“My passion is getting children excited about reading,” Stan Tucker of Leap for Literacy shared. “Reading is a critical skill for success.”
Learning to Read
His time in the classroom opened his eyes to the struggle some students have when
“My passion is getting children excited about reading,” Stan Tucker of Leap for Literacy shared. “Reading is a critical skill for success.”
His time in the classroom opened his eyes to the struggle some students have when
Wonderful story of overcoming challenges and never letting it keep you from happiness. Congratulations Cathie you are a role model for many!
Thank you , Melony, for sharing Cathie’s story so eloquently. I’m grateful to God for His inspiring and overcoming work In people who trust Him, which Cathie personifies. Thank you for telling her story so well, and thank for your all your work to encourage your readers!
Robbin, Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s only by grace and God’s blessings with instrumental people in the journey. Blessings Cathie Seibert
Cathie is the epitome of an Overcomer….a true fighter with a servants heart! She has truly used her own struggles to bless so many others, especially young, developing minds! I have never seem someone with so much energy and passion and zest for life! She is an inspiration!!
Kati,
From a fellow energizer bunny – thank you for your kind response and heartfelt thoughts. I admire your tenacity and commitment to life – It shows in your family and those you inspire. Cathie
Thank you for sharing this story! I have no doubt it will encourage and inspire others to admit where they need help.
Carol,
You know I am a work in progress but I think that is the story of all of us. -You are an amazing mom and such a ray of sunshine. Heart – Cathie
This is such an inspiring life journey. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Karen for reading my journey – God is writing a beautiful story and I’m just honored to be part of the overcomer family
An inspiring story. Thank you for taking the time to share it.
Girl, talk about an overcomer – When you are ready to tell your journey, I will be right there cheering you on ..Cathie
Thank you Melony for your ministry- I’m so honored and humbled – I appreciate you.
So proud of you. I am honored to be related to you!!!
Lucy, I will forever admire your talents .. You are an amazing HUMAN who knows how to love and serve others well. HUGS Cathie
Your motivation to continue your struggle to learn to read is “over the top” and you have my total admiration. Your desire and compassion to help others who struggle is a wonderful gift. Thank you for sharing your story.
Sandra,
Thank you for your kind comment – It is really about God’s grace and the people he put in my path who have been my biggest advocates. It’s that what it is all about .. we are designed and created for relationships – to inspire, to encourage, to assist
Cathie! Your journey is amazing! Wow! I have a son with dyslexia and have journeyed with him in his struggle. Your story is inspiring to persevere! Thank you for your raw transparency. God bless you!
Holli,
Bless you for working so very hard to support your son! The struggles that your son walks through each and every day require an advocate and agent of care. Thank you for taking the time to post and comment on my story. Blessings
Seibert,
Your Rock! Thank you for sharing your story! I know you have just helped so many more by sharing your story! I enjoyed working with you at the Oaks. Wow! Look at God! Love your energy!??Keep letting God use you!
Natasha,
Thank you for always seeing the greatness in each and every student – You care and serve deeply and it is an honor to call you a fellow educator along the journey!
What a beautiful reminder that our Sovereign God has a plan for our life. It is His story and we are selected to play a specific role. Under His perfect direction it happens. Our part is to accept the role, act it well and listen to the Director who also wrote the story.
Amen – to a Sovereign God -Love your spirit of Wisdom and Truth! God has designed his creation for one another to be a blessing. My story is really the answer prayer of a little girl who didn’t really understand God but would pray for help for many years. Who knew .. years later the story He would write.
Bless you and thank you for commenting on the story
Inspirational story! So glad for your victory!
Amen and amen – Thankful for the victory .. out of the ashes
I enjoyed reading this inspiring story! Thank you!
Cathie, your story gives God great glory and is a powerful witness for Him!!! You knew God from an early age, which is evident and I am so happy for you that you trusted, obeyed, living out continually an abundant life of purposes God planned for you!!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!!!
God Bless You and Yours!!!
Tracy
Thank you for the kind words – I appreciate you taking time to read about the journey and the story of God’s handiwork.
Thank you Amelia for your wonderful comment – Yes God did have his hand on me from the beginning even if I didn’t recognize it. There were relationships and people of faith that would pray for me during some very challenging times in my childhood. I am grateful for the plan and people the Lord provided to guide me along his path. Blessed by design
Thank you for sharing your story! To not only overcome illiteracy, but also to teach others to read is incredible!
Nicole,
My greatest joy as an educator is supporting literacy K12. I’m so humbled and honored to be an educator – each day, I wake up just as excited to be in the schoolhouse.
Thank you for your kind comments
The reason why Cathie is such a gifted educator is because she can personally relate to the students who experience the greatest educational and social challenges. I am extremely lucky to have her as my administrator so that I can emulate her fortitude.
What an overcomer you are Meghan .. Each and every day you inspire me to be the very best I can be. Blessing and More blessing from me to you
Such an inspirational story. She truly is an OVERCOMER!
Thank you Teresa for your kind comment – It’s really just God’s handiwork .. played out with his people surrounding a struggling soul. God is the great designer and I’m blessed beyond measure
Cathie
Cathie, your story makes us realize, it doesn’t matter where you were but where you’re going. Congratulations on earning so many prestigious degrees. You are making a huge difference in the world! Praise God! May God’s favor rest upon you and shower you with many blessings!
Diane,
Thank you so very much for your comments and words of encouragement! – It is all about where we are going and I’m so fortunate and blessed! Appreciate your WORD!
What an incredible story and human! Cathie is one of the most incredible women I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. She has overcome and is now leveraging her life to help others do the same. Thank you for sharing this story!!
Dear fabulous Life coach – Thank you for making the world a better place and serving others! You are amazing and I’m fortunate to have you in my life .. Hearts
Wow! Such a powerful story of hurt, shame, perserverance, overcoming, and LOVE! Cathie, you are such an inspiration to not only the students but to everyone you meet. I’m blessed to know you and your story encourages me to live a life to serve Him and all of his children. Keep up the amazing work! MUCH Love
Stan,
One of my goals is to write a children’s story – so I might need some motivation from a fellow educator and literacy champion! I’m so grateful God has helped our paths cross – Much respect and admiration.
Cathie
One more thing in common :
God always manages to bring and put people in your life for a reason.
Cathie and I are indeed a perfect match as I was diagnosed with dyslexia in the 4th grade. I was fortunate enough to attend special education schools that taught me skills and strategies that allowed me to follow my childhood dream of becoming a physician. Then Cathie came into my life and gave me the chance to continue heading my call from God to be the best I can be.
She is / we are a true miracle
God did join our paths and I knew before I ever was tested that we were a match. The Lord is the keeper of his children and we are blessed to call him Father! IN LOVE and LIVER :} HUGS
I’m in tears reading this! What an incredible story! ❤️
Hannah,
I was in tears trying to relay the story to Melony so don’t feel bad:} It was a long journey and one that I am most grateful to have walked. Thank you
Well girl I knew from the first time I met you, that you were special, you always made me laugh, have the biggest giving heart, and reading your journey I’m even more in awe. I had no idea how much you have overcome, I just knew this wonderful kind, smart, funny, giving woman who got me to wear overalls and sing in front of an entire audience and worked with me to throw one of favorite most memorable events ever. So I wasn’t surprised when I learned you were the donor my neighbor/doctor/soccer/mom Neal-Haley. It just reminded me of how small our world is. I love ya girl. You are awesome at everything you do. It’s been an honor to know you and to welcome you to the overcomes. God bless you and your strength and courage to share your story with us. I know it will touch many,
God bless
Angie Thomsen
You know – I adore you Angie and I just completed reading your overcomer story – WOW! The journey is so special when you get to cross paths with great people. Grateful for you and your sunshine :}} Be Bold: Be Light .. Shine
This info is so sad. Something that I take for granted is not even attainable for others. I’m happy to know that some help is being done for Africa.
“When my will to live outweighed my will to die, everything changed,” Donna* shared. “I finally realized I was spiritually sick. I needed God in my life.” * Her real name is used with permission.
Donna’s
Donna, Thank you for sharing your story. My prayer is that God will continue to use you in helping others change their lives. Stay strong, dear overcomer!
Wow! What an incredible overcomer you are! Love that you’re helping others now too! God bless you!
Amazing overcomer story! Without God it was impossible to kick the addiction. Thank you for allowing Melony to share your story. God has , is and will continue to use your story to point others towards him.. you are brave and vulnerable….two very powerful attributes for God to use in changing lives.. Not only lives of other addicts but all of overcomer lives
Donna, How wonderful that you beat addiction after so many years! May God continue to bless you as you help others. Blessings, Maureen
I can’t imagine losing that many years of my life. I’m glad the program worked for her and now she is helping others. What a long way to come.
Such a compelling overcomer story and it showcases the restoration process. Praise God for programs such as The Healing Place to bring full restoration: mental, physical, and spiritual. My favorite line from this powerful journey is the wisdom on Donna’s sponsors “If you miss the spiritual piece of this process, you’ve missed the whole thing.” This one sentence changes everything. Donna, I wish you continued blessings in your ministry as you guide others into restoration @ The Healing Place. Remarkable to see the canvas of God in your journey. POWERFUL breaker of chains, I thank you for Donna and her journey
Donna, thank you so much for sharing your testimony, bringing God so much glory and continuing to live such a fruitful life while blessing and encouraging others! I was addicted to nicotine for 30 yrs and have been free of cigarettes now for 24 yrs. God gave me a miracle by releasing me from being a slave to nicotine and it was because I was sooooo grateful to God for my salvation and all the things he had done and was doing for me, in my life! I also have served in jails since 2004, telling ladies what God has done in my life. I look forward to meeting you someday at one of our Overcomer celebrations! Blessings, Ann
Nicole as a young girl
“For many years, the voice in my head convinced me the sexual molestation happening to me was my fault,” Nicole* shared.
Her perpetrator, a family member, began abusing her when she was five years old.
Nicole, you have a beautiful testimony!! Your life has been an amazing journey and I am surprised the enemy fought you so hard. The devil never wants us to come into full circle of our life with the Christ. Continue to share your testimony and overcome life’s obstacles, be strong in Christ my sista!!
This will bring much healing to so many. I am so proud of Nicole, and we love her. Keep believing that God has even greater than what you can imagine.
Nicole has more strength and determination than I can even imagine. May God continue to be with her and give her everything she needs to have a happy life.
Wow! What a powerful testimony!! You are a courageous warrior woman!!! I am so proud of how you didn’t succumb to the traps of the enemy. It takes true strength to rise up and turn away! I love how God’s voice took over the other voices! What an amazing woman you are!!! And to think God’s not even finished yet!
Thank you for sharing your overcomer story. He has redeemed you for His glory! Blessings!
Thank you so much! Blessing to you as well!
Thank you ladies for your responses and your kind words. Some days are super smooth, and others…not so much. But such is life, right? Ups and downs are a sign of life. So, I will keep living, keep pressing, and keep testifying. My goal is to empower others to healing and wholeness. It’s hard work, but we are equipped for it!
Blessing,
Nicole
Hi Nicole, I read your overcomer story about two weeks ago and was very touched by it. We have so much in common, you could be my twin. Suicidality has been my go to for years. I totally get you there. I am so grateful you allowed Melony to bring your story out in the open. You are so brave. I would love to meet someday, maybe at one of Melony’s events. I like you. ?. I promise I’m not creepy…just goofy!
My best friend has Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed about two years ago. She went very fast and is in a deep depression. I miss her so badly. I plan to go visit her on that day. She is only 70 years old and her mother also got it at the same age.
Amazing accomplishments and an overcomers attitude! Congrats!
This is one amazing woman. Not being athletic at all, its hard for me to imagine what she goes through to accomplish all of this. She is such an encouragement to all of us. God bless her with many more years to accomplish all on her bucket list.
I am so excited to share this story with our middle school students next year!! A true American hero!!! Thank you for being an inspiration.
Kirstie is incredible! Her story provides motivation to all people, to never give up. I love how she continues to challenge herself all the while she is helping many others live a life full of love.
Thank you all for the support and sweet words! It has been quite the whirlwind to say the least!
Kirstie thank you for your military service for all of us in America and around the world, God bless you always!!! I am inspired by your story!!! I look forward to reading and hearing more about your accomplishments in the future!!! God speed, joy and peace, as you go!!!
Stephanie’s* transformation wasn’t an overnight change. She wanted to be clean and sober, but alcohol controlled her. “I liked drinking,” she shared. “I liked the smell and the taste. And how it made me feel. But I didn’t like how
I think it’s quite awesome this young lady can be a spokes person for such transformation. Many young women struggle with addictions such as this or maybe more extreme and can come over and conquer. I think it’s quite awesome to share such story of GREAT TRANSFORMATION.
Stephanie I’m so Proud of you and The STAND you took over the demon of Alcohol?God Thank You For Loving My Child Back Into Your Kingdom??I Will Forever Love You ?In Jesus Name?
Reading this just gave me an insight to why Ms. Stephanie’s faith is so strong and to why she cares so much for everyone. I do not take her advice for granted, without reading this I will swear on my life she’s never had alcohol, one thing I know Ms. Stephanie for is her love for God, her children and everyone around her. She’s not just my colleague at work, she is a mentor and a friend.
We overcome by the “blood of the Lamb, and the words of our testimonies” (Rev 12:11). God has given me an opportunity and pleasure of knowing Stephanie Pearson and family since the birth of Solomon. Over the years our paths have taken a different turn but God keep our spirits together. Past few years Stephanie and I reconnected and I’m blessed to see the transformations in her life. Rejoicing and praising God with Stephanie for her victory to overcome all of life challenges, hurts, pain and disappointments and allow that “born again seed” to remain inside of her.
It’s my prayer for anyone who reads or listens to Stephanie’s testimonies will be inspired to know “God is the same, yesterday, today and forever”. Her solid foundation in God and the inspiration of her journey is showing other that there is nothing (NO THING) too hard for God to overcome.
Stephanie, eyes have not seen, neither ears have heard the things He (God) has in stored for you, because He loves you with an every lasting love. We appreciate you being candid, honest and open to share with others….THANK YOU!
Love you Stephanie!
I’m so proud of you Step! You are truly an amazing person and the definition of a warrior. I love you and encourage you to keep on keeping on. Sending all my love, light, and warm vibes.
Caryn,
Thank you so much. I appreciate your encouragement, love, light that shines ever so brightly, and warm vibes that energizes the core of a person in all the best ways… Much love to you my friend.
Milady,
It has been a pleasure knowing you all of these years (then and now). I am so glad that God can never change who he is, neither did he stoop to my level when I changed who I was.
Conquering,
I agree, there are more women out there that are going through situations and some worse than other. Also, that the Lord will continue to polish us until we become who He purposed us to be.
Mother,
I am so proud to be your daughter. I know it was very difficult seeing me go through some of these situations…but I thank God everyday for a “Praying Mother” like yourself, that even though it was rough, the prayers of the righteous availeth much!!
God is good! I will continue to pray and support your transformation. Always remember “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13 You have been a wonderful inspiration and you will continue to be. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. the old has gone; behold a new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Stephanie, So glad to hear that Jesus set you free! Your past does not define you – your future is bright! Blessings!
I have had the utmost pleasure of meeting and getting to know Stephanie through a mutual friend. When I was going through things with my husband, she, with God’s guidance, led me to approach things in a different way. When I did that, the outcomes became less and less intense. I had gotten to the point where I couldn’t cry anymore and filed for divorce immediately after an embarrassing outburst at Grady hospital from my husband. With her help and the guidance of God, things are slowly getting better…but trying to trust my husband again is very hard. It is truly a process. God has me in his life for a reason.
Stephanie…what an incredible transformation! Like the caterpillar transforms its body and emerges as a butterfly, you, with God, totally transformed your life and emerged with authenticity, truth and love! You embraced God’s love and faithfully trusted HIM to transform you. That, my friend, is sustaining faith! It’s no wonder, you are such a mountain of strength when faced with obstacles! You KNOW God has you covered! You KNOW God will do exactly what needs to be done when you activate your faith, trust, and obedience! Waiting patiently on God is no easy task, yet you do it with such grace and ease! God loves and admires you and so do I!! Continue to let your FAITH be bigger than any fear! You are more than a conqueror through HIM! Your metamorphosis is just beginning! Wonderful blessings are here! Romans 8:37
Payne,
Your response left me speechless and grateful to God. It is a pleasure working alongside of you and the fact that we can share on a business and personal level speaks volumes. You continue to live your life in congruence to God’s will for you and your daughter’s life.
Maureen,
Thank you for the encouragement. Freedom is a feeling/lifestyle that is indescribable!! God is good.
Mr. Hunter,
Thank you for noticing God transforming my life, and supporting the changes. I will never forget you told me that God is chiseling off the rough edges in my life…and that I will always remember on my life’s journey.
Anisha,
You have been nothing less than a blessing in my life. We are here for each other not only in the good times but also in the times of need. We just have to be sensitive to know what season it is in other people’s life and not just ours. Stay blessed, God honors the prayers of the righteous.
Stephanie!…this is truly a great transformation. Life has given you a “test” that is now your testimony. Redemption is truly YOURS! I am so proud that you have come to know and ‘inner’stand that you were born on purpose, with a purpose and for a purpose. I encourage you to keep moving forward, onward and upward to being and believing in a better, bigger, braver, bolder, brighter and badass expression of yourself.
Ryan,
Thank you for such meaningful words of encouragement, as you are an inspiration to me. I thank God for people like you for motivation.
“I’m living for the day I receive a new liver,” Dr. Carla Haley* shared. “After all these years of debilitating symptoms, they will disappear within twenty-four hours of the transplant.”
“Being a living liver donor is a big ask. The
Wow!! While reading your story, all I could think about is Luke 6:38: Give… and he will cause men to give into your bosom. Also, Staying strong, positive, supportive, and full of faith shows that God definitely has his hands on your life, which is phenomenal. Thank you, your family, and your donor for sharing this incredible journey, and the birthing of, “Be Not Afraid” a life changing organization that is going to save so many lives for God loves a cheerful giver!!
Thank you, Melony, for your gifted ability to share your own journey and that of others. Carla embodies what an Overcomer look and live like. We so appreciate your ministry and willingness to use your talents to help these amazing women. Cathie, you are, indeed, an angel ?
Cathie you are an incredible person and it’s a true blessing to call you a friend all these years. My dad was a kidney recipient in 1990. I wish I had the opportunity to thank his donor family for giving my dad 12 more years with us. God Bless both of you and prayers to a speedy recovery.
Praise God! Carla, I have been praying for you and your donor, standing on His promises! Andrea has openly shared your story with us on FB, and I am thankful for that as I know God is faithful for all He has chosen and who follow Him. What a blessing and inspiration to me you have been….. being a 5th grade teacher in her late 50’s with a 27 year old autistic, mentally challenged daughter, I often feel fatigued…… but having the ability to follow your story gives me hope and deepens my faith! If you are willing, I would love to know the date or around the date of your surgery so I can be specifically praying for you and your amazing donor! God Bless you, Carla!
What a journey this lady has been on. What a blessing to have someone volunteer to be a donor. God is good. I pray that he will take good care of both of them. Carla, you have been a brave and courageous person to deal with what you have been handed. May God richly bless you.
Carla, you are an inspiration! Your determination and positive attitude radiate throughout your story and I know others will be encouraged. I was so touched by your burden for others amidst your struggle in pinpointing the need for live donor tracking. Your future is so bright! May God bless you in your recovery and in your non-profit!!
Thank you, Carla and Melony, for sharing this story, and what an incredible story it is. Carla’s fighting spirit and her donors compassion are unmatched. Both will certainly inspire others when faced with struggles that require patience, endurance, and support from others. May God continue to bless you as you share and encourage so many.
Carla, I pray the surgery is successful. You have suffered a long time and I am sure you are weary. God is for you. Blessings!
Small world/big blessings Carla has been our family doctor and our neighbor since Grace was born, Cathie worked closely with me at SFUMC pre-school parent club, I can’t think of two more amazing women, I’m not surprised they are a match because they are both angels on earth. I’m lifting them both in prayer, and will be thinking of them tomorrow during the surgery and will continue to pray for them both. What a great gift and opportunity to give and overcome. Love you both and I’m sending love prayers and positive thoughts your way.
God bless
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
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!
What a great concept he has. I agree that illiteracy is a big problem for children in the future. When they get behind it just magnifies itself. It is so sad for me to know that some children don’t even own one book. Parents need to be encouraged to take them to the library and to read to them. This should not be happening in America!
Stan- I’m so proud of your ministry and impact! What a legacy you are creating! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with others
This is so cool! And such important work. Thank you ?
Love to see this happening!!!Way to go!