. We have never lived any closer than 4 hours away from each other. We visit on occasion, and I enjoy taking my nearly 85 year old mother to see Jule and her Dad (my mother’s brother). I’ve never seen anyone with the drive and determination that Jule carries. Not only does she carry it, she freely gives it to others. Jule has always been a beautiful person inside and out. The last time we visited I was going through a painful divorce. The encouragement she gave me will never be forgotten. I remember thinking if Jule can face life with this horrible disease,and offer me encouragement and love, I too can face what is ahead of me. Jule’s spirit is bigger than her sickness and she can’t possibly know the effect she has had on me. I know I am only one of many that she has touched. Jule is a gift~I love her. It’s great that you are sharing her story.
Jule always has a smile on her face. A true joy.
Love her!
I met Jule through our sons playing baseball. She is an amazing person. She is the most positive upbeat person I know! Her faith is so strong. Knowing Jule makes me a better person – she is all of our sunshine! Love her dearly!
I first met Jule a few years ago when our boys began playing football and baseball together. She is a true inspiration. I love her zest for life. She always makes me smile when I’m with her. She truly is a ray of sunshine. My life is so much better with her in it.
Not only does her light shine brightly but it’s done so for many years now. It is one thing to be brave and joyous during a ‘season’ and an entirely different thing to carry the joy of Christ in you so that it never quits. I just hope I get to tell the gate keeper in Heaven that I’m friends with Jule…God’s special one!
I have known Jule since right before she married Bryan. We have been through a lot of times together. Till today, I say, she is the strongest and most positive person I know. She is a great inspiration to ALL…
I must start by thanking you, Melony Brown, for writing such an amazing article about an amazing person that I am lucky enough to call my cousin! Of course in our family we all know how truly amazing and wonderful Jule is but it is nice for others to read this story and especially those that may be struggling with their own health issues. What an inspiration both you ladies are to everyone! She epitomizes what a true Christian mother is suppose to be and I strive every day to be more like her in every thing I do. I wished we lived closer so that I could give her more hugs – but I will count on you guys in GA to do that for me. Can’t wait to read the 2nd part of your article! Love you Julie!
Jule has lead her life with such grace and has shone us all way “joyful” living really is. Love her!
photo credit: Whitney Huynh
Catching the attention of musician TobyMac, getting signed on his record label, recording her debut album, and winning a Dove Award (2012) are all amazing accomplishments for 22 year old Jamie Grace.
But knowing she
I’m proud of you, Jamie! Thank you for being so brave in sharing your story!:) Your story came right on time!
Jamie Grace, you have a new fan! I have heard your music before. However, hearing your story, I will be on purpose about listening to your music. Wow! What am AWESOME GOD we serve!!! I need to play “It’s a Beautiful Day” every morning! May God continue to bless you and your awesome gift! I pray He uses you to touch teenagers, young women, and those of us that have gray in our hair.
Jamie,
It is amazing how you have taken what many would call their “problems” to reach so many people for Christ. You are proof that He can use us all for His service. Many blessings to you as you continue to inspire through your music. Thank you for sharing your story.
Melony,
This is such an inspiritional outreach and I am so impressed with Jamie’s determination to use her talents to overcome this obstacle in her life. I have enjoyed listening to her music and recommend it to other young people.
Great article! My girls and I love Jamie Grace’s music! What an inspiration she is and a great role model for my girls! I had heard of some of her “struggles” but this was a great reminder of how much she has overcome and how God is using her in BIG ways! He has uniquely made her to shine for Him and her music is a gift! So glad to hear she’ll be performing in the Atlanta area in the spring….I’ll be taking my girls for sure!!!!
Great article! Thanks to Jamie Grace for sharing her struggles and how she overcame. Her music is inspiring and fun. My daughter immediately smiles and dances to her music. May God continue to use her gifts and courage to encourage others. Keep the faith, Jamie Grace! God is using you in BIG ways.
I love Jamie Grace’s music! Love it even more realizing she has risen above challenges. She is definitely an overcomer and an inspiration to all! Her music and her life are an illustration of how you can be used for God’s glory and how he will equip you through your circumstances. I love her attitude and her spunk! She is a delight!
Mel,
An unbelievable article on one incredible woman. What a true overcomer she is to have battled so many issues so young and still walk away with such happiness and faith. God has given her the sweetest voice and a beautiful soul to match.
Thank you for sharing such divine inspiration!
What an encouraging story! I can’t wait to listen to more of your music! Way to go!
Jamie Grace, as I was reading your story all I could think about are all the young ladies out there that I am going to tell about YOU. I work with a lot of young ladies that need an Overcomer in their lives. What an amazing young women you are and all the lives you have and will change with your music and story. God is Awesome! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Jamie for sharing your inspiring story and music with us!!! I loved “Its a Beautiful Day” so much!!! Praises to God for your talents/gifts and strong overcomer spirit!!!
My daughter, Melony, loves your music and what you add to the music industry.
As much as I love writing the stories of overcomers, Angel*’s story is best told in her own words. Her courage in sharing her story is simply amazing. You’ll quickly see what I mean. Please watch her video below.
*Her
I have the honor and privilege to work alongside Angel. She is a true testimony of God’s redemption and unending grace.
What a blessing to hear Angel’s testimony! Such a powerful, courageous story of redemption and hope. We hurt and reject ourselves, others join in, but Jesus is the only One who heals, forgives, and enables us to transform! Bless you Angel and thank you for sharing your story with Melony so others can be encouraged and blessed.
10th BIRTHDAY! WOW. I was riveted to her story. You are right, Mel, hearing her tell it was powerful. And what she can’t explain is the Grace and Peace that surpasses all understanding, because it comes from the Lord. What a BRAVE and AMAZING woman! Her guilt and shame are gone, and her story is HOPE for some other woman out there to know that there is a way out of that cycle. I am sitting at my desk feeling the Love of the Lord just by hearing her story. Amazing!
Angel,
I pray that your heart will always feel the AWESOMENESS of the FATHER. I pray your story is spread throughout our society and reaches those places where girls and women that have experienced these horrors in their lives will see the hope and love that radiates through your eyes!
Father, thank you for Angel’s open heart and sharing spirit. I so appreciate people who are transparent, Lord, and can open up and tell the truth so that others can see you and your works in their life. Please Father, provide Angel with the peace that passes all understanding. Please send people to uplift her. And I pray that she will always have the hope and love in her eyes that she has today! In Jesus’ AWESOME and POWERFUL NAME!!! Amen
wow…I have watched this video several times and I am amazed! I am amazed at how God has helped Angel be the great person she is today, and I am proud to say I know her!
Angel, thank you for sharing your powerful testimony. God truly can help us overcome all forms of evil. It grieves me the things you suffered. May God continue to bless you each and every day!
What an amazing story of grace and redemption. I have no other words except to thank Angel for her courage in telling.
Oh my goodness what a powerful testimony of God’s love and His redeeming grace. I too was a cutter and dealt with bulimia before it was publicly known. I’m grateful that like you I have been able to break free by God’s grace. Thank God you were brought out of the darkness and into the light. Your story needs to be told. Keep talking Angel. You’re able to reach a population of people that others can’t reach. Thank you!!!
Working in your church to help others is a broad mission. I pray that you can have a positive effect on many.
Angel, I certainly can not identify with this. I hope your life is coming together and is much better for you.
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!!!!!!
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!
what i think will be very cool is to check in with these kids down the road and see where their creativity takes them, or better yet, see how their writing impacts them!!
Congratulations to you all! What an amazing opportunity you have to be poured into by one of the most encouraging women I know. Thank you Melony Brown for giving so generously of yourself.
It wasn’t too long ago that someone told me I would never amount to anything. Mrs. Brown made an enormous impact on my life and I am now in my second year of college studying for a master’s degree in Sociology. My scholarship recommendation came from my Comprehension and Rhetoric Professor for an essay I wrote. Mrs. Brown was my editor!
Just remember that you can only fail at what you do not try!
Love to see the creative juices flowing! As their computer teacher, I know what they’re capable of when they use their God-given talents. Good thing we’re practicing our typing skills to help with future writing! This is a great group of 5th graders that I’m proud to teach : )
i cannot wait to see the final results of all that each of you accomplished. Learning to write well starts by making the effort to accomplish and you have completed that task. You accomplished one of your goals – to write!!!
As you head into writes and rewrites, be encouraged seeing your creation blossom. We all have thoughts to share. Seek what God has for you — you are God’s unique creation and he has gifted each of you differently. Reach for God’s direction.
As their Reading and Language Arts teacher, I could not be more proud or more thrilled by the results of this National Novel Writing Month. It was amazing to come to school each day and have students beg me for “Nano time” during class. The students truly thrived during this month, carrying their writing journals and pencils everywhere they went, bouncing ideas off of each other, and worrying more about the story they were writing than about what grade they would get. I loved seeing their creativity blossom over the course of that month. What an incredible opportunity to be a part of! Thank you, Melony, for your continual encouragement and teaching this to the kids! This is something I am already looking forward to for next year!!
Mental Illness is still much of an unknown and scary situation, yet it is there for many people. Glad she could find a method that works for her.
I think a lot of people hide mental illness. It’s sad that it affects people this way, but I love to hear stories about people pulling through it. Great story!
Such a journey Tiffany has been on and so awesome how she continues to fight daily and overcome! “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty, whose power no foe can withstand.” Psalm 91:1. May God bless you and help you remain stable and fixed as you trust in Him.
Tiffany, I pray that you will feel the arms of the Father during your down times. Father, I pray that you will instill in Tiffany a completeness that passes all understanding. Bless her immeasurably Father so that she will know it is you!
Such an encouraging story! Thanks for sharing!
I was encouraged on so many levels through your story. Bipolar is a HARD illness to manage. You have learned some great coping skills…some that I plan to be more regular with: excercise, diet, consistent time with the Lord and rest. As with any illness, self care is important. Just so you know…I get it. It’s big but it’s certainly not bigger than God.
Even though I’m not musically inclined like my amazing guitarist husband, I love listening to and singing along with great music. I’ve enjoyed Mandisa‘s music since her debut album True Beauty in 2007. Her new album Overcomer speaks
You know I enjoy all sorts of different types of music, genres, with very diverse lyrical content, and I like her approach. Her message is extremly encouraging in a fallen world…I think she will be around for a long time, and may have a few Dove Awards to lug around…JB
P.S. love you baby for the plug here!! I might have to play you our Christmas song to get you in the Christmas mood!! XOXOXO
Loved the two songs and the video! I don’t watch American Idol, so was not familiar with Mandisa or her music. Her music is very inspiring, as is she. Hope she continues to get healthy and continues to inspire us with her music and her life.
Music sings to everyone’s heart. We need more talented musicians like yourself.
Hi Melony! I really enjoyed this article and I really needed to hear Cindy’s story. As someone who has dealt with a progressive disability it is very hard indeed to keep ourselves from just giving up on things we enjoy doing or even life itself. I am hearing impaired and in just this last year have begun to face my biggest fear of going completely deaf. So reading about Cindy’s “can do” attitude and “don’t give up” philosophy is very inspiring to me. “Do the best you can with what you have for as long as you can!” is something I need to hear at least once a week! Thank you Cindy and Melony for sharing. God Bless, ~Marcie
Such an amazing story of highs and lows both emotionally and physically. And a huge testimony to the strength of God through Cindy!. Great article Mel!
Our bodies will fail. I am very encouraged by Cindy’s strong steely resolve!!!!
also…..for some reason, Michael J Fox just came to mind. another great example of someone who is publicly dealing with a progressive disease
My sweet sweet friendshine Cindy!!! Her positive attitude and faith in God makes me SMILE and encourages me to press on when things get tough! Thanks for sharing her story.
Another great article. Thank you for sharing Cindy and her overcoming story with us!
Cindy is an overcomer. Working with her everyday, I never knew how hard her struggle really was. She doesn’t allow it get in the way of enjoying everyday. As her relationship with The Lord has grown deeper and stronger, she shines brighter. Way to go, Cindy. Keep going strong, Cindy!
Thanks for this, Melony.
There are some things in Linda’s story I can carry into my AA prison meetings.
blessings!
alan
What a beautiful story. Thank you, Linda, for sharing it with the rest of us.
this is a really cool story. i am sure that the judge rarely gets to see someone’s entire life story, and be able to see it come full circle, I know Linda and she is a great person!!