As we walk this journey of life, we know we will have pain. Pain is not fun, beautiful. or pleasant, but we know that it can lead to strength, growth, and character. Walking through a door that we know will be painful for the sake of loving God and loving others can be difficult. Below, my friend tells part of her story of foster parenting. I am encouraged by her unselfish love and honesty in telling her story and I’m inspired by her continued commitment in walking this rewarding, yet difficult journey. I pray you are encouraged too.

We are all bombarded each day with decisions that have to be made and steps that need to be taken to make it to the next task or responsibility on our list. But how do we know what the next right thing is?

Sometimes life doesn’t end up like we hoped it would. Time after time, Rebecca had hope that life would be easier and that she would know a love that she dreamed of, but disappointment kept falling at her doorstep. You will be encouraged by this story as she finds true love and joy from the One that helped her to begin again.

When the Christmas season comes around, I often think a lot about Mary and the journey she was called to live. Her story seems to show a woman who was brave, humble, and ready to follow God no matter what was placed in front of her.

James 1:2-3 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” In 2008, Jane and Lauren walked through trials like they never imagined. I’m thankful that Lauren is willing to tell her story of walking through this scary time as a child and for Jane sharing how she watched her daughter fight for her life.

One of my favorite traditions leading up to Christmas is filling shoeboxes with gifts to send around the world through Operation Christmas Child. A few days ago I talked with my friend and OCC volunteer, Christy, about this opportunity to give to others. Keep reading to hear what she has to say about OCC and how you can be involved.

Today we hear about a journey of forgiveness, freedom, and healing for a mother who had an abortion. I’m thankful for her openness to share this difficult story. The forgiveness she found is freeing and something we all need.

“In the absence of answers, faith is born. These are words that ring true as Meagan and her husband walk the road of infertility. Today she shares her story of pain, uncertainty, and faith that will encourage you to see Christ woven into any difficult situation.

I’ve heard the saying often. It’s not just about the destination. It’s about the journey. I believe that each day we can see some new life lesson that gives us a clearer picture of our purpose. On this particular day, I was reminded of a gift that I can be more intentional about giving to others.

October is Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Today my friend, Esther, is telling her story. I pray you are encouraged to hear how God was with her and brought healing to her heart.

October is Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Today I’m telling my story. As you read this, I pray that you don’t just see a story about me, but a story about the God who brings peace during pain.

The perfect white dress. The fairytale wedding. The perfect guy. Having kids and starting a family. These are things that most girls dream about. But sometimes those dreams do not come true.

As we continue to share stories from real women on Journey One Eighty, there will be some vulnerability shown. I believe that when we are honest with ourselves and honest with others about our struggles, that we allow our stories to help others going through the same thing. I also believe that If I ask someone to share about a difficult journey to help others, that I need to be willing to do the same.

I’m here with Katie who is a talented photographer and a newly found gardener. She and her husband have been planting small gardens for a few years, but in January of 2020 they decided to use the tools they had to go big.

There’s no doubt about it. 2020 has been a year to remember for the entire world. As we spent many days inside during the pandemic, I followed this sweet story of finding light during dark days. I hope this story inspires you to find the gifts in each day and to give the unloved a chance to be loved.