When I met Shari* and her friends Lisa and Genie for lunch, I gave her the mug I give to the overcomers I interview. She gasped, “Never give up is the theme of my life. I can’t believe it’s on
When I met Shari* and her friends Lisa and Genie for lunch, I gave her the mug I give to the overcomers I interview. She gasped, “Never give up is the theme of my life. I can’t believe it’s on
“My life is about overcoming the abortion statistics of single black women,” Natasha* shared.
“Eighteen years ago, I chose to give my son life instead of aborting him.”
* Her real name, used with permission.
DISCLAIMER: Natasha is very
out of all the stuff going on with protesting, people trying to voice their views, taking a stand for social justice, this trumps them all as it is about human life!
Yes Jeff there is HOPE
Wow! What an amazing story. I am so glad Natasha chose to keep Elijah and raise him to be a man who loves God. My prayer for him is that he be a strong witness of God’s love, as his mom is. Thank you so much, Natasha, for sharing your powerful story. God bless you and your handsome son, Elijah.
God Bless you Kay thanks for the encouragement ?
Natasha was a brave young woman. I’m glad that she learned early to depend on God. Hopefully she can continue to change some lives as she works with many to help save the lives of black babies.
Thanks ☺️
Courage, faith, strength, determination, gumption, drive, ambition! All these are words that come to mind reading your faith journey and testimony! WOW! What an amazing story and so powerful to share. thank you for taking the time to tell your story to Melony so that others know the truth and the stats. My prayers will continue for you and your son and that one day we see your fashion work on the runway! Thank you for being such a powerful example to all women!
Wow thank you, thank you ?
Thank you Natasha for telling your story, it touched me deeply and the video is wonderful of this young woman who was saved by God and her mother. Praises to God for all yours and Elijah’s spiritual gifts, wisdom and courage! I hope to meet you one day. Blessings and peace all the days ahead!!!
What an amazing story of strength and determination. I love that she is an overcomer willing to share her story and be a change maker in her community. Elijah has an awesome story to share,too. May they both be blessed.
Natasha you are an inspiration. I can’t imagine the lives you have already touched and those you will touch in the future! I love your passion and commitment to God’s creation of these little babies. May you be blessed!
When Ginny Owens shared, “Each of us is an unfolding story,” during our interview, I knew the wisdom she’s gained from her struggles would encourage many. As an avid admirer and follower of Ginny’s music for many years, it
Thank you Ginny for sharing your unfolding story since birth to today, a testimony to God’s love and power that I can hear bringing Him glory everyday in your beautiful voice!!! I love your songs and “If You want me to” is my favorite!!! Rejoicing for you, Ann
This story has humbled me. The words are not coming but I am amazed at your strength and encouraging witness. LOVE your music!! May God bless you each and every day!
I look back on my life and see so many instances where I was faced with a choice. In those moments we choose what we think will be the best choice. And sometimes it isn’t the best and sometimes it’s the best at that time. It’s what we do with those choices that defines us. Ginny chose to overcome and not listen to what people were telling her. And that’s difficult. I have crazy respect for that. Having been told no once at the beginning of my career-which is so a part of my heart and soul-I love how she chose to turn her no into a giant YES that has touched so many people. Blindness isn’t who she is. It’s just part of her no different than her hair color. Just is.
Ginny,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful video!
You are an amazing young woman with so much to teach us all about trials and endurance, then making the most positive response to it through your beautiful songs. Your story hit the depth of my heart, and I am grateful that you have shared your story.
this is an awesome story about what a person can do with their life, in spite of MAJOR challenges put in front of her!!! I LOVE this story!!!!!
To God be the glory! Your amazing, beautiful life is proof that God can bring us through any situation, no matter how difficult, and use it for good. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You have a beautiful voice and you are truly a shining light in this world!
Absolutely a testimony to how BIG our God is! Ginny, there’s great reward for those who, amidst great trials, continue to point to Him. He must be so proud of you! Thank you for your transparency.
Ginny Owens is a wonderful inspiration of perseverance, passion and purpose! I love her spirit, her spunk and her music! She is touching and impacting the lives of many through both her music and her story!
Thank you for sharing this. What an inspiration. Ginny has an angelic voice and a message to match.
One of the major blessings of carrying on under pressure is that way it burnishes my God-given faith. Mercy, Worship, and Grace are His current projects.
Ginny’s music is playing into all of that.
“If You Want Me To” is one of my go-to, all time favorites. There are songs that speak to life at just the right moment, and this has been one of those my life. I don’t know how it will all unfold and it might not be the way I would have chosen, but I believe I will never walk alone!
Wow, I used to listen to Ginny Owens all the time. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep up with her career after we started our family. It’s absolutely wonderful to read about the heart behind her music. I’ll be heading to itunes soon. What a fantastic and inspiring story, thank you.
Thank you for sharing Ginny’s journey. I was especially moved by Ginny’s definition of overcoming – letting go. What a powerful reminder for us to cling to and trust our Savior!
What an amazing story! Ginny your story brought me to a place of relflection and gratitude. Along with many others, ‘If You Want Me To’ is a personal favorite. Thank you for sharing your courageous journey. And Melony, I know Ginny’s is a story you have wanted to write for quite a while. Congrats on landing it and once again, crafting the words with such significant impact.
I was struck not only by Ginny’s story but by the courage of her parents. It’s much easier to shelter children, especially children with unique challenges, than to encourage them to spread their wings and fly. They’re approach to parenting had a positive, lifelong impact on all those touched by Ginny and her music.
Amazing! I love how you invest in the empowering and inspiring stories of these amazing overcomers! Thank you for sharing this incredible story of strength and strong faith!
Thank you for sharing Ginny’s overcomes story with us. She is so right that it’s the broken parts of ourselves that have the most power to encourage and relate to others. It’s beyond important that we know we are not alone and Ginny does a beautiful job of reaching out and reminding us that we are not! Thank you, Melony, too, for your story and your heart-sharing these overcomes stories with us to encourage us and help us forge ahead!
What a joyous heart that Ginny has. I’m sure her music has helped many deal with their struggles.
Beautiful story of how big and miraculous our God is Ginny. We all have struggles
and fires as you call them, but we are promised His amazing grace and mercy thru
them. I am currently in a valley now, looking for the mountain top at the end. Please
pray with me for another one of God’s miracles,God bless you and your ministry.
By the way,you spoke about vocal issues in your past, who was the vocal coach
that helped you through that?
Ann before polio
Ann’s* childhood on the family farm was uneventful until the morning she woke up unable to move from her neck down. She cried out to her parents. Her dad rushed into her room and quickly realized
I am reminded that God will make a way for you! God Bless You.
Thank you so much and yes, God is always faithful to us, all the time! Blessings to you and yours, too! thanks for reading!
What an inspiring story. I am so glad she was able to give up smoking. This is good for her body and her soul. I’m Happy to know that my daughter is serving in a prison ministry. So much good can come from this contact with inmates.
Thanks!!! So glad your daughter is serving in prison/jail ministry! Yes, they need us and I know God uses us but we never forget it is Him, He prompts us all !!!
Ann, you are a woman of strong faith and God has used you to touch many lives. I feel honored to call you my friend. I pray that God will continue to guide and bless you. Love, Judi.
Thanks Judi! I treasure your friendship, too, and cherish many memories we have made! We need to make some more and I hope we can! God uses your gifts He has blessed you richly with and I am thankful you have shared some of them with me!!! Love, Ann
The Monastery of the Holy Spirit
Years ago, I would often retreat to our cabin in the North Georgia Mountains to sit on the front porch to spend time with God. His creation is where I feel closest to Him.
I have been needing to do this myself. I have heard how refreshing silence is in our crazy world. Thanks for your insight and recommendation Melony!
I am so happy for your wonderful experiences while on the Silent Retreat!!! I want now to read the book you mentioned, The Circle Maker, sounds wonderful and foundational! Thanks so much for sharing the 5 reasons and the monks chanting, I enjoyed hearing them, too!!! Maybe I will be able to go one day. I feel closest to God at the beach until then…….
Wow, pretty profound stuff. Very interesting and intriguing for me to read your words. I have a few questions for you so will ring you up soon. I often feel I STAY at a crossroad and the monastery is not that far away. Your encapsulazation of the time there made me want that experience. Thanks for sharing. Will catch up with you soon!
(BTW, how did you have a conversation with the monk? Guess it was after
‘Silence time’ was over?)
I’m late in responding, but I completely agree with all that you’ve written, Melony! The monastery has become a special place to me. My favorite moments are during the first prayer time…I’m able to take a deep breath and allow the words chanted by the monks fall over me like a blanket. I feel immersed in the word of God. The silence is a welcome retreat in my noisy life. I would encourage anyone and everyone to find their way to the monastery. You will love it.
I think God gives us quiet places to be able to stop and really meditate and enjoy the beauty of the earth. It is so awesome and majestic. How could you not believe in God.
Thank you Dianne for sharing your story and for your dedication with Victoria’s Friends. May God continue to bless you.
Thank you Heather! God is so good! Blessings and love to you!
What an amazing testimony, Dianne! God allows our past circumstances to equip us to help others in the future. I wouldn’t know the first thing to say to someone who struggles with these situations, but because you’ve been there, you can relate and you can help! There’s always a quick connection when you’ve gone through the same situation as someone else. God gives us the choice on how we use our life circumstances. We can choose to dwell on the horrific details of the past OR we can use it to give light and hope to those who desperately need it and may not hear it otherwise. I am so thankful that your friend shared the love of Jesus with you and that you have accepted it fully! His love has allowed you to come out of the darkness and allowed you to share it with others. What a blessing! The mercy and love that Jesus gives us is nothing short of amazing!
Wow LeAnn…well said!!! Thank you for your beautiful comment. I’m so thankful God is a God of hope, restoration and new beginnings. I love how He turns our situations and circumstances around and uses them for His glory. I thank God everyday for Angela; for the way she allowed His unconditional love to flow through her. Experiencing His love truly set me free! It is a wonderful, glorious feeling to be free in Christ Jesus! I’m so grateful! You are blessed and loved by the Greatest Lover of all. 🙂
Rejoicing with you for a life restored!
Thank you so much Maureen! God bless you!!! <3
I am so happy for you Dianne!!! Happy for Mike, too!!! God has transformed you both and given you new life by His grace through our Savior Jesus Christ, just like His word says!!! Thank you God and thank you Dianne for sharing your life with so many!!!
Thank you Amelia Ann!!! I’m so grateful for God’s transformation in Mike and myself! I’m so grateful for His never-ending, patient love that continues to pursue us even when we aren’t worthy. I’m so grateful that He sees us as worthy in Christ Jesus because of the finished work of the Cross. Thank you Jesus! It is such a blessing to be able to enjoy life with Mike with Jesus at the center of our relationship. We wouldn’t want it any other way. 🙂 I appreciate you taking time to leave such a sweet, encouraging comment. It’s a blessing we are sisters in Christ! Love and blessings to you and yours…Dianne
So touched by the depth and beauty of this story. Redemption and now generational blessings flow from The Lord through Dianne. What a gift to so many lives. Honored to call Dianne my friend!!
Thank you sweet precious Rachael! I love you and I’m blessed and honored to call you my friend. We are sisters forever!!! woohoo Praise the Lord! 🙂 <3
I am blessed to never have had an addiction. I can’t imagine what a hard life.
I am in tears!!! Your testimony Dianne is sooooooooo Amazing!!!!! I thank God for His protection over you! As dark as your first half was it was so amazing to see how God kept you, kept your mind and your body! I am so grateful for you and God’s awesomeness in your life!!! It takes a lot of courage to spread the love of Christ at strip clubs! You are awesome sauce!!!
Dianne* met a couple of strip club dancers when she was 17 who encouraged her to dance, but she told them she wasn’t interested. So they encouraged her to turn tricks instead.
* Her real name, used with permission.
“I
I can in no way comprehend this kind of life. It’s tragic. I pray in part two she turned her life around and is serving our Jesus.
Thank you for your comment Glenda! Yes…there is wonderful restoration, victory and joy in part 2. God is amazing and there is no place dark enough, low enough, far enough to keep God’s love, light, grace, mercy and compassion from reaching us.
Dianne, I am so sorry for all you went through. No matter how deep the pit is that we find ourselves in, Jesus extends His hand to pull us out. He is a God of restoration!
Thank you for your comment Maureen! You are so right! There is no pit dark enough nor deep enough to keep the hand of Jesus from reaching us. And I have personally found that His precious nail scared hand is always extended. He is AMAZING! I love how God is a God of restoration. He can take the broken pieces of our lives and make something so beautiful! Only God! I love how everything the enemy meant for evil and harm, God uses for His glory if we allow Him to. Part two reveals His grace, love, restoration, and healing!
Wow-I always knew there was something extra special about you and now I see a little bit more into why. Thank you for sharing what you’ve shared thus far. Incredibly powerful testimony and genuine to the core.
Rachael you are so sweet and so kind. I still have the earrings you made for me. That gift was from you heart and it truly touched my heart. You are a beautiful and amazing woman. I am glad that we are sisters in Christ and get to hang out for eternity! I love you girl!
Amazing story
God can sure take a bunch of mess and make one amazing story out of it. I am so grateful today to be free in Him!!! Thank you for taking the time to read part 1 and commenting. Blessings to you…Dianne
Knowing Dianne personally–I’m pretty much speechless for appropriate words that can describe the EXTRAORDINARY SUPERNATURAL RESTORATION that Jesus has done in her and for her–she is absolutely a NEW creation in Christ, and a wonderful friend and sister in Christ to me! Thank you (!!!) Dianne and Melony for so boldly sharing your victorious story, so that many others can be greatly encouraged.
Jesus’ heart of love and forgiveness is the SAME toward every person (Rom 2:11), and since He did such mighty things for Dianne, He greatly desires to do the same great miracles for anyone else who’s reading! Just say “Amen, Jesus!” =)
Amanda I love you! You are such a wonderful friend and sister to me! You are such an amazing teacher of the Gospel…The GOOD news! I have received and continue to receive so much from you. Your commitment to sharing and teaching God’s Word is amazing. You are relentless. If anyone is in the Marietta area and would like to learn more about our wonderful, gracious, loving Father, you are welcome to come to Amanda’s Bible study at the Marietta library off the square on Monday nights at 7. You can go to http://www.freelyforgivenforever.com to find out more.
Dianne, you have an incredible testimony of God’s unrelenting love in your life. I am so encouraged, to the point of tears.
Thank you Bridget! You are so precious! I feel so blessed and honored that Melony wanted to share my journey. I love what the enemy meant for harm, God took and used for His glory! I am so grateful today that His love is unrelenting! His love is everything! After having an encounter with LOVE/GOD…everything in my life changed! Our Papa is amazing and I thank Jesus continually for the finished work of the Cross! All I can say is…Only God! 🙂
Dianne, what courage you have. I know your confession brings you healing. I pray it helps others find release from the grips of Satan.
Jennifer, I want you know that I am eternally grateful for you. You were a “key player” used in God’s plan to redeem, deliver, restore, and heal me. I don’t even want to think about what life would have looked like without you being a part of it. I love you!
I am soooo glad we got you two hooked up! Your story needs to be shared, Dianne! There are so many lost and hurt and abused and emotionally scarred girls and women out there that need an exit and need a glimpse of hope! But you are more than a glimpse of hope–you are a light of rescue and restoration in a dark place! I love you!
Kiera you made me cry! I love you so much and I’m so grateful for our friendship! You are such an inspiration and light to all! You continually inspire me. I am so grateful that God divinely hooked us up and that you are a part of my life! Let’s Rock it here and in eternity 🙂 <3
HELP!!! I’m stuck at the cliff-hanger. I can’t figure out how to,get to part 2 So I can read about the redeeming power of Christ through your story.!
“We trust God” is easy to say until it is tested. As she started her 16th year of teaching, Cindie* faced the toughest struggle of her life.
Would she trust God?
At her yearly mammogram in January of 2015,
Very inspiring story Cindie!!! I’m a stage 4 warrior princess myself
And your story reminds of
Gods promises and that WE CANT GIVE UP!!!
God bless you and your family!!
Thank you Tracy! What an encouragement to hear of your victory!!
Thank you for sharing your story, Cindie! I’m so glad that God sees fit to keep you here with us!!! You are a blessing to all who know you. And you are so right, it is when we face hard times that we get to put our faith into action. May God continue to bless you and your awesome family! Love you!
Thanks Emily for your love and support!! Love that banana bread 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful sharing video!!! I have a long time dear friend and a double 2nd cousin who both have had the same breast cancer as yours was. They are both doing well now, praises to God!!! I will be sending them this email today to read your story and I know they will love it and be encouraged by it!!!
I look forward to meeting you in the future! I am now one of the Overcomers, too, as of last night!
Yes, His mercies and grace are new every morning for us!!! Lam 3:23
Love,
Ann
Thank you for sharing Ann. The news of your friend and cousin is very encouraging to me. Welcome to the Overcomer Club!!
For we walk by Faith not by sight. Cindie you are one amazing Warrior. As I stood with you in prayer and Faith. I knew God was pleased that we stood on the promises of his Word. Love you forever my friend.
The Favor of God rests on you and your amazing family..
Oh my brother! Your faithfulness, encouragement and prayers helped to see me through. I miss you!
I knew much of your story but reading it altogether was so inspiring! You are a mighty woman of God and you have the scars to prove it!
Thank you Cheryl! Our God is awesome and I am so thankful for all He has done for me!
Cindie is an inspiration to all who are blessed to know her. But more than that , she is a testimony to her trust and faith in our Great Physician! Melony, thank you for representing our friend so faithfully, and for inspiring all of us to be overcomers!
Cindie, you are an ispiration!! God is so good. Your life, this journey and your faith are powerful testimonies! Breast cancer was the second cancer Mom (and God) overcame. It is always a blessing to see how God works and how He become so present. You remain in my prayers.
Cindie, you are such an inspiration! I have admired and looked up to you since the first day we met! I am blessed to have you in my life and I know you will continue to bless countless others! I love you, dear and precious friend. You are truly an amazing overcomer!?
You inspire me Cindie – a Godly warrior, kind friend and spiritual wife and mom. So much appreciation, love and support coming your way!
You walked a difficult road with God’s grace. You blessed me every day. Your story was so honest. I love and appreciate you so much. Love the part where you had to put your trust in God to the test. We all can say that we trust……..you are my hero!
Such an inspiration and blessing. Thank you for your guidance!
I am blessed to know you Cindie!!! Jeff
Thank you for sharing your story. It is an amazing testimony that you relied on God so much during your battle and how you continue to give Him the glory. What an inspiration!
I am very proud of your strength and your commitment to share your story to help others. I will never forget the day you called to tell me your news. As college friends and roommates, we shared a lot of firsts; marriage, babies and even the loss of a parent. But this first shook us to our core. You taught us to put it all in God’s hands and focus on staying positive. You are amazing and I’m so thankful to call you my friend! I love you!
Reminded again what a special woman you are Cindie! So thankful to know you and your amazing story of trust and faithfulness! So glad God has restored you and given you a testimony of His greatness! What an inspiration to the families at school and all who are blessed to know you!
Love you, Cindie! So thankful for you and for the way God is using you to share with others. Your faith and love for the Lord has always been such an inspiration to me. Grateful to have you in my life. You make me smile!!
To God be the Glory!! Love you, Cindie!!!
Such a beautiful story! Your determination and faith is an inspiration!
Most of us have been there. In the dark. Feeling lost. Trapped. Lacking vision. Lacking hope.
Singer/songwriter Mandisa WAS there, but now.
Now she’s out of the dark and into the light!
This album is POWERFUL!
Love all the songs! Bleed The Same is a constant reminder that God created us ALL! It reminds of us all of the changes the world has seen and how much a sense of entitlement seems to the belief of so many; we no longer tolerate “anything” and it’s really sad. We no longer listen to people and the stories they have to share; we “assume” because they are not like me there is no value in creating a relationship and that is exactly why we have people in our lives for RELATIONSHIP! God wants us to have a relationship with HIM and we have others around us to create relationship. The song for me is also a reminder that this life is not our final destination and is so temporary! We will bleed the same in front of God when our time comes and we answer for our sins! Let us be reminded to love each other, find peace and be a support to one another, not an enemy! Great album! Thanks for sharing and writing Melony!
Sounds like another wonderful album. Thanks for the heads up!
I’m sure you bring so much light and happiness to so many with your music.
Ever feel overloaded by all of life’s demands? Me, too.
Wonderful testimony of God’s provision for you. What strength he gave you to be an overcomer! Blessings, Maureen
I’m so thankful Shari found you and this story of God’s work along with Shari’s hard work has been told. Another Overcomer!
Persistence, courage and faith are words to describe you! What an amazing story! Don’t stop believing and you will continue to be an overcomer!!
Amazing! Thank you for sharing your incredible story with us!
This is an amazing story of your tenacity, faith, and your will to get on with your life. God has blessed you and has a reason for you never to give up!
God shows his goodness and love every day. This is an amazing woman. May God give her many more years to use her in showing his goodness.
Thank you, Shari, for sharing your personal story with us. You are a great example on how to navigate the rough times in life, with God’s help. I am so glad you are an overcomer!
I am so blessed to work with Shari now and am amazed by her testimony! She is FULL to the brim with the joy of the Lord and is positive in every circumstance. So glad that the Lord fully restored her and proud to be her co-worker and friend!J
I was so happy to meet you at the overcomers event, it was God’s work putting you in my path, I was sharing your story today at a prayer circle we had for the young man I mentioned to you. He has been moved to Shepherds and we are still hoping for a miracle. Your faith and strength and determination had a huge impact on me, and I wanted to actually read your story that Melony did on you, I’m glad I did, God bless you,
Life is not about quitting. Rather it is about keeping the promise. Here, in the following, I would like to reveal the reasons why the person should not quit at whatever it is he is performing.
1)Quitting will close all the possible ways. So, keep trying- eventually, you will get it.
2)By never giving up, you can get a chance to face your fears.
3)You can find your inner strength and encourage optimism.
4)You can procure the definition of yourself.
That’s all I want to unearth. Great post! Keep sharing 🙂