A broken home by age one set the wheels in motion for years upon years of struggle. In a time when divorce wasn’t common, both of her parents quickly remarrying other people was confusing and divided her heart.
Tracy* wouldn’t
“What is 100palooza?” you ask. It’s a CELEBRATION of 100 blog posts since starting my overcomer blog in January of 2013!
100 posts about fighting to overcome life’s tough challenges, which include music reviews, 66 incredible overcomer stories, and
Love this!! The stories you’re sharing are touching so many! Thank you for all you do!!
Great job Mel!!! I hope this will yield many new subscribers so all the great OVERCOMER stories will be read and people benefit from them in a mighty way!!!
I’m so excited for you ?? I just love you ?
I’m so thankful that The Lord allowed our paths to cross! I’m so excited for you!!!
Enjoy reading your blog. It is truly a blessing to many!
You are such an inspiration to us all. As a victim of domestic violence I gain strength from people like you. You are truly a blessing.
You are amazing! I”ve shared your website so others can attest to how wonderful you are and your talented writing!
So excited for you, friend! Congratulations and thanks for sharing my story. I’m honored to be one of the 100 posts!
Melony you have done such an amazing job with your writings of overcomers. You have a gift from God and you are using it to give back to him. May God continue to richly bless you in your endeavors.
Thank you Melony for all the encouragement that you have given me. As I continue to heal and help others heal. You are such a strong inspiration to so many! I know that God has let our paths cross for a great reason and I am so proud that he did. God bless you and the wonderful job that you do! Love you and all the Overcomers, we are becoming one voice so everyone can hear us ROAR!
It’s a rare and beautiful thing when a young person finds their purpose in life and begins pursuing it with zeal. Such is the case with Chloe*. “I wrote ‘That’s Why I Sing’ in honor of my Poppie,” Chloe shared.
What a WARRIOR!!! Way to go, Chloe!!! You understand so much at such a young age!! God has gifted you immeasurably! I love your music!!! Sparkle on!!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement Lee!
Your story is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see where your music takes you. Good luck!
Thank you so much Brooke!
Such a beautiful and sweet young lady.
Thank you so much!
I’m so proud of you Chloe! I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses you and the talents he has given you! You are such a blessing and I’m honored to be your aunt!
you have walked with me through my journey and I’m not sure if I could have done it without you!
You make me so proud Chloe ❤️ I learn so much from you each day?? So thankful Jesus picked me to be your mom!!
Thank you for all you do! Love you so much!
Chloe
Your words and your story clearly define that you understand our God will provide. And yes you are young and small but. So is the faith of a mustard seed. Thank you so much for sharing your story with women of all ages. You will inspire many as you continue to live out his word in your daily walk with Christ. It seems you are surrounded by love, lean on those people as they guide you as you grow and mature. May your faith be even stronger than it is now as you continue this journey called life. Many blessings and hugs to you my sweet girl. Thank you for sharing your story.?❤
Jessica Thank you so much much for supporting me. It means so much to me! This is so awesome to be able to be a part of others peoples lives and see how they overcome trials in their life.
I’m so proud of you Chloe for sharing your story? it’s so amazing to watch The Lord work in your life. I’m a very proud Nana❤️
Love you so much!
What an amazing voice!!! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world!
Thank you so much! <3
Beautifully written story about your life struggles and how you overcame them by putting your trust in God. Your songs and your testimony are going to make a difference in the lives of many people. I’m so proud of you. Grandma.
Thank you! Love you
So proud of you Chloe!!!
I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished and how you show the love of the Lord in your life. I’m glad God allowed our families to meet and become friends.
Aww, That is so sweet! Thank you so much!
So proud of you sweet girl!! ❤️
LOve you Tab!
Chloe you are one of the strongest individuals I have ever met! There is no doubt that your story will inspire and touch the lives of many people as it has touched mine! I’m so proud of you! Love you!
Love you too! so thankful to have you as my uncle!
Chloe, you are such an inspiring young woman. As the aunt to a teenage boy who struggles with a severe case of ulcerative colitis, you exude so much hope. Your voice is such a blessing and I love how you are allowing God to use you. You will never know the number of people you will help by sharing your story. Many blessings to you!
This means so much to me! Thank you so much! I’m so sorry about your nephew!
Such an inspiring story. May God continue to give you good health and a beautiful serving voice.
Thank you so much!
Beautiful story and such a brave young girl! You will bless many people Chloe!
Thank you so much!
I am so proud of you sis your voice touches so many peoples hearts including mine. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for you just keep on putting him first in everything I am so proud of you Chloe and love you more than you will ever know.
Love you so much, bro! I’m so thankful God picked you to be my brother! You inspire me every day!
Chloe,
Your inspiring music and servant attitude is a great legacy to leave. I hope to see where this takes you.
Chloe, thank you for sharing your gift with the world! I’m sure your Poppie loves watching you from above and is thrilled and proud to see you overcoming in such a beautiful way?
Wow! What a beautiful, talented, inspiring young lady. Your future is bright.
Aww, Chloe! This brought tears of joy to my eyes. I’m so thankful you are following your Jesus and He will definitely use you to reach all ages in your walk with Him. Amazing story of an amazing young lady. Love you and your precious family. Aunt Patricia
Thanks for sharing my story, Melony. It’s an honor to be included among this group of women who refuse to give up.
Susan, I thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to me and I appreciate that your love for God and your walk with him is unwavering. God bless you!
Thanks, Kay. I appreciate you taking the time to write and comment. I love how God uses our stories to encourage each other. Blessings!!
Thank you for an inspiring story! It feeds the soul to see people flourishing despite the challenges that life throws at them.
Melony does a great job finding and sharing the hope that keeps us going!
Susan you are a warrior in this disease but more than that for God . I thank-you for sharing your journey. God allows our journey for his purpose & for me it was to draw me near to Him closer than ever before! I thank God for each day so it allows me to shine for Him & pave a path for other’s whom are suffering in there own journey’s that living with a chronic illness isn’t a death sentence it’s a wake call to not take one minute of each day for granted to spend it on whom we love & what we love doing & to always shine a light on Hope!
I hate that missed seeing this months ago. You said it well. Chronic disease allows us to dig deep into what matters most. Definitely a wake up call… or perhaps a call to lean ever more on the arms that hold us fast. Some days I wonder if we weren’t created to simply be an army of prayer warriors. Shine on, girl!
Thanks so much Susan for sharing your life story with us Overcomers, welcome and I look forward to meeting you one day !!! It is very encouraging to know how God’s love and care for you and your family has made you stronger and that these experiences with Him only serve to whet your appetite for more of His sweetness that He promises us in Ps 34:8. Many more blessings to you and yours.
Thanks, Amelia! Appreciate your kind words. Many blessings to you and yours too.
Wow! This is an awesome story that is sure to inspire and bless many people…
Thanks, Jeff. Blessings to you!
What a journey, wow… thank you for sharing. I know this will inspire others and I pray it reaches those individuals that may have needed this,
God bless,
Angie Thomsen
Thanks, Angie. I hope it reaches all those who need to hear it too. I’ve been encouraged by other’s stories so it’s the way of grace to share my own. Blessings to you!
Susan, thank you for sharing your story. I am so inspired by how with every trial you continue to press on and fight! It is such a blessing to see how thankful you are for His provision and what a trust you have in Him!
Cindie, My first husband used to say something like, “Peter gets the real credit for stepping out of sailing ship. Our ship is sinking. If we don’t step out in faith, we’ll drown.” So, it’s stand in faith or give in. And Jesus has done too much for me to give in. Blessings to you!
Inspiring story. Glad I read it.
Thanks, Glenda! Blessings to you!
Susan, you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story! Continue to be a prisoner of hope! God is truly able to heal you and your son! Continue to “don’t shrink back!”
Peace & blessings,
Sherry
Jami*, a double below the knee amputee, has been up and running for the last twenty-one years. A remarkable feat given she wasn’t a fan of exercising before losing her legs.
In her book, Up and Running, Jami
Jami, being a double amputee is a gift that you use to inspire and open doors for so many. I am amazed at your story and the “over the top”attitude you have about life.
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for the kind words, I believe we all have special gifts that help this world be full of LOVE!!
Jami, thank you for sharing your amazing story and thank you for showing how to face difficulties in life with grace, strength and the determination to live the best life possible. You are a great inspiration to us all!
Hi Kay,
We all have personal life stories that when shared help motivate others to live a life full of LOVE! I appreciate your support!!
Hugs,
Jami
Jami, What an inspirational purpose your life has for you and others! Thank you for encouraging those you meet and the kids you teach.
Hello Maureen,
Thank you for the support!!
Hugs,
Jami
Jami, after knowing you way back when … those school,days in Phoenix … I am thrilled every time I read about you and your achievements. No question in my mind you have taken the love and strength you got from you parents and grandparents and soared. So proud of what you have done.
WOW Jami! You are so amazing and such an inspiration! The way you continually rise above your challenges and difficulties is such an inspiration for all of us!!! I can’t imagine what those 11 days must have been like and all the challenges that followed; yet you exude courage, strength, positivity, joy, love and perseverance! You’re one amazing gal! You have taken every situation that life dealt you and have conquered it with grace, beauty and positivity! God is using you and your life in such a wonderful beautiful way! I’m so excited for the kids who will be touched by your life as a teacher. Those “overcoming seeds” you will plant in their lives may one day be their lifeline! You’re an amazing woman… beautiful inside and out! Thank you for sharing your story… it had truly blessed me. Keep soaring! Love and blessings… Dianne
Hello Dianne
Thank you for the sincere words, they really made a difference for me. Sometimes I do get caught up in life and question why me??? But, then I take a minute to count my blessings and remember my mission of making a difference for all those I meet. I love what you said about “overcoming seeds” I have a true passion for teaching and it shows through in each of my classes.
Hugs,
Jami
Jamie,
Wow, what an inspiration. The power of faith, strength and determination. Thank you for sharing your story, it is so easy to give up when our lives take a turn We didn’t see coming, but you took back your life and I’m just grateful that you shared it because it has reminded me that we can get through anything, and overcome when we have faith, love, and strength to accept things we can not change.
God bless,
Angie
Wow! What a story of faith, determination and courage! You’ve had multiple life altering events that many would have given up hope right from the start! HOPE is what many lack when going through a trial in their life and you showed us there are no excuses! We make our own choices when in a rut! Thank you and God bless you as you keep sharing your story!
Jami, you are WonderWoman! I loved reading your story. You are a phenomenal example of a positive attitude and a lot of grit!! I can’t begin to imagine the impact you have on the people around you and what a gift your story is to other amputees!
Wow! What an inspiring story. When life knocks you down, you get back up. Over and over again. As a cancer survivor myself, I have a warrior mentality. But sometimes I do have an occasional “pity party” day when treatment/surgery side effects get the best of me. Thank you for the reminder to change my mindset on those days. Life is definitely too valuable to give in to those moments. xoxo
Jami — as I runner myself, your story means so much to me. Thank you for sharing your story.
What an ambitious overvcomer. I am so impressed.
Jami,
My first cousin, Richard, was your attorney so I’ve known of your story for years and have often told friends about you. I just had a hip replacement at 64 and am now doing the necessary rehab. I mentioned your story to my physical therapist yesterday and found a link to your new website. Sorry to hear that you’ve been tested with cancer but know you will fight that as well. You remain an inspiration!
Be Well!
Thank you both for sharing Diane’s story. It’s powerful and will help many people just because you had the courage to fight and not give up. Mental illness and suicide impacts everyone because it’s ether happened to you, a family member, school or work acquaintance, or a friend, so it’s critically important to start treating mental illness like physical illness. If you’re sick – seek help – no matter what it is. So glad you kept fighting for help, and then had the fortutude and kindness to share your story. Thank you!
I’ve always said nobody brings a casserole when people have a child with a drug addiction and you are so right about it being the same for mental illness. I admire Diane for sharing her story so openly. I hope not having to keep what she is experiencing a secret allows her to receive more compassion and support when needed. I know it will certainly help others to know her story and I hope the stigma of Bipolar can be erased very soon so others can feel the freedom to share as well. I think it was great the way you included the details of treatment. Although everyone is different, you often just assume help will be trying medication after medication that probably won’t be effective. It’s good information to share what alternative treatments could be. Thanks for sharing!
Diane EVERYTHING about your story inspires me! I’m so very thankful you shared!!
Brooke, what you shared is profound. Mental illness does not discriminate between gender, political stance, race . . . Everyone is affected in some form or fashion by mental illness. I have been so blessed to have a support network that has worked really hard to understand bipolar and how it affects me specifically. My desire is to speak out for those suffering in silence until those who are suffering can speak out for themselves.
Thank you for bringing to my attention the hard fact that there is little to no support for families affected by substance abuse. It’s a difficult journey for both the caretaker and the one with the disease. I was in treatment with so many ladies in recovery for drugs and alcohol and I witnessed their struggles up close and personal. It’s not pretty but I applaud those who get up and persevere.
Thank you for the encouragement regarding my personal journey with bipolar. It helps give me strength to push thru the tougher times.
Your words blessed my soul I know that you are all to familiar with the journey. Please know that each time you come to mind I send a prayer up on your behalf. Can’t wait to meet face to face one day.
Diane
Thanks for sharing your story with so much transparency! You are an overcomer. Such a beautiful family. Blessings
Laura
Goins
June 30, 2018
6:35 pm
Reply
Diane so proud of
you for sharing your
story. I feel like the
little sister. You have
come so much farther
than me in such a short time. Love you I have more knowledge about
our fighting this battle.
Love you sweet sister.
L
Maureen, thanks for taking the time to read a ‘No Casserole Ilness’ . Transparency for me has been a work in progress. I desire to help pave the wave in reducing stigma in the church. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Laura, thank you for commenting on the article.. you are definitely the big sister. You have paved the way for me. It was your encouragement early on in my diagnosis that brought me to a place of excepting my diagnosis. From there I became vocal about mental illness. What I love about your journey is your passion for Jesus. Without Jesus we are doomed. You have modeled that thinking and behavior for me. I love you big sister! Hope to see you soon!
Diane,
I appreciated you sharing your story and all that God is doing in your life, through the blessings of a wonderfully loving and supportive family, throughout the wealth of knowledge gained in your experiences overcoming, learning, as, you have disciplined yourself with Jesus’s power that you so correctly say and I quote you, “we are doomed without” ……..
I grew up with mental illness with my oldest brother in the 50′ and 60’s when the stigma was more intense so, I relate to all you said.
I look forward to meeting you one day. Blessings and prayers for you and yours, Ann
Amelia Ann,
I apologize for not getting back with you sooner. Honestly, I thought I did reply. Anyway, thank you so much for your encouragement You definitely understand my journey because up close and personal experience with your brother. Yes, stigma was so much greater in the 50’s and 60’s. Still today mental illness is not viewed as an illness like a “physical” illness. Suicide is a selfish act rather than a product of the illness. I too look forward to meeting one day soon! Thanks again!
This is such a difficult situation that is overlooked so many times. Hopefully it will become visible more often and more quickly.
This disease has been put under the rug too often. Hopefully it is more in the light now.
Diane,
Thanks for sharing! You’re truly an overcomer, an inspiration to many.
“When I was finally ready to share my diagnosis of bipolar disorder with the church, I was told it was probably not a good idea to go public with it. That same day, the wife of a male church member
Diane, I am grateful for your story. Thank you for being so transparent. I have watched my dad suffer all my life with severe depression. I, too have felt like why is no one praying for him and coming to visit him and encourage him from the church? I have come off a season of supprsssed anger that turned into depression. I felt lost and isolated. I thought the same thing you did – when you have cancer everyone rallies around you. Depression is a cancer of the mind and soul and it is lonely and isolating. I agree that we need to keep bringing these stories to the forefront and the church must be there for sufferers. Praying for you! I’m here for whatever you need. Love, Holli
Holli, I’m so sorry to hear about the lack of support your dad has received. It’s unfortunate that your dad along with countless others suffer in silence.
Well said, “Depression is a cancer of the mind and soul”.. I’m also sorry to read that you too have suffered from depression. It’s a very isolating and lonely disease. I’ would make you a casserole but I don’t cook. I will commit to pray for both you and your dad.
I have no answers for how to be there for those who battle, I have not done this well on any level. I fear the space I felt this dear friend was asking for actually sent a message that I didn’t care. She is a precious gift to all who know her and I could not be prouder of how she is giving life to so many others by giving the gift of going first.
Diane – I have no doubt God is supremely pleased with you. Like a proud father watching his child take the next difficult step towards healing and progress, God knows the faith it’s taken for you not to abandon your faith and to share your story. Your story will be a powerful tool He uses to soothe, heal and restore so many who share your struggle. As Christians our hope is in God’s ability to make something beautiful from our pain if we’ll let ourselves be used. Thank you for being a willing vessel through which he can touch so many.
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I’ve learned with my daily challenges that this illness and most others are not possible without God. The struggles are not pretty but like you said God has a way of making them beautiful.
Tami,
Your reply to this post speaks volumes about your love for me. I am grateful for the prayers you have offered up on my behalf and the challenges of others you may know. We are not all called to be in the trenches of the illness but to pray for peace and hope for those of us who plummit into the pits of darkness. I would not be here today if it weren’t for God’s grace and the prayers of those around me.
I was told by a church member that my depression was due to the fact that I had a weak faith and did not trust Jesus enough. Needless to say-I stopped talking to her. I can so relate to the world being in color again. With my medication-the world is in color and I feel like I am standing on level ground. Without it I feel like I am in a dark hole struggling to see the light at the top of the hole, scraping and fighting to get back onto level ground. Post partum depression hit after my second child and the violent death of my brother in law. This affected my husband and my mother in law so dramatically-naturally. I have tried over the years to stop taking medication. I had a pastor tell me that if I was diabetic I would take my insulin or if I had high blood pressure I would take my medicine. But you are right with the stigma of mental health. No one thinks twice about the diabetic, etc. But mental health is looked at as a weakness, a character flaw. When I counsel patients (I am a nurse practitioner) I will often share that I have depression/anxiety as well. If we DO NOT talk about it as we do other illnesses-we will never change the stigma. So I take my medication. And I don’t worry about it anymore! I get how you feel. Totally.
Shannon,
I totally missed your reply to the no Casserole Illness story. Though the church welcomes “everyone” with open arms, they have a ways to go in their acceptance of mental illness. At least for me ,they are attempting to chisel away at the stigma. Like you, I jump at opportunities to speak on its behalf. Who better to educate others than those of us who suffer. I’m sure you are an encouragement to all you come in contact with. You encouraged me to stay strong in my journey. This stuff ain’t easy!!!
May God give you all your needs as you continue to recover.
Credit: peterpilt.com – “Sometimes There Aren’t Enough Rocks”
If I were to tell you struggle is the way to strength, you might throw rocks at me. I know hearing the truth often hurts, so aim well.
I’m cowering and peeping
This reminds me – your mess becomes your message. We can walk out of the brokenness and into wholeness with God’s transforming love.
Some people ignore or resist the struggle by distracting themselves. But eventually you have to go through it and grow. When you get to the other side of it, you often find out that’s where you were supposed to be all along. I love Ephesians 3:20. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Thanks for this lovely post! Glad you enjoyed the conference! And hope you are well!
As a mom it made me think about how hard it is to watch your children struggle, you want to protect them, but you know that they can only learn from struggling. We watch them grow from everyday struggles to harder ones as they continue through the years, but we never really give ourselves the same grace when we struggle. We, at times, may be embarrassed if we are struggling or feel like we are failing at life if we acknowledge struggles, but you don’t learn from things that are easy. You learn from times when we are vulnerable and struggling.
Wonderful Melony, thanks for writing and posting for us!
God’s word is truth just like He told us it is and also when we are weak, we are strong through Christ Jesus are two other scripture reinforcers…. Jn 14:6 and 2 Cor 12:9
God bless and keep you and yours,
Struggles in life can be very challenging. We all have them and face them. We must stay focused on the positive.
Every step of the journey, Aimee was by Tracy’s side
When the time came to be her sister, Tracy’s, front-line caregiver, Aimee* never hesitated. In many ways, God had been preparing her for that moment for years. * Her real
A beautiful testimony of love and unselfishness!
What a touching story.! I know from experience from caring for my Father at the end of his life what a blessing comes from being part of the team. May God continue to strengthen Aimee as she works thru the grieving process. Your sister will be waiting for you at Heaven’s Gates!
Thank you Jane. I’m so glad you had the same experience with your father. I would not have had it any other way.
As part of Team Tracy, Aimee was our rock as well. Tracy was so blessed to have such an advocate and one that knew what she was advocating for.
Thank you MAP. It took all of us, her team, to care for her and each other. We were all her pedals.
Aimee was Tracy’s angel on earth.
Thank you MAP. It took all of us, her team, to care for her and each other. We were all her pedals.
Thank you Paula. She was my Angel on earth too. We loved being sisters and I cherish all the memories we created before and during her diagnosis. Our identity is in Christ, not her cancer and not how I was her caregiver. God is good, all the time.
What a deeply touching story!!
Thank you, Jeff. I was honored to share and I hope God will bless other caregivers by at least one word I shared. He knows who needs to read it.
Aimee and Team Tracy are such a real example of the church being God’s hands and feet here on earth. Thank you, God, for letting me be a part of Your work.
Catherine, we are sisters in Christ, along with Tracy and every other girl pedal. I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a TRUE friend. Thank you for having Melanie capture Tracy’s incredible story of Hope and Joy (in the suffering).
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I have a dear friend whose mother was diagnosed with demensia recently and I plan to share this story with her. Although not the same diagnosis, long battles such as this and knowing that God wraps his arms around us and hugs a little tighter can be a comfort to others in their time of need. May God bless your family.
Thank you Aimee for sharing your experiences with your beloved sister Tracy. I agree with all these previous comments. I got to meet you at our Overcomers party recently in Smyrna and look forward to seeing you again at another celebration of overcoming! I was honored to be a caregiver for my mother for 18 yrs and cherish the peace that has been with me every day since her going home to God. Such a blessing and I know you are gratefu, experiencing that same peace and for that, I am happy for you; as you look forward too, of seeing her in heaven.
I’m so glad I met you at the Overcomers celebration in March, reading your story just now, has just blown me away, it’s the hardest thing to do is to see a loved one suffer, then add juggling your own life and family while helping your dear sister during her illness, Overcomer just doesn’t seem like the only word that describes you and your journey, you are an OA , Overcomer Angel, what a wonderful amazing selfless person you are and what an amazing husband you have to see that you needed to be with your sister, and how your children will have learned the true meaning of love, faith, & Family, and how God gives us strength in times when we think we have none. God bless you are an amazing women with a wonderful family.
Thanks for sharing your journey,
Angie Thomsen
Thank you for sharing your story! I agree with Angie……OA (Overcomer Angel)! Being a caregiver is truly the work of an angel! It is truly one of the most selfless acts of love! I watched my mother care for my grandmother! Your care of your sister taught your children (and others) so many lessons about love, family, and life. May God continue to bless you as you nurture yourself and heal your emotions! Never forget how special YOU are! Tracy lives on in YOU! I too had the pleasure of greeting you at the OVERCOMER’s celebration! So happy you were there to honor and celebrate the incredible journey of your sister Tracy! Continue to lean on God! Proverbs 3:5-6!
NO one really understands the job of a caregiver until they are one. An underpraised job.
A caregiver’s job is underpraised. It brings forth lot of emotions.
“Understanding my identity in Christ is the ultimate freedom. It’s a truth to hold onto and a feeling I can re-experience every time I remember who Jesus is and who I am in Him. I was always waiting for that
Josie,
Wow, I just read your story, first let me thank you for sharing it. It’s so relatable to my own, I’m almost speechless after reading it,
I go day to day with contstant stiffness, pain, and so many other symptoms and side effects from my long list of diseases, and I’m so amazed how you found a way to push through yours and focus on God. You have inspired me. I wish you the very best and wanted to thank you for sharing your journey .
Hi, Angie! Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so sorry you know that kind of pain. Honestly, the only way I’ve been able to push through and focus on God is by HIS grace! And I certainly have had my share of rough days. I am so thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning! I pray that God will lighten your load as you look to Him. May He bless you with peace and great joy even in the midst of the suffering. Hugs! ~Josie
Thank you for sharing your incredible story, Josie. I have a nephew who is experiencing some of what you have experienced. He has just seen a holistic practitioner and I am hoping he will have good results. God bless you!
Hi, Kay! Thank you for your commment. I am so glad your nephew has found a holistic practitioner. I feel like the more options we have the better! I pray that he is able to find relief and get the help he needs to see improved health. God bless you both! ~Josie
You have been on a long journey with God at your side. As you said, when we limit God, we limit the strength and freedom that He gives. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.
Hi, Sandra! Thanks for commenting. I love Philippians 4:13, what an encouragement. God bless! ~Josie
Josie, What a story of overcoming all the trials associated with pain! You are an inspiration!
Thank you, Maureen! ~Josie
Your trials = your testimony. May God shine through you as you share your story. And bless many.
Evelyn, thank you so much for your encouragement! ~Josie
Thank you for sharing your powerful story, Josie. I’m glad you can use your journey to help others along the way. May God continue to bless you and allow you to be used by Him in this incredible way.
Thank you for your comment, Julie! It’s a great feeling seeing God bring good out of the pain. He is so faithful! ~Josie
I’m so thankful for people who are gifted to help those who are afflicted deal with their chronic illnesses, and thankful He gives us daily grace for whatever struggles we face in life!
Amen! His grace is sufficient. Thank you for your comment, Michelle! ~Josie
Love this and the series! Thank you reminding us that God can work in any situation!
Thanks, Erin! Oh that we would have eyes to see how and where He is working! ~Josie
What an amazing and inspiring journey of faith! Thank you for so openly and candidly sharing your story, Josie.. Praying for you!
Hi, Katherine! Thanks so much for your comment and especially your prayers! Many blessings! ~Josie
What an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.
Tracy, so glad you found freedom in Christ. Our past does not define us, but when we are willing to share how Jesus set us free we bring glory to His name. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. I know your testimony will change lives. God Bless You!
Thank you Maureen! He is a GOOD God!!!!
Wow! I loved meeting Tracy at the Overcomers Celebration and loved reading her story. Tracy has definitely been through so much but what a blessing she is now to so many.
I SO enjoyed meeting you!!! God is a faithful God!
Thank you, Tracy, for sharing your story. Your life and words are an inspiration to us all. God bless you!
Thanks Kay!!! Many blessings to you!
Tracy, you exude lavish love, grace and pursuit of Christ! You are a champion for women living in the fullness of His love, forgiveness and freedom! Thank you for your story. You inspire and encourage all who know you. So grateful for your transparency, transformation and His redemption! Love you! I don’t know where I’d be without the fresh starts only Jesus can give us!
Holli, I love you right back and I want to thank you for all you do to encourage women!
Tracy, CONGRATS on your “fresh start!” Your story shows your strength and resiliency! You are such an inspiration! It was such a pleasure to meet you at our Overcomer’s Celebration! Also, I am so glad I purchased your book, “Tuesdays with Tracy.” The book is filled with such amazing devotions that truly speak to the heart, soul, and spirit; It has blessed me and others in a special way! May God continue to bless you abundantly!
Peace & blessings,
Sherry
Sherry, Thank you for your encouragement and for leaving this precious comment! I pray blessings over you also and it thrills my heart that you are enjoying my book. Much love to you!
Tracy, you truly are an overcomer through and through! You have embraced your story as a means to minister to other women and God is using you in mighty ways! So grateful for your heart and passion for Christ, Tracy! May you continue to be blessed and strengthened as you are such a blessing to others!
Thank you Kati!! God has been and continues to be so faithful to me and His people! Many blessings to you!!!!
Tracy, My heart was broken over your childhood. No child deserves that kind of stress! However, we both know that what the enemy meant for harm, God can turn into a triumph! So glad your mother accepted Jesus! How very awesome! I love that you became a counselor! Amazing! Your story thrilled me and is an awesome testimony of how great our God is and how He is always right there, waiting for us to call on Him. I am so proud of your story and delighted that you have a precious family. I produce events and hire speakers all the time. Check out my website at: http://www.smartchicklife.com. I will look for you on FB and friend you. And I will check out your website. Many blessings and favor over everything you touch. God bless you for sharing your story! Diane Carden
Diane, Thank you and you are so right that God ALWAYS leads us to triumph! And in addition to my mom becoming a Christian, she is one of my very best friends, and she is married to a wonderful Christian man and works for a national ministry. Jesus has really shown off in our lives! Woot! I will look for your friend request and I pray blessings over your ministry as well!
Thank you for sharing Tracy! To God be the glory!
He is a good God for sure Christy! Blessings to you!
Yes and amen! So grateful for your vulnerability and courage to share your life and love with others. We are MORE than conquerors through His power in us. So good.
Christine, Thank you and blessings over you precious one!
Tracy, what a blessing it was to be able to move into your dad’s house with his Christian family. Life would have been so different if you had not done that. Your life is filled with helping others and making a difference in their lives. May God give you everything you need to keep doing that.
Thank you Glenda! My fresh start at my dad’s surely shifted my path and even with its own set of challenges, God was faithful and continues to heal, restore, and deliver His grace. I have found that God likes to show off – LOL! Blessings to you!!
After all these years, I had never heard your testimony. Now I understand your “big love,” compassion and wisdom comes from personal experience. Priceless. God has been faithful turning your ashes into beauty and the hope you impart to others is overwhelmingly Him.
Karen, Whether you realize it or not, you have made an imprint in my life and God always uses you to encourage and uplift me. I am so grateful that we met many years ago. Love to you!!!.
Beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness. Thank you for sharing and pressing in to bring life to those who need it desperately!
Shannon, Thank you so much for taking time to read my story and I so look forward to knowing you more this year!!! Many blessings to you!
My precious friend Tracy, we’ve talked about your story many times, but I had not heard every one of these details. This account is so well written and made me weep… both because of what you went through, and because of the way God has flipped the script and used it for exponential good. His goodness flows, and He works miracles, and He moves mountains for (and through) his beloved children! Because of your faith and obedience, He uses you and your story to bring abundant life to so many. Praise Jesus! Also, how wonderful to be introduced to Melony’s website! Hello and love to both of you. What you do to help others is awesome and inspirational, and I pray that God continues to bless you and your ministries!
Thank you, Shannon! Great to meet you here!
Shannon, Thank you my precious friend. I love you! I’ve need to see you very soon. And I’m so glad you logged onto Melonybrown.com!
Thank you for sharing your story! A great encouragement to me as I am outside-looking-in with many young similar — searching and desperate –young women.
Bridget, Thank you for listening and know that God dearly loves you and has amazing plans for your life, even when you don’t see it or feel it, God is always on the move!
Tracie thank you for sharing your story! I too thought that God had given up on me at one point in my life, I did not understand how he could be letting all the bad things happen to me if he loved me so. I know now that he was preparing me for what I was to do in my life now. I know your story will help others also. I am so blessed!
Teressa, Our God is amazing and I celebrate that you also have experienced God’s love and restoration. Much love to you!
Dear Tracy! I will never forget when you came to FBCS many years ago now and shared your story, it was powerful then and today you continue to love us and God so faithfully, thank you fellow OVERCOMER, I love you right back!!! I benefit and share with others from your spiritual devotions in “Tuesdays with Tracy”, they bless me and others!!! You will definitely hear God say well done my good and faithful servant. Mt 25:21. I am so happy for you and all in your precious family!!!
Ann, God continues to use you mightily in my life and so many others. I so enjoyed my time at FBCS!!!
Life with Christ is definitely full of fresh starts!!!! I am so inspired by the fresh starts He has given you!!!
Addlia,
Thank you for taking time to read my story! God has the LAST WORD on everything and everyone! Blessings to you!