"That bitterness turned into something really productive. . . I feel like I was able to transform disappointment and  self-doubt and criticism. . . God really has different plans for each one of us." 

My beautiful friend Sophia shares with us about her difficult journey through her life with infertility.  She gives us perspective on when our plans don't look like as we had always thought they would.  

Meet Sophia Alleyne, wifey to Troy, psychologist at Health Services Authority in Grand Cayman, BWI.  Through this work field she is a frontline helper for young lives who are experiencing trauma, crisis and major difficulties.  She is a member of First Baptist Grand Cayman, singing in the choir and serving in many capacities.  

"I walked around in a circle like what... what am I going to do? . . . This unbelievable fear came over me, how will he live? . . . I didn't feel betrayed, I felt afraid."

Jody shares with us about the day she received news that her husband was in a horrible car accident.  She walks us through all the strong emotions, what beautiful support looks like, and miracles that have no explanation.  

Jody is a beloved Wifey, Granny, and Mom. Not to mention a soprano voice that sounds like an angel. She works as a librarian, music teacher, and is a Christian author, with works such as the Washout Express Series, and the Mistletoe Series from the Pelican Book Group.  All available through Amazon or Barnes and Nobles.  She's also the author of a children's book entitled Yellow Bottom Bob, a fun story of a candy corned friend.  

"I constantly wondered what I could do to fix it. . . My anxiety and depression were so high that often I couldn't even sleep or eat. . . this was at ages of like 7 or 8. . . It's crazy how the abuser makes you think it's all your fault."

Anxiety, depression and fears challenge the childhood of Keturah as she experiences abuse from a young age.  Through faith and support she learns to embrace who she is, and the beauty of her life today.  

Keturah is wifey to Jordan, and this sweet couple both work with "Launch Global," working to share the good news with unreached people groups around the world.  She is one of the sweetest souls you'll meet.  

Ket cites a beautiful quote from the book, "Gospel" written by J.D. Greear.  

My Story; My Song is a project, not about my own story and song, but the message from a host of women who have brave hearts and willingness to share perspective, strength and hope to others! Diversity of all walks of life, particular struggles and celebrations through the eyes of women as they walk their journeys.  This podcast is very organic and not rehearsed, simply some bold ladies giving insight to you with pure hearts to help!  This intro episode tells of my "why" for this.  

I'm Joani.  Mother of  five wonderful sons, and one sweet daughter in law.  Counselor at Cypress Lakes Lodge (addictive recovery).  Sister to four courageous souls.  Auntie to some pretty cool nephews and nieces.  Friend to ladies who will drop your jaw on the floor with their miraculous stories.  Daughter to Debbie Alyene.  This is for you, Mom.  

"Find within you the audacity to live with an unexplainable joy, with an un-circumstantial peace and with a natural inclination to focus on our blessings and allow our trials to make us better to be used by our Creator."

Melody shares with us what the moments of facing overwhelming circumstances of pain, cancer and fighting to live fully looks like!  Good days, bad days, and reminding us that movement is life.  

Melody is a wifey and a mom to three blessings.  She is an ultrasound technician at the East Texas Pregnancy Help Center, and serves so many in love and encouragement.  

"It takes so much strength to be in a place of vulnerability."

My friend Mandy faced the battle of cancer during the pandemic.  She fought hard to achieve her most heartfelt prayer, to allow her kids to see her face it with grace and grit.  Going to all her appointments alone during this difficult season, physical exhaustion and difficult mental struggles she faced one of her greatest challenges head on through being honest with herself, accepting help, and embracing community.  

Mandy is mom to four lovely kiddos, wife, and writer.  She's lived in some beautiful spots in this world, and is a voice for the marginalized.  

"I'm just an embarrassment to life."

My sweet niece shares her story in a vulnerable, honest way.  Abused from childhood, Havilah had to battle the struggles of shame to conquer the message that told her she was not worthy of belonging.  She shares about the helpers that alleviated the tough moments, and how she has to be mindful to protect her mind from triggers that cause her to go back to mental pathways that are not helpful.  

Havilah is soon to be married, a missionary with YWAM, and a voice for those hurting who cannot yet speak up for themselves.  You can visit her personal journey at "The Road Less Traveled."

"I don't feel like God thinks I deserve this."

An amazing friend shares her struggle with looming financial stress, and unexpected hurdles that tried to define her worth.  Bills piling up, young family trying to grow, lots of the what-if's?  Fears, doubt, coping (good and the bad), support, the unexplained, little graces, and a new day.  My reminder that courage doesn't always feel big and bold, sometimes it's just a quiet decision to keep showing up.  

Katie is a wifey, mother of two boys, accounts payable employee of her bank, and freshly back-to-college student.  

Some of the books she cites on this podcast are:  

Grace Not Perfection by Emily Ley
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Atomic Habits by James Clear