Let’s fight for hope in the chaos.
Let’s focus on what’s helpful when misery commands our attention.
Let’s pursue solutions when there is no direction.
Let’s talk about the one true God who cares for us in the midst of our heartache.
…And any other topics that help to grow us in grit and grace as our ideals are dashed against the rocks of this broken world.
Stephanie speaks truth with insight and vulnerability. She shares her life experiences and lessons learned in ways that engage and challenge listeners.
- Connie S. (sales for custom t-shirt company)
I told my husband many years ago and many times over … if I can be well for a whole year, we might actually have finally figured out what is wrong. To many of you, these firsts are table stakes… I have low expectations out of life. Being sick for a decade taught to expect nothing out of this life. EVERYTHING is a gift.
Read MoreYou’re wondering how I know I’m better if I don’t have a name for it… I get it. I’m better because I’m living, really fully living. That’s how I know I’m better. Layer by layer. Set back and rebound by set back and rebound.
Read MoreI’m on the cusp of more tests and more specialists. I’m no rookie to this game, and yet my heart falters, again.
Read MoreA year prior to my diagnosis I met one of my lowest moments. We had secured life insurance that doubled Mike’s protection. We had backed out of all of life’s commitments besides Mike’s career. We talked to people about it. We prayed about it. All of our ducks were in a row and I applied to a major health research institute. I was worse than I’d been yet and we didn’t expect me to survive the year. So, we threw all financial caution to the wind in our last stitch effort to find an answer. This institution holds promise for healing AND the ability to destroy my family’s financial future. I worried about their financial future in my wake. So, this decision was as monumental as any major life change might be. I had yielded to our financial fate. I had hoped for answers and healing.
Read MoreI hope we see with new eyes because of what I lived in this wilderness. I hope we approach circumstances with fresh optimism and vigor because of it. I hope we draw greater strength from our past learnings because of this wilderness. This walk will be deep. Grab a life-jacket and wade in with me, if you wish. We’re a long way from shore.
Read MoreComing to terms with my new state of existence was confusing. It didn’t make sense to me or the people around me. The doctors couldn’t find ANYTHING wrong with me. I questioned myself. I questioned healthcare. I questioned God. And I slept.
Read MoreLife has taken me on a tortuous journey for the past eight years. In recent layoffs at my Fortune 50 employer I could choose to re-locate within the company or take my severance and run. I chose to run. Not at all because I hated my corporate career. Instead, because I chose to pursue a path prompted and encouraged by many strong voices in my life. My road has diverged from corporate America to pursue a career as a speaker and writer. About what shall I speak and write? Growing grace and grit through limits.
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