Voice of Truth: 23rd Edition, Quarter 1 2026

Dare to Dream • Created to Shine

OUR MISSION

EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE

A unified, global women’s ministry empowering one another to follow Christ and to love in abundance; cultivating women warriors in their purpose by His promise and power.

Join us!

Visit our website at womenworldleaders.com to find out how you can get involved!

Daily Devotionals

Enjoy our daily devotionals shared by Kimberly on our Facebook page, website, and email list!

Follow Along!

@womenworldleaders @womenworldleaders womenworldleaders.com

Speaking

Our Global Office Team is willing to speak at women’s events or conferences. We are a team unified in His love and will intentionally pray about any presented opportunities to speak at your next event.

Contact: connie@womenworldleaders.com

Seasonal Events

Join us at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, FL for our seasonal events for a time of praise and worship, prayer, guest speakers, and gathering.

Listen to the weekly podcast!

Experience God’s extravagant love and your exquisite purpose through the Women World Leaders’ podcast that focuses on teaching, inspiration, and encouragement. Our prayer is that as your intimacy with God grows, your love for one another will flourish, enabling you to live out a courageous, purpose-driven life, fueled by the Word, led by the Spirit, and propelled forward into your God-given destiny through fearless faith! From His heart to yours, we are Women World Leaders!

womenworldleaders.com/learn-with-us/podcasts/

Letter from the Founder

by Kimberly Ann Hobbs — FOUNDER, WOMEN WORLD LEADERS

Dear Sisters in Jesus our Lord,

As we are well into a new year, living for Jesus our Lord, this is a letter to encourage you to “Spring up” with new beginnings. I am urging you to check your identity as a new creation in Christ; leave behind old failures and fears to walk in freedom, purpose, and divine strength, trusting God for immeasurably more in every area of your life (Ephesians 3:20). Embrace life as you radiate His love and become an agent of change for His glory. May you saturate yourself in His presence and allow the joy of the Lord to become your total strength as you read the pages of Voice of Truth.

We can get caught between who we’ve become in Christ and our old life, so may we take each day as if it were a new little baby, with our hearts ready to burst into life and grow from the moment of birth. May our old bodies die to the self they once knew, no longer fitting into our old skin or allowing the pressures from changes to keep us from becoming a new creation in Christ. Don’t let past mistakes cause you to fail backwards. Continue to shed your old skin, no matter how difficult it is, and emerge with a new, rejuvenated look, expanding your body to dream bigger and better with who you will become in Jesus.

I know the ache of yesterday’s shadows because I once lived there. And today, I can encourage you from a place of experience that you, too, can transform, no matter what your mess-up may have been. Don’t allow doubt to penetrate your mind. Just like spring is new,

YOU CAN LIVE FULLY IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE AND SEE GOD’S WORK IN YOU.

your relationship with Jesus is new each morning. Look back at the old self or the woman you once were and rejoice that the Lord has placed a new calling upon you.

Believe the impossible is possible. Dream with God and be an agent of change for His glory. Be living proof of who you are in Christ Jesus, letting your spark ignite the hearts of others. It is our hope as you walk confidently through the pages of this magazine and read the voices of the many women who have learned and grown in Christ Jesus that you will realize your dreams aren’t too bright and your joy isn’t too bold. You can live fully in the newness of life and see God’s work in you. I humbly ask that you allow us to share our joy and experiences with you from our place of growth and new beginnings. None of us is just improved or reformed; we are new creations in Christ every day.

Dream with God and be an agent of change for His glory.

We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18 TPT).

May you walk with Jesus through the pages of this edition and grasp the beauty of the messages within from the Scriptures and experience.

Written

in love,

Kimberly Hobbs

LOVE NOTE

This is what Women World Leaders and the Voice of Truth are all about: Connection. Fellowship. Relationships.

~ Marli Brown

CARTA DE NUESTRA FUNDADORA

Queridas hermanas en Jesús nuestro Señor,

Ahora que ya estamos bien entrados en un nuevo año, viviendo para Jesús nuestro Señor, les escribo esta carta para animarlas a “florecer” con nuevos comienzos. Las exhorto a que reconozcan su identidad como nuevas criaturas en Cristo; dejen atrás los fracasos y los miedos del pasado para caminar en libertad, con propósito y fortaleza divina, confiando en que Dios les dará mucho más de lo que pueden imaginar en cada área de sus vidas (Efesios 3:20). Abran sus brazos a la vida, irradien Su amor y conviértanse en agentes de cambio para Su gloria. Que se sumerjan en Su presencia y permitan que el gozo del Señor sea su fortaleza total al leer las páginas de Voz de Verdad.

Podemos quedar atrapados entre lo que nos hemos convertido en Cristo y nuestra antigua vida, así que tomemos cada día como si fuera un nuevo bebé, con nuestros corazones listos para estallar en vida y crecer desde el momento del nacimiento. Que nuestro viejo ser muera a lo que fuimos, que ya no nos sintamos cómodas en nuestra antigua piel ni permitamos que las presiones de los cambios nos impidan convertirnos en una nueva creación en Cristo. No permitan que los errores del pasado las hagan retroceder. Continúen despojándose de su vieja piel, por difícil que sea, y emerjan con una apariencia nueva y rejuvenecida, expandiendo sus horizontes para soñar en grande y mejor con quienes llegarán a ser en Jesús

Conozco el dolor de las sombras del ayer porque una vez viví allí. Y hoy, puedo animarte desde mi propia experiencia, asegurándote que tú también puedes transformarte, sin importar cuáles hayan sido tus errores. No permitas que la duda se apodere de tu mente. Así como la primavera trae consigo una nueva vida, tu relación con Jesús se renueva cada mañana. Mira hacia atrás, a la persona que fuiste, y alégrate de que el Señor te haya dado un nuevo propósito.

Cree que lo imposible es posible. Sueña con Dios y sé un agente de cambio para su gloria. Sé la prueba viviente de quién eres en Cristo Jesús, dejando que tu luz ilumine los corazones de los demás. Esperamos que, al recorrer con confianza las páginas de esta revista y leer los testimonios de tantas mujeres que han aprendido y crecido en Cristo Jesús, te des cuenta de que tus sueños no son demasiado grandes ni tu alegría demasiado intensa. Podrás vivir plenamente en la novedad de vida y ver la obra de Dios en ti. Te pido humildemente que nos permitas compartir contigo nuestra alegría y nuestras experiencias desde nuestro camino de crecimiento y nuevos comienzos. Ninguna de nosotras simplemente ha mejorado o se ha reformado; somos nuevas criaturas en Cristo cada día.

Todos podemos acercarnos a él con el velo quitado de nuestros rostros. Y sin velo, todos nos convertimos en espejos que reflejan con brillantez la gloria del Señor Jesús. Estamos siendo transformados a su misma imagen, pasando de un nivel de gloria a otro, cada vez más resplandeciente. Y esta gloriosa transformación proviene del Señor, que es el Espíritu.

(2 CORINTIOS 3:18 TPT ESPAÑOL)

Que al recorrer las páginas de esta edición, puedas caminar con Jesús, captar la belleza de los mensajes que contienen las Escrituras y experimentarlos en tu vida.

Escrito con amor,

Kimberly Hobbs

Leadership Connect

EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE

Gospel Grace

(WITH SPANISH VERSION)

AMANDA ZERILLI

Love Like Jesus DEE MILLER

Empowering Lives with Purpose

KIMBERLY ANN HOBBS

Beside Still Waters

RUSANNE CAROLE

Recovery Reflections

MELISSA GISSY WITHERSPOON

Chasing Butterflies Journals

CONNIE A. VANHORN

Following the Son

Dear Sister

Kingdom Promise: Abundance, Hope, and a Future

WILLIAMS HALE

Sons of the King

DR. JIA RICHARDSON

Voice of Truth Cover Story (WITH SPANISH VERSION) CONNIE A. VANHORN

Young Voices:

Up the Next Generation

Healing Heart and Soul

A Beautiful Mess

PRUKNER

Ever Interceding

BROWN

More of You, Lord

SAWYER

General of Joy

Faith and Family

Musings on the Book of John

A Focus on Him

Women World Leaders CREDITS

EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE

VOT Founder, WWL Founder and CEO

Kimberly Ann Hobbs

Executive Assistant, WWL Ambassador

Connie Van Horn

Graphic Designer

Kelly Williams Hale

Spanish Translator

Johana Torres

Editor

Kelley Rene

Editor, Proofreader

Kaye Hollings

Editor

Kerri Bridges

Proofreader

Jo Anne McKinney

Proofreader

Shelly Haas

Giving Acknowledgments

Arlene Salas

Women World Leaders

Ministry Coordinators

CEO

Kimberly Ann Hobbs

Executive Assistant, WWL Ambassador

Connie Van Horn

Business & Finance

Lisa Hathaway

Prayer

Diana Brown

Connection Coordinator

Janet Berrong

Events

Jessica Morneault

Graphic Designer

Kelly Williams Hale

GOSPELGrace

Amanda Zerilli

If you feel broken, please read this:

For so many years, I thought God hated me. So I hated Him right back. There was a time when my life felt like a collection of broken pieces: sharp, scattered, and impossible to put back together. I come from a deeply broken family and was shaped by trauma on many levels. Abuse, pain, silence, and survival marked my early years. I learned how to endure, protect myself, and keep moving forward, but not how to be whole. At a very young age, I decided I was worthless. On the outside, I functioned. On the inside, I was fractured.

I DID NOT KNOW THAT BROKENNESS IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY; IT IS OFTEN THE BEGINNING.

The gospel of Jesus Christ entered my life not as a set of religious rules, but as living truth. The gospel is simple, yet it changes everything: God created us for a relationship with Him. Then sin entered the picture, and our brokenness, choices, and the harm done to us separated us from a relationship with Him. But God loved the world so deeply that He sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge that separation. Jesus lived a perfect life, took our sin upon Himself, died on a cross, and rose again so that we could be forgiven, restored, and made new.

I remember the moment I learned that God had a Son named Jesus and that He died, not out of obligation, but out of love. Love for me. I always thought, How could He ever love a girl like me?

But He even loved the parts of me that felt unlovable. Love for the child I once was, who carried wounds no one could see. In that moment, everything shifted. Not because my circumstances instantly changed, but because for the first time, I was not alone.

Welcoming Jesus into your heart does not mean your problems disappear. It does not erase pain or magically undo trauma. But it does mean you no longer have to fight alone. It means God steps into your story with you. He gives you strength where you have none. He brings light into places you thought would always stay dark. He begins a work of redemption while beautifully taking what the world meant for harm and transforming it for good.

Jesus did not just die to forgive sins; He died to restore identity. Through Him, I discovered that I was not defined by what was done to me or what I did to others, but by who He says I am: Loved. Chosen. Redeemed. Whole. (in tears now)

The gospel transformed me the way a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. There is no going back. When God begins His work in you, He does not simply improve you; He makes you new. The pain I endured growing up left deep marks on my heart and mind. The abuse stained me on every level—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. It is truly heartbreaking to look back at those years, but the beauty of the gospel is this: God does not waste pain. He redeems it.

Piece by piece, God put me back together. Not by erasing my past, but by healing it. Not by denying what happened, but by meeting me in it. He took my broken pieces and formed

something stronger, softer, and more beautiful than I ever imagined. He taught me how to forgive, how to trust, and how to love without fear. He showed me that my story, though painful, could become a testimony of hope.

The gospel is the reason I am the woman I am today. It is the reason I am the mother and pastor I am today. Every ounce of patience, compassion, courage, and grace in my life flows from Jesus. He changed how I see myself. He changed how I love others. He changed how I raise my child—I now raise her with intention, safety, faith, and hope.

Jesus does not promise an easy life, but He promises a full one. He promises to walk with us, strengthen us, and carry what we cannot.

JESUS SEES YOU. HE LOVES YOU. AND HE IS READY TO MEET YOU RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.

BY AMANDA ZERILLI

He promises redemption, meaning nothing you have endured is meaningless. Nothing. Every tear is seen. Every wound matters. And every life can be restored.

The gospel is not about perfection; it is about surrender. It is about turning away from sin, not out of fear, but out of love, and choosing to live in the freedom Christ offers. When you choose Jesus, you are not left to figure life out on your own. God gives you the Holy Spirit—a helper, counselor, and guide who lives within you, reminding you of truth, comforting you in pain, and leading you day by day.

If you are reading this and feel broken, unseen, or weary, know this: Jesus sees you. He loves you. And He is ready to meet you right where you are. Open your heart and join me in praying this Prayer of Surrender and New Life:

Jesus,

I come to You just as I am.

I acknowledge that I need You. I turn away from my sin, my old ways, and my brokenness, and I open my heart to You. Thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your life for me. Thank You for the cross, for forgiveness, and for grace. I receive Your love, Your mercy, and Your salvation. Jesus, be the Lord of my life. Teach me how to walk with You every day forward. Heal what is broken in me.

Redeem what has been hurt by this world and by others. Holy Spirit, come and fill me. Give me strength when I feel weak, peace when I feel afraid, and wisdom as I learn to follow You. I choose to live for You. I choose freedom. I choose new life. Amen.

If you prayed this today, know this: I am so proud of you. Heaven rejoices over you. And this is only the beginning.

Amanda Zerilli

JESUS DID NOT JUST DIE TO FORGIVE SINS; HE DIED TO RESTORE IDENTITY.

Gracia del Evangelio

Amanda Zerilli

Site sientes destrozada, por favor, lee esto:

Durante muchos años, pensé que Dios me odiaba. Así que yo también lo odiaba. Hubo un tiempo en que mi vida parecía una colección de pedazos rotos: afilados, dispersos e imposibles de recomponer. Provengo de una familia profundamente disfuncional y fui marcada por el trauma en muchos niveles. Abuso, dolor, silencio y supervivencia marcaron mis primeros años. Aprendí a soportar, a protegerme y a seguir adelante, pero no a sentirme completa. Desde muy joven, decidí que no valía nada. Por fuera, funcionaba. Por dentro, estaba hecha pedazos.

NO SABÍA QUE LA FRAGILIDAD

NO ES EL FINAL DE LA HISTORIA; A MENUDO ES EL PRINCIPIO.

El evangelio de Jesucristo entró en mi vida no como un conjunto de reglas religiosas, sino como una verdad viva. El evangelio es simple, pero lo cambia todo: Dios nos creó para tener una relación con Él. Luego, el pecado entró en escena, y nuestra fragilidad, nuestras decisiones y el daño que nos hicieron nos separaron de esa relación con Él. Pero Dios amó tanto al mundo que envió a su Hijo, Jesús, para salvar esa distancia. Jesús vivió una vida perfecta, tomó sobre sí nuestros pecados, murió en la cruz y resucitó

para que pudiéramos ser perdonados, restaurados y transformados.

El evangelio de Jesucristo entró en mi vida no como un conjunto de reglas religiosas, sino como una verdad viva. El evangelio es sencillo, pero lo cambia todo: Dios nos creó para tener una relación con Él. Luego, el pecado entró en escena, y nuestra fragilidad, nuestras decisiones y el daño que nos hicieron nos separaron de esa relación con Él. Pero Dios amó tanto al mundo que envió a su Hijo, Jesús, para que uniera esa separación. Jesús vivió una vida perfecta, tomó sobre sí nuestros pecados, murió en la cruz y resucitó para que pudiéramos ser perdonados, restaurados y transformados.

Recuerdo el momento en que supe que Dios tenía un Hijo llamado Jesús y que Él murió, no por obligación, sino por amor. Amor por mí. Siempre pensé: ¿Cómo podría amar a una chica como yo? Pero Él amó incluso las partes de mí que me parecían indignas de amor. Amó a la niña que fui, que llevaba heridas que nadie podía ver. En ese momento, todo cambió. No porque

EL EVANGELIO ME TRANSFORMÓ COMO UNA

ORUGA SE TRANSFORMA EN MARIPOSA.

mis circunstancias cambiaran instantáneamente, sino porque, por primera vez, no estaba sola.

Recibir a Jesús en tu corazón no significa que tus problemas desaparezcan. No borra el dolor ni deshace mágicamente el trauma. Pero sí significa que ya no tienes que luchar sola. Significa que Dios entra en tu historia contigo. Te da fuerza donde no la tienes. Trae luz a lugares que creías que siempre permanecerían en la oscuridad. Comienza una obra de redención, transformando maravillosamente lo que el mundo quiso usar para el mal en algo bueno.

Jesús no murió solo para perdonar pecados; murió para restaurar mi identidad. A través de Él, descubrí que no me definía lo que me habían hecho ni lo que yo había hecho a otros, sino quién dice Él que soy: Amada. Elegida. Redimida. Completa. (Ahora lloro de emoción)

El evangelio me transformó como una oruga se transforma en mariposa. No hay vuelta atrás. Cuando Dios comienza su obra en ti, no solo te mejora; te hace nueva. El dolor que sufrí durante mi infancia dejó profundas huellas en mi corazón y mi mente. El abuso me marcó a todos los niveles: emocional, mental y espiritualmente. Es realmente desgarrador recordar esos años, pero la belleza del evangelio reside en esto: Dios no desperdicia el dolor. Lo redime.

Pieza a pieza, Dios me volvió a reconstruir. No borrando mi pasado, sino sanándolo. No negando lo que sucedió, sino acompañándome en medio de ello. Tomó mis pedazos rotos y formó algo más fuerte, más tierno y más hermoso de lo que jamás imaginé. Me enseñó a perdonar, a confiar y a amar sin miedo. Me mostró que mi historia, aunque dolorosa, podía convertirse en un testimonio de esperanza.

El evangelio es la razón por la que soy la mujer que soy hoy. Es la razón por la que soy la madre y la pastora que soy hoy. Cada pizca de paciencia, compasión, valentía y gracia en mi vida proviene de Jesús. Él cambió la forma en que me veo a mí misma. Cambió la forma en que amo a los demás. Cambió la forma en que crío a mi hija; ahora la crío con intención, seguridad, fe y esperanza. Jesús no promete una vida fácil, pero sí promete una vida plena. Promete caminar con nosotros, fortalecernos y cargar con lo que no podemos. Promete redención, lo que significa que nada de lo que has soportado carece

de sentido. Nada. Cada lágrima es vista. Cada herida importa. Y cada vida puede ser restaurada.

El evangelio no se trata de perfección; se trata de entrega. Se trata de apartarse del pecado, no por miedo, sino por amor, y de elegir vivir en la libertad que Cristo ofrece. Cuando eliges a Jesús, no te quedas solo para descifrar la vida. Dios te da el Espíritu Santo: un ayudador, consejero y guía que vive dentro de ti, recordándote la verdad, consolándote en el dolor y guiándote día a día.

Si estás leyendo esto y te sientes quebrantada, invisible o cansada, debes saber esto: Jesús te ve. Él te ama. Y está listo para encontrarte justo donde estás. Abre tu corazón y únete a mí para orar esta Oración de Entrega y Nueva Vida:

Jesús, Vengo a Ti tal como soy. Reconozco que te necesito. Me aparto de mi pecado, de mis viejas costumbres y de mi fragilidad, y abro mi corazón a Ti.

Gracias por amarme tanto que diste tu vida por mí.

Gracias por la cruz, por el perdón y por la gracia. Recibo tu amor, tu misericordia y tu salvación.

Jesús, sé el Señor de mi vida.

Enséñame a caminar contigo cada día.

Sana lo que está roto en mí.

Redime lo que ha sido herido por este mundo y por los demás.

Espíritu Santo, ven y lléname. Dame fuerza cuando me sienta débil, paz cuando tenga miedo, y sabiduría mientras aprendo a seguirte.

Elijo vivir para Ti.

Elijo la libertad.

Elijo una nueva vida.

Amén.

Si oraste esto hoy, debes saber esto: Estoy muy orgullosa de ti.

El cielo se regocija por ti.

Y esto es solo el comienzo.

LOVE LIKE JESUS

by Dee Miller

LOVE DEEPLY

In a conversation with my 92-year-old aunt, she commented, “When I was young, that was called a sin.”

I responded, “It is socially acceptable now.”

Despite my response, the behavior she was commenting on is a sin in the biblical context, and sin is sin. Biblically, nothing has changed; so how we, as believers, identify sin should not change either. But the conversation reminded me that, despite anyone’s sin, God calls us to love—and it isn’t always easy.

Practically, what does love in action look like?

We are taught in Romans 12:9, Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good (NLT). Reading on, we receive further instructions, such as being patient in trouble, continually praying, and seeking to live in harmony.

Jesus set a perfect example of how to love others. He forgave those who persecuted Him and purposely visited with the outcasts. He never was swayed by others’ opinions; He knew what His Father was directing Him to do and was obedient.

I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DAY MY HIDDEN LIFE WAS EXPOSED.

I AM AND WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL THAT GOD RESCUED ME FROM MY SIN-FILLED LIFE.

I strive to love like Jesus. And I know that I fall short. My failures could cause me to stop trying, but I choose to allow them to fuel my desire to change, to do better when another opportunity comes.

Jesus knew everything about everyone He interacted with, yet He loved each person without ever announcing their sins to the public. For example, when He met the woman at the well (John 4) and told her what He knew, their conversation was private. And we often read of Him praying for others and offering forgiveness and guidance to go and sin no more, allowing His love to cover their sins.

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

(1 PETER 4:8 NLT)

I am and will be forever grateful that God rescued me from my sin-filled life. I will never forget the day my hidden life was exposed. Someone felt the need to share with a couple I was in business with that I was a transman. Did she do this to feel better about herself? It’s possible. She shared a home and was in a sexual relationship with a man she was not married to—her sin was open for all to see. Perhaps she wanted to uncover my sin to distract from her own. One thing is certain: Her condemnation did not help me experience a closer walk with God. Would her love have?

The man she gave the information to confronted me in a crowded restaurant. He stood up at the head of a table of twelve, pointed his finger at me, and shouted how he felt about me, saying I was a poor excuse for a human being. It was humiliating on so many levels. No one stopped his rant. No one stood up for me. He

said I was the most disgusting person on the entire planet—not exactly the way to convince someone they need Jesus in their life. Though he labeled himself a Christian, he did not love as Jesus instructs us.

What was his motive for taking hidden information and spreading it widely? Do you think he prayed for me or longed for me to seek Jesus? Was his goal to usher me into righteousness? I can’t imagine so.

As a Christian, what should he have done? What should we do when we are made aware of sin? He could have confronted me privately, with the love of Jesus. He should have prayed for wisdom, asking God to show him how to proceed, if at all. He should have loved me enough to cover my sins, loved me by praying that I would come to know the truth of who God created me to be and live a fruitful life.

How we react to an individual’s sin can make all the difference in their spiritual journey. Do you seek to love others unconditionally? Do you pray for them to find a meaningful relationship with the Father? Or do you expose their sin so that everyone else can see it? If you desire to expose the sin of others, ask yourself what your motive is and consider if your actions could harm or even destroy their—or any onlooker’s—spiritual journey.

To love like Jesus takes discipline. Let’s pray for each other and ourselves, that we will all continue to grow in our ability to love one another by holding tightly to what is good.

Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

(JOHN 13:31,35 NLT)

Dee Miller was rescued from a transgender identity by Jesus Christ. She resides in St. Louis, MO where she founded MJM Ministry to help individuals, parents and churches navigate the landscape of transgenderism. Everyone knows someone affected by transgenderism. MJM Ministry was born out of a passion to see others find freedom. Visit mjmministry.com for additional information or to contact Dee.

LISTEN TO WOMEN WORLD LEADERS PODCAST—EVERY MONDAY!

Experience God’s extravagant love and your exquisite purpose through the Women World Leaders’ Podcast that focuses on teaching, inspiration, and encouragement.

Our prayer is that as your intimacy with God grows, your love for one another will flourish, enabling you to live out a courageous, purpose-driven life, fueled by the Word, led by the Spirit, and propelled forward into your God-given destiny through fearless faith! From His heart to yours, we are Women World Leaders!

Visit: Or listen now!

womenworldleaders.com/learn-with-us/podcasts/

Do you feel you’re on the edge? Pray, trust without doubt, and hold onto your faith.

Empowering Lives Purpose with

by Kimberly Ann Hobbs FOUNDER, WOMEN WORLD LEADERS

God, Are You Taking Me to My Limit?

SometimesI wonder why God often takes me so close to the edge. I always come away with the same answer: He wants my faith in Him to grow. At least that is my theory!

I know it’s hard to grasp that God is working for your good when you feel like you are on the edge and facing an absolutely overwhelming crisis—one you can’t seem to control, stop thinking about, or conquer! Along with the realities of my own life, I hear countless stories from others, which brings me to the conclusion that I am not alone in this thought.

When I emerge with Jesus through all the adversities I face, I see that God takes me so close to my edge so that He can get the glory. I once prayed a prayer in my darkest hour to God, asking Him that if He got me through it, I would give Him all the glory for the outcome. Thankfully, God DID get me beyond my circumstances, and I did give Him all the glory, and I do and I do and I do, ongoingly! My resolve didn’t stop the first time I prayed a prayer promising that I would glorify Him no matter what. I pray that same thing ongoingly, and I pray that I will continue this practice until He calls me home—no matter what edge I get to.

When we realize that God calls us to live a life on the edge that is pleasing to Him, and we acknowledge Him as a mighty, impressive, sovereign, and powerful God who is capable of anything, He will use us. Do you believe God can use you? Do you want Him to use you? That makes all the difference in how you pray. We must mean every

BY KIMBERLY ANN HOBBS

word when we talk to God. He is the God who holds the universe in the palm of His hand. He doesn’t share His glory with just anyone. Are you among the faithful who mean what you say and even promise to God? You can be sure that God holds each of us accountable for our words and actions.

As I’ve walked this journey of life, I have been through many trials that have hurt me to the depths. I have learned what faith is as I’m out there standing on the edge of a ledge. It is where I’ve learned to let go of my reliance on stuff and discover the joy of placing my life into the hands of the One who is faithful beyond measure.

From a place of experience, I can tell you that God has taken me to the edge because He is God, and that’s what He decided. When I learned to always see God as loving instead of punishing, it was then that I was able to turn my trials into testimonies. I embraced what God taught me, knowing there would be a purpose and a plan along with the pain, and He would get the glory.

Do you feel you’re on the edge? Pray, trust without doubt, and hold onto your faith.

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him and whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.

(PROVERBS 3:5-6 TPT)

In challenging times, we know that we need faith. We know we want faith! God tells us in His Word that you must have a “focused” faith. This comes with a promise from Him that if we have faith inside of us no bigger than the

size of a small mustard seed, we can say to the mountain to move away from here, and it will be done.

He told them, “It was because of your lack of faith. I promise you, if you have faith inside of you no bigger than the size of a small mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move away from here and go over there,’ and you will see it move! There is nothing you couldn’t do!”

(MATTHEW 17:20 TPT)

If you’re on the edge right now, yet your genuine faith IS placed in God, believe that only HE is powerful enough to overcome any of your enormous obstacles. Trust in God’s power, not your own strength or anyone else’s, and know with all your heart, mind, body, and soul that nothing is impossible with Him.

Women World Leaders COMING SOON

INNER HEALING

Dear Voice of Truth readers,

We are excited to introduce a new column: “From Hurting to Healing Now... A Journey Into Emotional Freedom and Soul Healing,” which will begin in the next edition of Voice of Truth. This column represents a new arm of the Women World Leaders ministry led by Crista Albritton Meadows and Lori Nolan.

This journey began in 2025 after Crista and Lori met Kimberly Hobbs at the Kingdom LeadHERship conference. Since then, God has opened doors for WWL to offer online group sessions as well as individual inner healing and deliverance sessions. Our mission is to empower women to find emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical healing. Crista’s teaching and anointing facilitate the healing process, while Lori’s coaching skills empower health in body, mind, and spirit.

We invite you to join our next FREE 4-week Inner Healing Session on Zoom. Details are available at womenworldleaders.com and in our Facebook group: Inner Healing: Breaking Chains. Emotional Freedom. Soul Healing. Additionally, these teaching topics will appear regularly here in Voice of Truth.

If you are interested in a one-on-one session, please reach out to us via email at fromhurtingtohealingnow@gmail.com. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to heal our souls so we can become all God created us to be.

Blessings and love,

Crista and Lori

ARE YOU WAITING ON GOD FOR A BREAKTHROUGH?

What if God is waiting on you to take a step of faith? Lori Nolan and Crista Albritton Meadows are partnering with the Holy Spirit to uncover ties that hold God’s children bound. With their guidance, I was able to discover and break a root of bitterness and shame I hadn’t recognized before, propelling me on my healing journey. I highly recommend working with them.

~ Dee Miller, Women World Leaders Board Member

Crista Meadows

Crista has spent nearly 20 years ministering to women through leading small groups, teaching bible studies, and speaking. She is a preacher and teacher as well as an author Relying on her own testimony and years of experience, Crista’s passion is to see emotionally wounded women set free by the power of God!

Lori Nolan

Lori has been a beacon of hope for holistic health solutions for 20 years. Lori empowers people to uncover root causes of imbalance and embrace lasting transformations through the seven pillars of health: physical, mental, and spiritual.

Beside Still Waters

I AM CALLED by Rusanne

Carole

God beckons each of His girls with a different calling

A different, yet unique and specifically designed road to travel

With gifts and strengths given to build His kingdom

A mother—whether to a child or to spiritually nurture others

A friend—who encourages and lifts those around her

A worker—who shares the gospel message, for the harvest is ripe

I am called

By name—my Saviour knows me personally and intimately

On purpose—He planned this before I entered the world

For a purpose—to resemble and reflect His character and ways

I am His daughter

I am called

Beautiful, fearfully, and wonderfully made in His image

The apple of His eye

Nothing can separate me from Him

Sealed with His Spirit

Provided with holy armour

Surrounded by angels

I am called

Called—to witness about His amazing glory

Called—to pray for all people

Called—to sing in both the sunshine and the turbulent storms

Called—to praise the One most deserving of praise

I am called

To offer myself as a living sacrifice

To repent and turn to Him daily

To forgive myself and others, as difficult as it may be

To display the fruits of the Spirit for all to see

I am called

Sometimes pain and hurt will come from others—

Through words and actions that sting our hearts and fracture relationships

But I fear God, not man

I know who I belong to, and He sees it all

So I choose Him daily

And remember over and over again

I am called

I am called HIS!

Safe and secure, always

For I am HIS!

ReflectionsRECOVERY

by Melissa Gissy Witherspoon

SEEDS OF HOPE:

THE HEALING POWER OF PRAYING FOR OTHERS

What if the very thing we are praying for in our own lives is unlocked when we begin praying for someone else?

Inrecovery, this question carries much weight. We spend so much time learning how to heal ourselves and how to rebuild our lives… yet Scripture reminds us that healing often comes when our focus turns outward through mentorship and stewardship of others. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects (James 5:16 RSV).

This powerful verse invites us to pause and reflect. What might begin to change within us if we loosen our grip on our own struggles and choose instead to lift the burdens of others to God? Prayer is not only about seeking relief for ourselves; it is about connection. It’s about stepping outside of our own pain and into a shared space of compassion and grace. In that sacred exchange, something shifts. Through the unity of the Holy Spirit, prayer becomes transformative, drawing us closer to one another and gently reshaping our hearts in ways we may not even realize at first.

In my active addiction, life was painfully selfcentered. Survival became my focus. Every thought and every emotion revolved around getting through the next moment. There was little room to see beyond my own fears and needs. My prayers, if I prayed at all, were often

desperate pleas aimed solely at instant relief or escape. But through recovery, I have learned that growth rarely happens in isolation. It happens in connection, in community, and often in the quiet spaces where prayer takes root.

Recovery opens a different world for us. Step by step, we stop turning inward and begin to look toward something greater than ourselves. Through community, shared stories, and prayer, something deep within us begins to heal. And when we come to understand that praying for others is one of the most sacred ways that transformation unfolds, it gently pulls us out of ourselves and places us into a relationship with God and with one another. When we pray for someone else (yes, even our enemies), we are planting seeds of hope, seeds that God faithfully tends to in His perfect time.

Scripture shows us this truth clearly. Job endured unimaginable loss with his health, his family, his livelihood, and even his reputation. Yet in the midst of his suffering, scripture tells us that Job prayed for his friends. And in that selfless act of prayer, restoration began, not only around him, but within him. And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10 RSV).

I see this same truth reflected in my own recovery journey. There are seasons when it would be easy to focus on my own burdens. And I do bring my petitions honestly before God, as Scripture invites us to do. But I have learned that something in me changes when I intentionally set aside time to pray for others— not rushed prayers or casual mentions but deliberate intercession for others.

When I pray this way, my circumstances do not always change immediately… but my heart does. My perspective widens, and gratitude

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or a substance use disorder, there is hope! Recovery is possible, and, as Jesus taught, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV). For information on mental health issues or substance use disorder, visit the national website for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at https://www.samhsa.gov/ or call the national hotline at 1-800-662-HELP.

grows almost instantly. In serving others through prayer, God quietly works miracles in places I never expected—sometimes in their lives, sometimes in mine, and often in both.

This truth isn’t limited to those of us in recovery. Whether someone is healing from addiction, walking through grief, carrying overwhelming stress, or simply trying to live a faithful life, praying for others truly matters. It is one of the most intimate and selfless ways we remain connected. It costs us nothing, yet it carries eternal weight. Praying for others softens our hearts and reminds us that we are part of something far bigger than our own struggles. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 RSV).

In a world that often feels fractured and heavy, this kind of prayer becomes an act of holy obedience. It declares that no one walks alone and aligns our hearts with God’s heart, gently moving us from isolation into unity which is the very opposite of addiction. Each prayer becomes a seed. Some are planted in tears, some in hope and others simply because love compels us to act. We may not always see the harvest, but God promises that what is planted in faith will grow. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6 RSV).

And perhaps the most beautiful thing about praying for others is this: Our prayers are not confined to those we know by name. Distance doesn’t limit love, and names aren’t required for compassion. In fact, in this very moment of writing this, I am praying this prayer for you:

Lord, I lift up the one reading these words right now. You know their heart, their burdens, and the prayers they carry quietly within them. I ask that You meet them exactly where they are, bringing comfort where there is weariness, hope where there is uncertainty, and Your perfect peace where there is heaviness. Teach them the power of praying for others, even when their own heart feels tired and weary. And as they lift others up, may they feel Your presence, Your strength, and Your gentle reminder that they are never alone. Amen.

As we continue walking this faith journey together through praying for each other, may we remember the quiet power of intercession, not only asking God to meet our needs, but trusting Him enough to carry the needs of others as well. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9 RSV).

Keep going… keep growing… one act of service, one prayer, one seed of hope—planted one day at a time.

BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S

BURDENS,

AND SO FULFILL THE LAW OF CHRIST.

(GALATIANS 6:2 RSV)

Melissa is Founder/CEO of nonprofit Sober-Now, motivational speaker, social media influencer (@Sober-Now on FB and IG), bestselling, award-winning author of I’m Sober…So Now What? series (A Journey of Hope and Healing & Unity in Recovery), co-author of bestseller Faith Unchained, contributing author of international bestseller Miracle Mindset, and contributing author of bestseller Hope Alive. To stay in touch with her, visit Linktr.ee/sobernow or email Melissa@Sober-Now.com.

Kingdom LeadHERship

Stepping Joyfully Into God’s Calling

God’s calling for your life is far greater than you can imagine. Being a kingdom leadHER begins with an awareness that God placed something valuable inside you. Kingdom LeadHERship: Stepping Joyfully Into God’s Calling is a collection of voices of women who have said yes to God in various seasons and circumstances, which will encourage and propel you into your calling.

You were born with purpose and designed with intention. Whether your leadHER ship unfolds in ministry, your home, the marketplace, or the quiet spaces where no one else sees, God will guide and sustain you, and all of heaven will celebrate your yes.

We invite you to learn and grow from our stories as you joyfully step into your own calling to Kingdom LeadHERship.

Chasing Butterflies Journal

by Connie A. VanHorn

Dreaming Big with Daring Faith

When I was a little girl, I was a big dreamer. I would often get lost in my daydreams, envisioning all sorts of possibilities for my future.

My daydreams rescued me in many ways, as they took me away from the harsh realities of my difficult circumstances and allowed me to escape to a place where anything was possible!

Let me tell you, the places I would go in my daydreams were always spectacular. I imagined being a princess living in a castle, and I dreamed of traveling the world and meeting a prince. As I grew into my teenage years, my dreams evolved; I envisioned myself running off to Hollywood to become a movie star. I believed in that dream so deeply that I jumped on a Greyhound bus and headed to Los Angeles, California, the day I turned 18 years old!

While I did not become a movie star, the beauty is that I believed I could. God had other plans for me, though. He wanted me to dream big and to strengthen my faith. He wanted me to believe in the impossible. I had faith before I had God—I like to call it “flexing faith muscles!”

In Scripture, Jesus tells us the importance of having childlike faith:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

(MATTHEW 18:3 NIV)

Dreams are a gift from God, and I am so excited to share these words with you all: GOD WANTS YOU TO DREAM BIG!

I hope this truth ignites monumental dreams within you!

God is a big God, and He wants us to ask Him for big things! That’s exactly what I did… I asked Him if I could write a book!

Have you ever felt a dream deep in your heart, one that seems too immense or bold to accomplish? We all have been there, including me. The enemy is constantly trying to discourage us from accomplishing God’s purpose and vision for our lives!

I want to share my journey of daring faith and dreaming bigger! In Habakkuk 2:2-3, the Lord said, “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (ESV).

Years ago, before I started serving with Women World Leaders, I had a BIG dream:

I wanted to write a book about God!

I would record in my journal daily, “I will write a book.”

At the time, I didn’t fully believe in myself or understand the meaning behind having a God-sized dream. I didn’t have much education or resources either, but deep down, I knew my dream came from God. I had daring faith that He was working for me, so I was obedient in writing down my vision.

“I WILL WRITE A BOOK!”

Fast forward to the day I received the opportunity to write a chapter in a book for Women World Leaders. The book was titled Victories: Claiming Freedom in Christ.

That truly was a moment when I claimed my freedom. It was life-changing.

The opportunity ignited a fire in me. What started as writing one chapter grew into writing in several more books as well as this ongoing article in Voice of Truth. All those years of putting pen to paper about God in my composition notebook finally made sense to me. I had titled each one of my notebooks, “Chasing Butterflies”—the very title of this column! God had already been preparing me for my big dream!

What’s incredible is that God never laid out the exact details of my dream for me. He simply placed the vision in my heart: “I will write a book.” He never mentioned it would be a whole book, but I actually almost have enough chapters published to make a whole book!

God is so good and faithful! He invites us to dream, and when we do, amazing things can happen. Our ministries can grow, families can be healed, and entire communities can experience revival. The possibilities are endless when we align our dreams with God’s purpose. In Jeremiah 32:17, Jeremiah prays to the Lord, “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power

and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (ESV).

In my life, I’ve learned that having daring faith is essential to accomplishing just about anything. Imagine what could happen if we all started dreaming bigger together! God created the heavens and the earth in just seven days; He wants us to share our bold visions. When we dream, we grow the kingdom of heaven; that’s truly why we are given dreams—for God’s glory.

Dream bigger, ladies! Nothing is impossible for our Father!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With

man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

(MATTHEW 19:26 ESV)

Embrace daring faith and dream big. You were created to shine so brightly! Write down your visions, hold onto your dreams, and trust in God’s timing. Remember, even the smallest dreams can lead to big blessings and beautiful miracles. God is waiting to fulfill your dreams beyond anything you could ask or imagine!

Connie A. VanHorn is the executive assistant to Kimberly Hobbs, the founder of Women World Leaders. She is a Best-Selling author, serves as a WWL ambassador, administrator and is also on the board of directors and Leadership Team! But her favorite title is “Mom!" To contact Connie, you can email her at connie@womenworldleaders.com.

FOLLOWING the SON

photo and writing by

Michele Hughes

REJOICE

In2025, I had the incredible experience of exploring various parts of breathtaking Oregon with my husband as we celebrated our wedding anniversary. God went with and before us, providing us with a remarkable time of rejoicing and a keepsake of this photo to commemorate it.

I planned the whole trip, but my husband had one request: to see and experience Timberline Lodge. So one particular day, we planned to be at Multnomah Falls at 9:00 am when they opened, stop at a lavender field in Mount Hood, and arrive at the Timberline Lodge by noon, where we would enjoy lunch, ride the ski lift, and hike the mountain.

To our surprise, we woke up early that morning and decided to head out and see what God had planned; perhaps we could get into the Falls earlier than we had expected. Fortunately, when we arrived at 8:00 am, they were letting people in. We beat the crowds, hiked the area, and went on our way.

Since we then had an extra hour, we stopped at a spot overlooking Hood River. As I was walking away from the car, the sun was about to appear over a huge cliff; THIS is what I saw! It was as if God was saying, “I have gone before you and made a way. Rejoice and be glad in it.” God’s love and creation are beyond my comprehension; He provided the most beautiful experience for us.

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.

(HOSEA 6:3 NIV)

MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS TO WOW YOU. AND WHEN HE DOES, REJOICE!

The rest of the morning included visiting the lavender fields, stopping at a fruit market, and frolicking with goats. We arrived at Timberline Lodge by noon, where we spent three and a half hours experiencing a beautiful afternoon.

The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

(PROVERBS 16:9 NASB)

Looking back at that extra hour, we know that God had planned for us to experience that astounding sunrise and give us a remarkable day. Thank you, Lord, for waking us up early!

Michele Hughes, a #1 best-selling author, resides in Jupiter, Florida, with her husband. They own and operate GoLifeSavers.com, where Michele has taught CPR classes since 2011 as the lead instructor. Michele holds a master’s degree in education and serves on the Leadership Development team in Women World Leaders. She loves the Son/sun, family, paddle boarding, travel, and encouraging others.

"Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men."

(PSALM 139:19 NKJV)

Dear Sister

by Dr. Jia Richardson

Dear sister,

I want you to remind Satan that he is a loser. SATAN! I HAVE NEWS—YOU’RE GONNA LOSE! Do you not know that God has set you up to win against every plot and plan of the enemy? Do you not know that Satan has no dominion or authority over you unless you give it to him? He was only able to do to Job what He did because God allowed it. He is not ruler over your destiny, and his only purpose is to keep you from the best of God.

Sister, don't give the enemy what is not his due or portion. You do deserve the best of God. You have been sanctified and redeemed by God's best, and His grace and mercy are renewed for you daily. You don't owe Satan anything. All that God wants in return is your love and obedience. God slays the enemy on your behalf. You are in a can'tlose battle. I know that sometimes nothing looks like God said it would, but I dare you to trust God at His word. I dare you to allow your confidence to rest in the power and faithfulness of God. Take authority over the mountains and speak to them. Take authority over everything that seeks to rise up against the principalities of God. Speak to the bloodthirsty men. Tell them to BACK OFF! You are the daughter of the King!

Love You,

Dr. Jia

Women World Leaders and World Publishing and Productions presents:

IMPACTED

Women World Leaders books are touching lives around the world by creating a burning flame of positive change.

True impact ignites a fire that cannot be extinguished, a burning desire that spreads to others encouraging them to go out into the world and make a difference.

You are in place for a purpose. God has purposes that He is accomplishing through your life and He will sovereignly put you in places for the spread of His glory.

We invite you to read testimonials of personal encounters with God through powerful stories courageously shared. Esther 2:17 reminds us as He placed Esther in position to be queen, God has a purpose for us to do more than we can imagine!

This edition's IMPACTED stories include:

n Maxwell Morphies with Unstoppable Leaders: Pressing Forward with Power

n Anavay Taffe with Unstoppable Leaders: Pressing Forward with Power

n Cindy Rosenthal with Hope Alive: Debilitated to Exhilarated with God

n Natalie Barnhard-Castrogiovanni with Faith Unchained: Climbing to Freedom by God’s Grace

Please contact us if you have read any of our books and would like to share how you have been impacted through a story or a teaching.

Email us at: Connie@womenworldleaders.com

Maxwell Morphies n Unstoppable Leaders

IMPACTED

Story

I attended the Band of Brothers Boot Camp in Florida in November of 2024. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, although I assumed it would be a mix of Boy Scouts + Jesus. And for the most part, that is exactly what it was. We learned so much about ourselves and each other and were able to be vulnerable, which is exactly where healing can take place.

Iwas early in my walk with God, and seeing other men humble themselves to talk about the realities in which we live was extremely refreshing. Many people may think a man is supposed to act strong all the time, but this camp showed that from childhood, we often experience pain and trauma, and it gave us a safe space to recognize this, examine our hearts with God, and actually plant seeds that, in their due season, would produce multitudes of healing.

I attended with the father of one of my good friends. He was my "accountabilibuddy" for the week. We actually knew nothing of each other except for shared relationships. Stanley VanHorn and I bonded, individually had our hearts touched by the videos and lessons we had the privilege of experiencing, and together talked about our own personal topics as they arose. He had written in the Unstoppable Leaders book about his experience, and wow, what a raw, unfiltered, and vulnerable story. I learned some of these things, but when you stop to read his entire story, it will touch your heart and show just how amazing God truly is.

Throughout all of the chaos of life, God never stopped chasing Stanley's heart and speaking life, forgiveness, truth, and clarity amidst his battle with depression. It's truly a testament that

wherever you are in life, Jesus can pull you through to the other side. Focus on Him, His Word, and His promises will drive your heart to live another day and see what God can do with your broken pieces. God is a master at making something broken into something completely new and beautiful.

As for me, the VanHorn family has made an incredible impact on my life. From Stanley himself, with his testimony and friendship throughout the Band of Brothers, to his daughter Connie, who set a fire inside me for Jesus through her love for Him, to her daughter, who showed me what true friendship was when I struggled even to wake myself up to live another day. All of these individuals have sparked the unconditional, sacrificial love of Jesus in my life. And Jesus has used Band of Brothers and Women World Leaders to fuel them. As I mature in faith, I aim to set my eyes on Jesus and to do His will for my life, extending the same example I have been shown by my wonderful friends who introduced me to the most gentle, humble, and loving man, Jesus Christ.

If you are struggling today, or early in the faith and don't know left from right quite yet, I implore you to grab onto Jesus as tightly as you can, including His Word, His promises, and His people. Jesus can fix the broken pieces that you have no idea what to do with. Through your relationship with Him, He can and will restore pieces you didn't even realize were broken. It is my earnest prayer that no matter your age in or outside of the faith, we can all ground ourselves on the eternal truths set forth by our loving, gracious, patient, and faithful heavenly Father and extend that same love and compassion to ourselves, our friends, and even those with whom we may have disagreements.

Love is the answer, and God is love.

(1 JOHN 4:8)

StoryIMPACTED Anavay Taffe n Unstoppable Leaders

Afterreading the testimonies, including Ken Hobb’s and Brian Wheeler’s, in Unstoppable Leaders: Pressing Forward with Power, I was in awe. Perhaps I’m a little biased, but I bought the book because my brother-in-law, Brian, had a hand in this special book project. I was excited to read his testimony and to support my other brothers in Messiah who prayerfully poured into this book.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

(1 THESSALONIANS 5:11 NIV)

When I read testimonies from other people, oftentimes I find myself being able to relate to one thing or another. With that relatability, I’m given a profound sense of hope, which always seems to happen when I need it most. I am reminded of how resilient Yahweh has made His children and the unconditional love that He has for us. I couldn’t help but smile when I read Ken’s testimony and got to the part when he talked about his four years of wandering, how he met Kimberly, and then married her just three months after. All of this was so relatable!

In 2018, I gave my life to Yahshua, ending my own four years of wandering. Soon after that, I met my second husband on a Christian dating site; within three months, we were married. It wasn’t until reading Ken’s testimony and seeing how Yahweh has been using him and Kimberly in ministry that I started reflecting on my second marriage. I believe without a doubt that Yahweh had His hand all over it and had planned for my former husband and me to live a life of ministry together, but he wasn’t ready for that call. Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way we hope; that’s ok because Yahweh reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8-10).

Brian said it best in his testimony: “Oftentimes, when Satan can’t get you off course, he will go after all the people in this world who will.” What a powerful reminder. Even though some things are appointed by Yahweh, sometimes the enemy will use other people to distract or confuse us from our calling, which is why having a faith community is so important. I have found that community with Women World Leaders.

When storms hit, most people run for shelter. But like the mighty bison of Yellowstone that charge directly into approaching storms, true leaders do something extraordinary—they run toward the chaos.

In these pages, twenty-three men share their raw, unfiltered stories of adversity transformed into opportunity. These aren’t tales of fearless heroes, but of faithful men who discovered that God’s strength is perfected in weakness. Each story reveals how ordinary challenges become extraordinary breakthroughs when faced with Biblical courage.

Jesus modeled this counterintuitive leadership—touching lepers, confronting injustice, and choosing the cross over comfort. He calls you to the same radical faith that turns setbacks into comebacks and obstacles into opportunities.

As storms come through your life, the question is: As the Unstoppable Leader God has called you to be, will you flee, or will you harness His divine power, Pressing Forward with Power?

Cindy Rosenthal n Hope Alive

IMPACTED

Story

WOMEN WORLD LEADERS: MAJOR IMPACT ON MY LIFE

Revelation 3:7 (NKJV) says, “He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens,” which refers to doors of opportunities God opens for us to walk through. I know that God Himself opened the door for me to be connected to Kimberly Hobbs and become a part of Women World Leaders.

Through Women World Leaders, my life has been impacted in ways I never could have imagined. I thank God every day for Women World Leaders and the many women I have met in this ministry.

Over the past three years, my life has changed; I have done things I never thought I would do, including writing articles for Voice of Truth. I had never written for a publication before; talk about a major life impact.

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

(PHILIPPIANS 2:13 NKJV)

I have had so many opportunities to serve in Women World Leaders in different capacities, the most life-changing was being a contributing author in two books: Hope Alive: Debilitated to Exhilarated with God and Faith Unchained: Climbing to Freedom by God’s Grace.

I had never thought of myself as a writer. I had never thought of myself as someone who had anything worthwhile to share, but I learned that we all have God-stories. Beyond the amazing opportunity to learn to write was the literal life-changing joy of meeting the women in these projects. I will NEVER forget the joy, the openness, the vulnerability, and the closeness I felt to these women. To this day, I reflect on those opportunities and am oh so grateful to God for them.

As I go through 2026, I look forward to continuing to serve in Women World Leaders. I am so excited that I am going to be a part of the planning team for a very exciting upcoming event. I pray that I can continue to serve in Women World Leaders and wherever God opens doors.

For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

(EPHESIANS 2:10 NKJV)

Hope Alive

Debilitated to Exhilarated with God

Hope is more than thoughts of something you want to happen. Hope is an assurance, a steadfast and most certain anchor in your soul that solidifies the reality that God is your refuge. God is the source of our hope.

As you read the pages of this book, you will see firsthand how God brings Hope Alive to every person who is yearning for a reason to go on.

The stories and teachings in this book will empower you to cling to God and His promises, allowing you to spring into the light of hope. You will see the Sonshine of light beckoning as you burst from the same soil that once gripped you and hear God’s voice that will bring Hope Alive to your soul.

Natalie Barnhard-Castrogiovanni n Faith Unchained

IMPACTED

Story

This article is in loving memory of our beautiful friend and sister, Natalie. She was a true leader, friend and author with Women World Leaders!

Natalie was living proof that someone can go through some of the worst and most difficult moments, yet still remain kind, full of love and unchained faith. Natalie loved this ministry and the work that she was doing in the world. She kept saying, over and over, that God had put the pieces of her life together so she could get to where she was and do what she was doing to help others.

Natalie Barnhard-Castrogiovanni:

A Warrior Woman, A Leader of Many, A Light to the World

Natalie’s life came with great hardship and sacrifices, but also extraordinary purpose. After a severe spinal cord injury left her paralyzed and facing daily challenges without resources for herself, she founded the Motion Project Foundation. Natalie was bold and courageous and built something that would impact lives for generations to come. She became a relentless advocate, a compassionate leader, and a tireless servant for the Lord!

What began as a call from the heart became a movement: more opportunity for recovery, more care for the body, mind, and soul of those with lifelong injuries. Motion Project was not simply an organization to her. It was her mission, her ministry, and her legacy.

Natalie was a beautiful woman of faith and she loved Women World Leaders. She trusted God’s purpose in every aspect of her life—even in the valley. She wrote and spoke about that trust with boldness and humility and was excited to do more for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Her faith was unchained and tested, but it fueled her willingness to say yes and be an obedient vessel for the Lord. Even when so much was taken from her, she chose—repeatedly—to help others find their way. And, boy, did she RISE! She was a bright light not only in our community but across the globe.

Natalie was a best-selling author in Faith Unchained: Climbing to Freedom by God’s Grace and planned to write again in our next book. Her words, her story, and her presence proclaimed a simple truth: it doesn’t matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, God can and will use you. She was proud of that!

Natalie was a very special and important part of our ministry. She was introduced to Women World Leaders when God nudged a friend from her hometown to reach out. Natalie’s friend, Gia Wheeler, is a Women World Leader and a best-selling author who understood the power of an overcomer’s story because she had shared her own. Listening to the Holy Spirit, Gia encourage Natalie to share her story. Knowing it might be difficult for her to write as a quadriplegic, Gia offered to help. She trusted that if God wanted Natalie’s story written, He would work out the details.

God has shown me that no obstacle is too great for His grace.

Gia connected Natalie with Kimberly Hobbs, the founder of Women World Leaders. It was a God-inspired connection, and without hesitation Natalie knew she must write her story for the glory of God and to testify in Faith Unchained how God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Her “yes” to God will live on through the lives impacted by Faith Unchained. By faith, Natalie wrote her story despite every reason the world might have given her not to. She did it and in God’s perfect timing. None of us know our day of departure in this life, but God does. Natalie’s story was published six months before Jesus brought her home.

Natalie, you finished well, and your heartbeat for Jesus continues through Faith Unchained. Well done, good and faithful servant of Jesus, our Lord.

We honor Natalie by carrying forward her courage, her service, and her faith. We pray her story will continue to inspire others to serve boldly, lovefiercely, and lead with humility.

Natalie will be dearly missed and always remembered. If you haven’t read her story in Faith Unchained, we encourage you to do so. It will bless and inspire you.

Here's an exerpt from Natalie's chapter, titled: Perfectly Imperfect!

If you are facing a challenge, know that God has a plan for you. Each of our stories is a bit different, but we can trust that the challenges and questions can all be answered by turning our faith to Him and letting Him break our chains. Your pain and struggles do not have to be the end of your story. They could be the beginning of something you might have never even imagined.

Lean into your faith, seek support, and remember—you were made in God’s image. He made you ON purpose and WITH purpose. He will never let you go.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

(ISAIAH 40:31

NIV)

God has shown me that no obstacle is too great for His grace. His peace is rooted in his unchanging character, which is not dependent on our circumstances. When we struggle, we simply need to pray to Him to receive His beautiful and perfect peace that will guard our hearts.

He can and will break the chains binding you and keeping you from living the purpose He has designed for you. I pray my story inspires you to face your own challenges, no matter what they are, with courage and hope, building your faith so you may also become unchained.

I am perfectly imperfect—a testament to faith and the human spirit. My story is one of loss and pain, struggle and perseverance, healing and restoration. Through God’s grace, I have gone from despair to living a life full of purpose. And so can you!

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13 NIV

Fly High Natalie and we will look forward to seeing you in heaven!

We love you!

Faith Unchained

Climbing to Freedom by God's Grace

God sees every chain wrapped around your heart—shame, fear, grief, addiction, regret—and He’s longing to set you free.

Faith Unchained: Climbing to Freedom by God’s Grace is more than a book; it’s a lifeline for weary hearts ready to rise. On these pages, you’ll discover powerful testimonies from women who have walked through fire and found freedom—not because life became perfect, but because their faith became unshakable.

With raw, honest stories and biblical teachings, this book speaks directly to the modernday battles of identity, worth, forgiveness, and healing. The words within don’t present a quick fix; they offer hope—real, lasting hope that you will rise from the weight of the past and walk in Christ’s promised freedom.

Nonna’s kNOWledge

by Carolyn Joy

Do people know you love Jesus?

The phrase “talk the talk, walk the walk” means that a person should support what they say not only with words, but also with their actions. In essence, it speaks to integrity—demonstrating sincerity through how we live, not just what we profess.

There is a popular Christian song from the 1960s that proclaims that Christians can be known to the world by the way they love others. That raises an important question: Do people know that you love Jesus? Or, more importantly, do you have a genuine relationship with Jesus—and do others see that you have a relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords? As Revelation 19:16 (NKJV) declares, And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

As followers of Christ, our daily prayer should be that the love of Christ would shine through our lives in all we say and all we do. Admittedly, living this out is not always easy, but it is the calling we strive to walk in each day.

When you are driving down the road and a car speeds past you, cutting you off, what is your first reaction? Is it to get angry and mutter a few choice words? Or is your immediate response to pray for the people in that car, recognizing that they may be rushing to a medical or family emergency? While exceeding speed limits is certainly breaking a law, the question remains: Do we respond with anger, or do we extend grace?

When a friend or neighbor welcomes a new baby or becomes ill, what is your first thought? Is it to bless them by bringing a meal or asking how you might help? Or do you simply go on with your day, giving them little or no thought?

And when someone in church—perhaps someone you don’t know very well—needs help, what is your instinctive response? Do you immediately think you don’t have the time? Or do you feel compelled to give of your time and perhaps your resources, to lend a helping hand?

Love is what we do and what we say.

Nonna’s Chuckle:

I was shopping in a grocery store with my 6-year-old granddaughter when she noticed two nuns dressed in full habit, wearing large cross necklaces. She had never seen a nun before and had no idea who they were or what they represented, but she suddenly exclaimed, “Look, Nonna— they love Jesus!”

The innocence of a child is a powerful reminder that people are watching and listening to how we live long before they are willing to listen to our testimony or the message we share about Christ.

In Luke 10:30–35 (ESV), Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’”

This parable is far more than a story about a kind man. It is a lesson about the posture of the heart—a heart willing to care, a heart willing to sacrifice, and a heart willing to love. The Good Samaritan gave both his time and his money to help someone he did not know and had no obligation to help.

At that time, one denarius was roughly equivalent to a full day’s wage and could purchase about a day’s supply of food for one person. In modern terms, that amount is often estimated to be the equivalent of $50-$100 in U.S. currency. Consider that for a moment. How many Christians today would willingly sacrifice two days’ wages, along with their time and effort, to help someone they did not know—especially someone they might have misgivings about or preconceived judgments against?

Is it easier for you to help and show love to those you like or know than it is to help and show love to those you may be at odds with—or those you do not know at all?

The word “love” appears frequently throughout the New Testament, though the exact number varies by translation. The word is written approximately 179 times in the King James Version, around 232 times in the New International Version, and more than 300 times in the English Standard Version, depending on whether related forms such as “loved,” “loves,” and “loveth” are included. The Greek words for love— especially agapē—appear hundreds of times across the New Testament, with a particular emphasis in the Gospel of John and his letters.

NONNA’S KNOWLEDGE

First Corinthians 13 gives us one of the clearest and most challenging descriptions of love:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends… So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 4-8, 13 ESV).

This is the standard by which we are called to love—not selectively, but fully and faithfully.

Admittedly, love does not always come easily. Jesus is our greatest example of love. He loved those who were considered sinners, such as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). He loved those who hurt Him, including the Roman soldiers who crucified Him. Even in His suffering, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 ESV).

Jesus also loved Peter, even though Peter denied Him. As Jesus foretold, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times” (Matthew 26:34 ESV). Yet despite Peter’s failure, Jesus restored him with grace and love.

Love comes from the heart. Love is revealed in how we act. Love is what we do and what we say. Love shapes how we think and how we treat others. Love is a challenge, and love is a sacrifice.

When we truly learn to love the way Christ loved, more people will be drawn to know the Christ who empowers us to love in this way.

Carolyn Joy is a Southwest Florida Real Estate Agent, mother of three married children, and Nonna to eleven grandchildren. She serves in her church and helps lead a women’s Bible study in her community. She’s also a published author. The Overflow of the Heart and Let Your Heart Overflow with Joy are both devotional journals that encourage scripture memorization and writing prayers. Her fiction novel, Out of the Grey Zone, demonstrates God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

Misunderstanding doesn't have to win!

Discover tools that will help you live a life where misunderstanding loses, and understanding, respect, hope, love, joy, authenticity, and healing win. Stop being driven by a scarcity mindset, and begin living from a place of abundance. Go on the offensive to dethrone Gray Divorce, stopping the upward trend of late-in-life divorce.

This book empowers you to transform the interactions in all your relationships, shifting them from adversarial to win/win partnerships. Enhance the quality of your life by adopting a new perspective and learning to recognize and own your contributions in your daily experiences.

Don't let life's imperfections or relationship hurdles dissuade you from standing strong against misunderstanding. Don't Let Misunderstanding Win!

Don't Let Misunderstanding Win! by Diane Lawbaugh clearly shows how small misunderstandings can quietly grow and explode within relationships. Through relatable examples—such as the "caveman hunting" mindset and the simple act of choosing a restaurant—I gained a deeper understanding of how my husband thinks, while also learning to better understand myself.

This book taught me how to recognize potential misunderstandings before they escalate and respond with greater clarity and grace. It was the missing piece of the puzzle that made a meaningful difference in my relationship.

~ K. Khan

"Diane's dedication to learn a new way of thinking about relating, and every moment of courage it took to implement them, are truly inspiring. And now I am moved by her generosity in sharing the journey, insights, challenges, and victories with others. If, even in hopelessness, you have a fraction of her determination, you can benefit immensely from her book."

Alison A.

Armstrong, The Queen's Code Creator and Co-Founder Pax Programs, Inc.

Available through World Publishing and Productions, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Faith and Family

by Donna Whartenby

Peace in This World

As today’s media reports from around the world, little is said about peace. Yet even now, as it was long ago, our hope is still in peace and joy.

Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah called Jesus the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is quoted in John 14:27 (NLT) saying, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Jesus offers us this gift of lasting peace even in this chaotic world. And though our actions fall short of God’s standards, Jesus Christ brought us salvation, and we can accept this gift of internal peace from Him.

Jesus taught His disciples that true peace comes from a relationship with God, not from circumstances or conditions of the world. It is only through faith in what Christ Jesus has given to those who believe in Him that we can have peace, even during our time of struggles in this world. Psalm 34:14 (NLT) teaches us:

Turn away from evil and do good.

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

Second Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT) tells us,

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation.

Christ, the Prince of Peace, came to earth to bring us

inner peace in a chaotic world and to give all believers hope in eternal life.

Your faith in Jesus Christ brings spiritual well-being and harmony with God and yourself. This internal peace comes from your heart, resulting in calm and tranquility despite the struggles and chaos around you. Colossians 3:15 reminds us: And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful (NLT). Believers in Christ can keep a daily focus fixed on Him as provider, protector, merciful and gracious Father, and Prince of Peace.

This internal peace governs our life, promotes unity, and instills gratitude in Christ and other believers. You no longer need to dwell on the worst news the media can bring. You will no longer focus on past mistakes and regrets. You can stop being anxious about things you cannot affect either today or tomorrow, leaving behind your fears and worries. By focusing on God, you can develop a willingness, a heartfelt compassion, and a commitment to live in and surround yourself with peace through Jesus Christ.

While you trust Jesus’ provision and protection provided through your relationship with Him, focusing on His presence in your life will become the source

of peace, calm, and tranquility you’ve been longing for. Jesus’ presence gives you the endurance to get through each day, one day at a time, peacefully, and also allows you to teach your children and grandchildren that they, too, can experience peace in Christ Jesus.

Christ, the Prince of Peace, is our source of peace. He came to earth to bring us inner peace in a chaotic world and to give all believers hope in eternal life. His peace is both a gift and a responsibility; it is part of God’s design for your life.

If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, invite Him into your heart; He will give you peace as you begin your relationship with Him. Seek and trust Him today. Ask for His gift of peace and hope in eternal life as you trust in Him.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him

(ROMANS 15:13 NLT)

Donna is an Amazon #1 best-selling author of Unshakable: God Will Sustain You. With her education degree, she taught public school and corporate education. Now retired, Donna leads women’s ministry in their walk with Jesus. She loves teaching Bible studies, playing the piano, and singing. Donna lives in Florida with her loving husband, Keith. Their son, Bill, and wife have three wonderful grandchildren with whom they love to vacation together.

by Connie Hecker

Musings on the Book of John

Temptation

JOHN 6:15 NIV

AJesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

t the beginning of Jesus’ second year of public ministry, right after He fed the 5000 as the Passover was approaching, we come to this significant verse—John 6:15. In this one, oft-read-over-tooquickly verse, John says a whole lot that he felt was important for us to know. Think about it.

How did the crowds who had followed Jesus perceive Him?

What was the “audience” response? Encore! Encore?

How sincere were they in their desire for more?

Like their ancestors who followed Moses after the very first Passover, this crowd followed Jesus into the wilderness and were fed. The symbolism was not lost on them. They were thrilled. Elated. They did not want their time with Him to end. What might they have been thinking? Perhaps: Why should this end? Let’s have more! Make Him King! Messiah time! This could solve all our problems, not just the personal and physical ones, but the political ones as well! Isn’t that the plan Moses promised?

Jesus understood. He knew the hearts of men. He always has, and He always will.

Jesus was being offered, by man, the temporary power of a king. This crowd was willing to stage a coup to put their man on the throne of worldly power: Jesus,

God as man. For Him, as for any other man, this was a temptation—like the three temptations He faced in the wilderness as He prepared for His ministry (see Matthew 4:1-11; and Luke 4:113). Satan had not given up trying to corrupt Jesus’ mission.

The wilderness temptations aimed to get at Jesus through the physical (hunger and thirst), then through an offer of power, and then through an appeal to pride. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well while He was thirsty and hungry after His long journey (John 4), He chose to minister to her with God’s plan. Here in John 6, the people’s physical needs have been met, and Jesus, knowing the hearts of men, must respond to their determination—even by use of force, if necessary—to make Him a political king.

Think about this from a worldly perspective. Wasn’t it God’s plan for the Messiah to be King, anyway? What would be the harm in varying ever so slightly from God’s plan and crowning Jesus more quickly and comfortably?

What does Jesus choose to do?

He walks away.

He puts distance between Himself and His “audience.”

The “performer” leaves the “stage.”

He even leaves His own disciples. He needs to be alone.

Because Jesus was fully man, He had a choice to make. As a human, He had the opportunity to stand in obedient commitment to the mission God had given Him. Jesus, because He was fully man, had to live the same battles of temptation we do, yet He lived them without sin. Without the mistakes we make. And it wasn’t easy. He went on the mountaintop alone to do battle with the enemy of our souls for us all. He took on that battle for me and for you. He clung to God, and the power of God overcame the power of Satan. Jesus, in His human flesh, fought against Satan. And God won.

Jesus has won my battle. Does that mean I won’t have temptation or that there is no danger? No, my example is in following Christ. He has accomplished the work. If I find myself tempted to be called off course by the appeal of the crowd, the demand of the audience, or the lure of success and powerful influence, I, too, need to get alone with God. Spend focused time with Him. Clear my mind of worldly things and seek His will and plan for me.

Strength will come as we turn to God. With Him is refreshment and assurance from the only source worthy of our focus.

A STRONG WIND WAS BLOWING AND THE WATERS GREW ROUGH.

Stormy Seas

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

This next event has got to be one of the craziest situations in the book so far. From the disciples’ point of view, after a miracle meal, Jesus left without them. Nothing is mentioned about where or when they were to meet Him. Did they feel abandoned? It had seemed that the moment, timing, and support were all in place to solve the Jewish problems with Rome and rid themselves of their oppressor. They did not understand the real oppression, its size and scope. Yet now, instead of taking the power at His fingertips, Jesus has left the disciples and gone off alone.

Abandoned. Confused. The disciples may have been arguing among themselves in the boat as they struggled against both the storm of emotions and the physical storm on that shallow, dangerous lake. Picture this: Expert fishermen are rowing three or four miles offshore when in rolls a nasty storm. It’s dark and windy, and the sea is choppy. Everything in the sea around them is being tossed about, just like they are—both inside and out. Nothing makes sense.

Then, somehow, Jesus shows up. He is walking on top of all this.

What storms and efforts do I struggle with?

In what area am I straining and pulling, putting in my best effort yet still feeling no progress despite how hard I pull at my oars?

Jesus is there. He announces Himself, and the disciples let Him into their boat, their situation. Will I let Him into my circumstances?

When I am in a storm, do I notice Jesus? When I do notice Him, will I recognize Him and invite Him into my situation? My boat? What happens when I do?

When we let Jesus in, just as amazingly and humanly impossible, we too shall find ourselves immediately at the place where we need to be. The disciples let Jesus into their boat and immediately found themselves ashore, about six miles away. They were barely halfway to their destination when they noticed Jesus, and, instantly, they arrived. My, how time flies when we put our trust so fully in Jesus!

Lord, I need you in all my situations, in all my circumstances. Please come into the boat of my current situation. Yes, I am willing for you to be in my circumstance and take me where you need me to go. Thank you for walking to me through life’s storms.

Connie Hecker, MFA, is a Scenic Designer, recently retired from teaching at Liberty University. She is a mom, stepmom, and grandmother. Her “first career” was in interior and industrial design. Her “second” was as Manager of Operations and Maneuvers (note initials) in her extended family. Her “third” was as a professor. Now she is discovering what God has in store as her “fourth.”

A FOCUS ON HIM

and writing by

Lillian Cucuzza

and He has a plan for us.

Lillian’s passions are nature photography and serving God. She is an international award-winning photographer, a best-selling author, illustrator, and a regular contributor to Voice of Truth magazine. Lillian uses her photography and writing talents to glorify and honor God for His beautiful creation.

Visit, like, and follow her websites: www.LillianCucuzzaPhotography.com, www.HisCreationsLLC.com, Facebook and Instagram: @HISCreationsLLC, or email her at Lillian@HisCreationsllc.com.

TRAPPED

While taking photos of a Great Blue Heron at our local recreation center, I noticed a shadow on the ground to my right of a large bird frantically flapping its wings. Hoping it was a Bald Eagle flying overhead, I looked up to the sky but saw nothing. Turning around to see where the shadow was coming from, I noticed a Barred Owl flying to and fro inside a batting cage, trapped and trying to find a way out. Evidently, it chased its prey into the cage and was unable to locate an escape hatch. The owl flew to the top of the netting, to the sides, to the back, and then to the pitching fence, where it would rest for a moment before repeating the routine.

Meanwhile, a Red-Shouldered Hawk sat on a pole nearby, and an American Kestrel hovered above, waiting for the demise of the Barred Owl. The look in the owl’s eyes was one of complete despair. Immediately, I called the recreation center to rescue the imprisoned owl. Their team arrived quickly with keys, opened the batting cage, and pulled the netting back so the owl could fly to freedom.

Have you ever felt trapped in your situation, feeling total despair, thinking there was no hope and no escape route? Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you, that He doesn’t care or even hear your prayers?

The Psalmist wrote and cried out to God about such bleak distress in Psalm 88. And yet, the prayer begins, Lord, you are the God who saves me (Psalm 88:1 NIV). He admitted that although sometimes godly persons live lives of unrelenting trouble, they can still grasp the hope that God is Savior! (Read Psalms 84-89.) Even though the Psalmist was in deep anguish, regardless of his circumstances, he turned to God and praised Him for His goodness and mercy, His unfailing love and faithfulness, calling God his Savior!

My pastor constantly reminds us that when you can’t see God’s hand, you can trust His heart! When we turn our focus away from our troubles and towards God with praise and worship, our attitude and heart will change as we become confident that we can trust God with the outcome.

Our situations may be desperate, but we can trust Almighty God completely. He knows our problems, hears our prayers, and sees our tears. He is not surprised by our troubles.

At times, it may seem like God is nowhere to be found. But we have only a small human glimpse of the total picture, and sometimes we can’t see beyond our noses. God sees the whole picture from the highest view, and He has a plan for us. We may not like His answer or timing to our prayers, but we can trust the Father knows best! God’s timing is perfect. He is never early, and He is never late!

The Apostle Paul, with a cheerful heart amid all the troubles he endured, summarized the hope he held in his heart in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV): Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Paul was excited because, by comparison, the eternal glory is far greater than all the suffering one may face in this life! A friend gave me a pin this past Christmas with a card that so eloquently said, “The Permanent Solution for your temporary problem IS… Jesus!”

So how can we get rescued and set free? In John 14:6 (NIV), Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the Truth! As He told those who had believed in Him in John 8:31-32 (NIV): “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Ultimately, if we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone, we will spend eternity with Him. Jesus is the answer to our prayers; He is our freedom from sin and momentary troubles. He is the Truth that leads to salvation and eternal life. We are no longer trapped in hopeless despair. We have a hope, and we are set free indeed!

We are to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12 NIV).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (ROMANS 15:13 NIV)

Through a Mother's Eyes

by Diane Cheveldayoff

Time is of the Essence

Mostof us recognize that family time is important, but are we intentional in planning time together? Whether families are scattered or live close to each other, we all face many challenges getting together. It is not enough to want family time; to have everyone in the same place at the same time, we must prioritize it. It’s far too easy to let jobs and responsibilities, hobbies and activities, and even finances get in the way. Spending time together can seem like an impossible task. One of the biggest challenges in my family is overcoming our geographical locations as our loved ones live in Florida, Alaska, Illinois, Hawaii, and Vancouver Island, Canada.

Recently, we decided to organize a family mission trip followed by a vacation together. We began planning early in the year, setting agreeable dates and a location everyone felt would have the desired impact. We progressed with the itinerary, but after months of planning, it became apparent that the timing for the area we had in mind was not the best. Although discouraged and with the date sneaking up on us, we forged ahead with researching a second destination. Unfortunately, this too was soon eliminated due to scheduling, costs, and unknowns. We needed an entirely new destination and a reevaluation of the dates. Meshing five schedules

seeing the need and wanting to adapt and fill that need.

while agreeing on a location, all within a month, was not an easy or quick task, but we were determined as we felt God press us to not give up.

We began praying specifically—not only for the content, details, and those we would minister to, but for our family’s decisions, impact, interactions, and conversations. The trip came to fruition, but due to various circumstances, not all were able to participate. And though there were reasonable justifications, it was tempting to feel like some had not adequately prioritized our family time. Still, my husband, two of our three daughters, and I experienced such beautiful moments together.

Despite having heard the Holy Spirit guide us where to go, there was such opposition. In retrospect, it’s easy to understand why the enemy didn’t want the trip to happen. We had no idea until the first night of the mission exactly why and how it would all come together, yet lives were changed as we ministered to others and even to each other. Along the way, we trusted that if our obedience touched just one person, even one of our own, it would all be worth the effort. Isn’t that what Jesus taught us in Luke 15:4-7?

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep’” (Luke 15:4-6 NLT).

The joy my husband and I experienced was magnified by seeing our own daughters’ involvement. We ministered to over twenty young adults on multiple occasions and in various atmospheres with intensive teachings. The girls exhibited such transparency and vulnerability, speaking and ministering to the group. Hearing their views and wisdom created another family bond that multiplied the need for time together. They acknowledged, and now trust, that we see and hear them. Plus, we all experienced and saw God’s anointing on them. The family conversations that followed had so much depth and meaning. That connection will be a memory and a bond for years to come. Time together helps us all relate to where we are individually in life and be prepared to be there for each other when challenges are thrown our way.

As I write, we are still in the process of bonding from this trip. Due to all that we encountered as we ministered, we currently have more ministry ahead. In the past, needing to continue ministry amidst dedicated family time would have caused tension, but praise God, all sides now have a very different perspective, seeing the need and wanting to adapt and fill that need. To see this perspective grow in our daughters gives my husband and me a new fire to continue fanning their anointing.

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

(2 TIMOTHY 1:6-7 NLT)

Whether your children are young or grown, intentionally take time together! God will bless your efforts and your mission.

Diane is a professional meeting planner with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry—planning, contracting, and executing meetings and events worldwide. (www.ExecutiveDiamond.com) She and her husband Les have been married 31 years, have three beautiful adult girls, and work together in their ministry, HALO - Highway, Healing Arts Life’s Oxygen (www.HALOHighway.com). Although she never envisioned being a writer, Diane loves the impact made on lives in the various ministries of Women World Leaders and World Publishing and Productions.

ABUNDANCE, HOPE, AND A FUTURE

by Kelly Williams Hale

MIRACLES IN MISTAKES

When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul (Proverbs 13:12 TPT).

A couple of years ago, I had a conversation with my 25-year-old son, Dallas. He called to talk through a possible career opportunity—a full-time position that might be opening up where he currently works as a contractor.

As a mom, I treasure these moments. There is something sacred about being invited into your adult child’s world. Decisions can feel heavy at any age, and having someone to process with can make all the difference.

But this conversation surprised me.

“Mom,” he said kindly, “I don’t need advice. I just wanted you to listen.”

That stopped me in my tracks.

GOD WASN’T PUNISHING

ME. HE WAS REFINING

ME.

Like many moms, I can slip into fix-it mode quickly. I want to protect my children from pain—especially from mistakes I’ve already made myself. But as hard as it is to admit, wisdom often isn’t transferred through warnings. It’s learned through experience.

Years ago, when my daughter was struggling at 19, my mother offered me a simple but profound truth: “You are who you are today because of the mistakes you made.” (wow) At the time, I didn’t want to hear it, but now I understand how deeply accurate—and freeing—that truth is.

We all face seasons when circumstances stretch us beyond our limits. There are times when finances are tight, emotions run high, and hope feels delayed. In those moments, it’s easy to wonder where God is—or to believe He’ll only show up once we “get it right.”

One of the most defining seasons of my life came when I was a single mom, struggling financially. At the time, my daughter was 7 years old. I had made a series of decisions that, while understandable, were not the smartest. Among them was buying a car I wasn’t able to afford.

As a result of my (many) poor choices, my daughter went to live temporarily with family while I stayed with a friend in her small, studio apartment, where I slept on the couch.

I REMEMBER FEELING CRUSHED BY SHAME, REPLAYING EVERY MISTAKE IN MY MIND.

At the time, I was certain God was disappointed in me. What I couldn’t see then is what I understand now: God wasn’t punishing me. He was refining me.

One of the harder scriptures to wrap our heads around is James 1:2-3: Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (NIV). Wait, what? We’re supposed to consider it joy when we face challenges? Yes, we are. Our struggles are the stepping stones to trusting the Lord, which (in my life) definitely tested my faith.

That season revealed something else to me: My circumstances weren’t the challenge I faced; my thoughts were.

Fear, guilt, and overwhelm fueled a constant loop of self-condemnation. I thought I deserved what I was going through. The Bible tells us to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV).

Through counseling, prayer, and consistently reading my Bible, I began to recognize patterns in my thinking—patterns of worry, fear, and self-doubt. Over time, the truth of God’s Word began to replace the lies of the enemy.

There

is

no fear in love.

But perfect love drives out fear.

(1 JOHN 4:18 NIV)

My perspective and mindset started to change as I began to believe (TRULY believe) my identity is in Christ, not in what I’ve done… or failed to do.

A few years later, I found myself at another crossroads. I applied for a higher-paying position at an ad agency, believing it was my next step. When I turned in my resignation, my boss surprised me.

She refused it.

Instead, she advocated for me—offering mentorship, encouragement, and a significant salary increase. I drove home that day overwhelmed with gratitude, aware of God’s presence in a way I can still feel today.

That was truly a “But God” moment. It wasn’t that everything suddenly became easy—but I began to

recognize His faithfulness, in spite of my humanity.

Looking back now, I can see the greatest miracle wasn’t receiving financial provision or career advancement, but that God was renewing my mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

(ROMANS 12:2 NIV)

God took my mess and created a message. He transformed my negative self-talk from “I am not enough” to “I am His: a daughter of the King. And with Him, all things truly are possible (Matthew 19:26).”

We all have a story. And sometimes, it’s messy. But when we trust God with our mistakes, He redeems them—using our experiences to bring hope, healing, and perspective to others.

That is the miracle.

Kelly Williams Hale is a speaker, author, and life coach. Her teaching and online courses help Christian women walk in their unique calling to bring God glory. Her speaking topics include spiritual growth, emotional resilience, and leadership. Kelly is known for her ability to connect with audiences on a deep and meaningful level, and for creating a safe and supportive space for women to share their stories and experiences. She is happily married (third time’s a charm!), a mom of three – all born a decade apart. Kelly is living proof that past mistakes don’t define future success. You’re invited to visit thebebravelife.com for more information.

SONS OF THE KING

by Dr. Jia Richardson

Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”

2 SAMUEL 12:20-23

He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

Sons of the King, Get Up and Wash Your Face!

You will face battles that make you feel as if no matter what you do, you cannot win or even muster the strength to stand. Sons of the King, there will be times when you fast, pray, and even reach out to intercessors and prayer warriors, and yet that thing you have tarried and buried your soul for passes away. It can take everything from you to stand in faith while preserving your integrity and your dignity. Still, you stand, facing every place of opposition, naysayer, and mouth of defeat, believing God big.

Sons, you have big faith because you know that God has never failed you in anything. Sons, you have big faith because even when the how of the most destructive and defeating situations appeared to be dismal, God moved mightily.

But now, here you are wondering what the next of God is, because there are some unknowns you are facing and God does not appear to be moving the same.

Sons, no matter what, even if you have to let go and release what you have held so tightly….GET UP AND WASH YOUR FACE! God knows you loved hard, gave

your all, sacrificed it all, struggled in all of it, suffered alone, bore your soul, and cried what seemed like every tear from your heart….and still that relationship, job, position, move, shift, elevation, and dream died. GET UP AND WASH YOUR FACE because now is the movement of your next.

What died or didn’t happen was attached to the conception and birth of your NEXT. What has felt like the evaporation of your soul has been RHUA breath of God, inhaling life back into you. You can’t stay here wishing for what was, because now what you have experienced in the loss has strengthened you for the life of what is next in your hands to execute.

So, Sons of the King, GET UP, WASH YOUR FACE, AND EAT from the table of overflow and the well of living waters that God has for you. The delays of God are not denials; what feels like destruction is deliverance.

Sons of the King, you can’t go back; forward is the future that God always had prepared for you. So GET UP AND WASH YOUR FACE!

Women World Leaders COVER STORY

VOICE OF TRUTH

Dare to Dream: Created to Shine!

by Connie A. VanHorn

Did you know that God created you to dream? That’s right! Your dreams are not meaningless thoughts; they are part of who you are and what you were created to do.

Jesus taught, “Everything is possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23 NIV). When we align our dreams with God’s will, we can trust Him to help us accomplish the impossible.

God Himself is a dreamer, and you are made in His image.

God was a dream-big kind of guy when He created the earth. Each day, He envisioned something new, a beautiful world filled with light, land, water, and living creatures. He used His incredible imagination and brought forth plants, animals, and the beauty of humanity. He showcased His heart and dream for a beautiful and thriving creation.

Dreaming is powerful. God had a vision of what He wanted, and He brought it to life with intention and purpose. Our own dreams can become a reality just as God’s dream for the world did. But we have to believe in ourselves to dream big.

I recently met a woman with whom I had the sweetest conversation. She shared all the beautiful things happening in her life, and I did the same by telling her about Women World Leaders and how this ministry has impacted my life. I explained how everything started with a dream and that I’m still dreaming big for my future and the future of this ministry.

While talking to my new friend, I asked her if she had faith. She replied, “Yes, but I just get too distracted to dream these days.” How relatable!

Our world is full of distractions, especially with everything tech-centered, but if we have faith, then we can dream. Faith and dreams go hand in hand. God is calling you to remove the distractions and listen for His voice. You are made in His image, and as a daughter of God, you are called to dream as big as our Father.

God’s intention for each of us is to dream boldly and trust in His perfect plan for our lives, as the Lord stated in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV).

If you’re not dreaming, you’re not truly living… you’re just existing. Remember, Jesus said: “I have come that they might have life, and may have it abundantly” (John 10:10 NET). This abundant life comes through a BIG faith, the kind that takes baby steps. As Martin Luther said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the next step.”

Just take the next right step, even if it’s small!!

We are called to embrace big dreams with bold faith. When we align our dreams with God’s will, we can trust that He will provide everything we need, even if the outcome seems unclear. Even when it’s hard, or the storm is raging around us, we can dream through it.

As Women World Leaders, we embrace the mindset of God as we DREAM BIGGER! This ministry can’t grow without dreams, and neither can you.

Ladies, you are made for so much more! Take a leap of faith and dream boldly with God. See yourself through His eyes.

You are the daughter of a true King, and you were created to shine. Exercise your ability to dream and nurture that childlike faith that God calls you to have.

What are you dreaming for in your life?

Let’s dream together and live the life God has called us to!

Take small, intentional steps each day to bring your dreams to life. With faith, you can turn your dreams into reality. You have a purpose, and you were created to shine. So start dreaming!

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).

If you’d like to share your big dream with us and learn more about Women World Leaders, please contact Connie at connie@womenworldleaders.com

Den pequeños pasos intencionales cada día para hacer realidad sus sueños.

ARTÍCULO DE PORTADA

Atrévete a soñar: ¡Fuiste creada para brillar!

¿Sabías que Dios te creó para soñar? ¡Así es! Tus sueños no son pensamientos sin sentido; son parte de quién eres y de lo que fuiste creada para hacer.

Jesús enseñó: «Para el que cree, todo es posible» (Marcos 9:23). Cuando alineamos nuestros sueños con la voluntad de Dios, podemos confiar en que Él nos ayudará a lograr lo imposible.

DIOS MISMO ES UN SOÑADOR,

Y TÚ FUISTE CREADA A SU IMAGEN.

Dios era un gran soñador cuando creó la Tierra. Cada día, visualizaba algo nuevo, un mundo hermoso lleno de luz, tierra, agua y seres vivos. Usó su increíble imaginación y creó las plantas, los animales y la belleza de la humanidad. Mostró su corazón y su sueño de una creación hermosa y próspera.

Soñar es poderoso. Dios tenía una visión de lo que quería y la hizo realidad con intención y propósito. Nuestros propios sueños pueden convertirse en realidad, al igual que el sueño de Dios para el mundo. Pero tenemos que creer en nosotros mismos para soñar en grande.

Hace poco conocí a una mujer con la que tuve una conversación muy agradable. Ella compartió todas las cosas hermosas que estaban sucediendo en su vida, y yo hice lo mismo al contarle sobre Mujeres Líderes Mundiales y cómo este ministerio ha impactado mi vida. Le expliqué cómo todo comenzó con un sueño y que sigo soñando en grande para mi futuro y el futuro de este ministerio.

Mientras hablaba con mi nueva amiga, le pregunté si tenía fe. Ella respondió: «Sí, pero últimamente me distraigo demasiado como para soñar». ¡Qué identificable!

Nuestro mundo está lleno de distracciones, especialmente con todo lo que gira en torno a la tecnología, pero si tenemos fe, podemos soñar. La fe y los sueños van de la mano. Dios te llama a eliminar las distracciones y a escuchar Su voz. Fuiste creada a Su imagen, y como hija de Dios, estás llamada a soñar tan grande como nuestro Padre.

La intención de Dios para cada una de nosotras es que soñemos con audacia y confiemos en Su plan perfecto para nuestras vidas, como el Señor declaró en Jeremías 29:11:

«Porque yo sé los planes que tengo para ustedes —declara el Señor—, planes de bienestar y no de calamidad, a fin de darles un futuro y una esperanza» (NVI).

Si no sueñas, no estás viviendo de verdad… solo estás existiendo. Recuerda lo que dijo Jesús: «Yo he venido para que tengan vida, y la tengan en abundancia» (Juan 10:10). Esta vida abundante se logra a través de una fe GRANDE, del tipo que avanza paso a paso. Como dijo Martin Luther King Jr.: «No tienes que ver toda la escalera; solo da el siguiente paso».

¡Simplemente da el siguiente paso correcto, aunque sea pequeño!

Estamos llamadas a abrazar grandes sueños con una fe audaz. Cuando alineamos nuestros sueños con la voluntad de Dios, podemos confiar en que Él proveerá todo lo que necesitamos, incluso si el resultado parece incierto. Incluso cuando es difícil, o la tormenta ruge a nuestro alrededor, podemos soñar a través de ella.

Como Mujeres Líderes Mundiales, adoptamos la mentalidad de Dios al SOÑAR EN GRANDE. Este ministerio no puede crecer sin sueños, y tú tampoco.

¡Mujeres, están hechas para mucho más! Den un salto de fe y sueñen en grande con Dios. Véanse a través de Sus ojos. Son hijas de un verdadero Rey y fueron creadas para brillar. Desarrollen su capacidad de soñar y cultiven esa fe de niña que Dios las llama a tener.

¿Qué sueños tienen para sus vidas?

¡SOÑEMOS JUNTAS Y VIVAMOS LA VIDA A LA QUE DIOS NOS HA LLAMADO!

Den pequeños pasos intencionales cada día para hacer realidad sus sueños. Con fe, pueden convertir sus sueños en realidad. Tienen un propósito y fueron creadas para brillar. ¡Así que empiecen a soñar!

¡Miren, estoy haciendo algo nuevo! Ya está brotando; ¿no lo perciben? Estoy abriendo un camino en el desierto y ríos en la tierra desolada (Isaías 43:19 NVI).

Si desean compartir su gran sueño con nosotras y aprender más sobre Women World Leaders, comuníquense con Connie a connie@womenworldleaders.com

Young Voices

RAISING UP THE NEXT GENERATION

by Katie Whitehead

ALL TO JESUS, I SURRENDER

Jesus. The only one who can carry our burdens. But He doesn’t just carry our burdens, He also carries us. He holds our lives in His hands. He cares for us because He created us. We are His cherished creation. He loves us. He died for our sins because He loves us. We can always put our trust in Him because He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He reigns over all. The King of kings wants to have a relationship with us, and He gives us grace. I may fail, but God will never fail. He will always be with me and never leave me.

I wrote this little paragraph in my journal after I had spent a whole day wandering. I was exhausted, and the Lord brought the word “surrender” to my mind. All day long, I was worried, yet I was doing other things and avoiding how I was feeling. It was near the end of the semester before my graduation, and I had no idea what I was going to do post-college. I was sad because I would have to leave all my friends and was fearful that I would

not be able to continue making art, which I love so much. I realized I had been wandering around all day worrying instead of surrendering and giving all my worries to God. In that moment, I began to write down what was on my heart and mind and talk to the Lord about it, releasing my worries into His hands. Surrender is giving your heart to the Lord and trusting that your life is entirely in His hands because you are His beloved child.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

(PSALM 25:4-5 NLT)

When you surrender your worries to the Lord, He gives you peace as your hope rests in Him. If you know me, you know I do not take the word “hope” lightly. Hope is the confidence that we have in Jesus; no matter what we go through in life, Jesus is always with us. When we look to Jesus, He guides us through life as we follow Him.

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen. or the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

(2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 NLT)

In this world, we will have trouble and worries, but we must keep our focus on Jesus. When we do, He gives us peace and confidence that He reigns over all. He is greater than all of the troubles and worries we may face. We can joyfully walk through life knowing that Jesus is our hope. Knowing what Christ did on the cross—being sacrificed for our sin, then defeating death in His resurrection—we have a hope that is eternal, and not fleeting like what the world has to offer us.

I get down when I have made so many mistakes and focus only on my failures. This scripture reminds us that keeping our focus on Jesus and the truth of His Word helps us remember the grace He freely offers us and how much He loves us. Remembering His grace leads us to surrender our lives to Him and no longer worry about the troubles of this world, but instead focus on His love for us.

Lord, help us to remember that our lives are in your hands, all our hope is in you. Thank you for the great hope we have in you and for guiding us along the path of life as we walk closely with you! Amen.

Katie Whitehead has a deep love for the Lord and shares that love with those around her. Katie is from Roxie, Mississippi, and is currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in art. With a passion for singing and worshiping, she expresses her creativity as an artist, glorifying God through drawing, painting, and pottery and sharing her art with everyone she meets. She is also a bestselling author, featured in the book Unseen: You Are Not Alone.

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Healing Heart Soul and

by Alicia Renee Roberts

For Such a Time as This: Strength for Moments When You Aren’t Strong

When I learned that I was losing my mother to cancer, I was devastated. Her journey had been anything but easy. After several months of chemotherapy, my family and I were overjoyed when the doctor informed us that the tumor was shrinking. The treatments were working. We rejoiced, prayed, and believed that if progress continued, surgery would follow, and healing would come.

But then things changed.

The chemo began taking a toll on her body, doing more harm than good. We watched her condition decline both physically and mentally, even as we continued to hope and pray. In the middle of caring for her and navigating my own personal struggles, my prayer life deepened in ways it never had before.

I wasn’t just praying, I was clinging to God. I also reached out to trusted prayer warriors—people I knew could stand in the gap and petition heaven on our behalf when my strength ran low.

For more than seven months, I lived in faith-warrior mode. I immersed myself in Scripture, held tightly to God’s promises, and prayed constantly. I needed Him like never before. Even in dark moments, I wiped my tears, stood up again, and kept moving forward. And when weariness crept in, I didn’t isolate—I reached out. The prayers and encouragement of others lifted my spirit and gave me the courage to keep going.

LET US THEREFORE COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE, THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY AND FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED.

HEBREWS 4:16 (NKJV)

Still, as my mother’s condition worsened, confusion and heartbreak set in. I struggled to understand how things could unravel so quickly. I questioned whether all the praying, believing, and time spent in devotion had been in vain. When the side effects of chemotherapy forced her to reduce treatment, the tumor began to grow again. Hope seemed narrow.

As I looked back and recounted all the disappointment at the end, the Lord placed a phrase in my heart: For such a time as this.

As I searched Scripture, I was led to Esther 4:13-14, where Mordecai challenges Esther to consider that she had been positioned as queen for such a time as this (NIV). Esther, a young Jewish woman living in a foreign land, faced a life-altering decision. She could remain silent about her identity and preserve her comfort, or she could risk her life by approaching the king to plead for her people, whose lives were

in jeopardy. Esther realized that her position was not accidental or coincidental; it was divine. During that critical moment, God had strategically placed her where she could serve others with faith, courage, and obedience.

As I reflected on Esther’s story, I found some calmness in the midst of my storm. God is allknowing. While we experience life moment by moment, He already knows the end from the beginning. The discipline, endurance, and prayer life God had cultivated in me were valuable; they were preparing me to endure what lay ahead. God was equipping me for such a time as this.

When I felt weak, defeated, or overwhelmed, God surrounded me with people who interceded on my behalf—just as Esther did for her people. He knew I would need every lesson learned, every prayer prayed, and every word of encouragement spoken to survive this

I questioned whether all the praying, believing, and time spent in devotion had been in vain.

God was equipping me for such a time as this.

season—one of the hardest of my life. Where was God in my struggle? He was right there—strengthening me, sustaining me, and surrounding me with support.

Sometimes God doesn’t change the situation the way we hope He will. You may find yourself asking, “Why, Lord?” or “Did You hear my prayers?” In those moments, it’s important to pause and reflect:

n Is God calling me to show up boldly in a way that I never have before?

n Is my relationship with Him strong enough to sustain me during a time of crisis?

n Who are my prayer warriors? Am I willing to ask for help?

n What lessons can I take with me? Even if God doesn’t answer my prayers the way I want Him to?

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) reminds us, Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Your prayers will never be wasted. Your tears will not be ignored. And your experiences—no matter how painful—are not meaningless.

Even when the outcome is different from what you expected, know that God is still at work. He may be strengthening you today with the faith, endurance, and courage you will need tomorrow. Trust that He is equipping you—for such a time as this.

Alicia has faced her fair share of obstacles but perseveres in the face of adversity and empowers other women to do the same. She has successfully balanced life as a single mom, working as a Corporate America executive, entrepreneur, and serving her community through church work and as a member of her sorority. Her commitment to helping others achieve their goals inspired her to become a best-selling author, speaker, and certified confidence and inner-healing coach. In 2020, she founded The Confident Lily, a personal development company that equips women all over the world to heal emotionally, be more faithful, find their personal power, and live their best life confidently. If you are in need of putting the pieces of your life back together, visit www.confidentlily.com/pieces for free resources and support.

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A Beautiful Mess

by Jessica Prukner

THE SEASONS WE DIDN’T KNOW WERE COMING

There was a time when homeschooling felt like never-ending crayons on the table and picture books stacked just high enough to topple over. The days were loud and slow all at once. Shoes were optional. Math happened on the couch with shapes, and science meant catching bugs in the backyard and calling it a lesson. Back then, I thought this was homeschooling.

What I didn’t realize was that homeschooling, like motherhood itself, moves in seasons—and each one asks something different of us and challenges us to be at a new level as a parent and person. We talk often about the changing seasons of childhood, but homeschooling has its own rhythm layered on top: The work type changes. The questions deepen. The focus seems to change somewhere between phonics worksheets and college prep checklists. And we are changed, too.

The Elementary Years: Planting and Wonder

Elementary homeschooling feels like spring. Everything is new, tender, and full of potential. You’re planting seeds everywhere, often without knowing which ones will take root. You read aloud constantly with cuddles. You chase curiosity instead of schedules. You learn quickly that the goal is not mastery, but love—love for learning, love for stories, and love for asking “Why?” All of these moments seem to be the picture-perfect snapshot of the wonder of homeschooling.

In these years, homeschooling is deeply relational. Learning happens through proximity. Your kids still want to be near you. They ask a thousand questions before lunch. They narrate their thoughts out loud;

HOMESCHOOLING IS NOT A STRAIGHT LINE. IT’S A LANDSCAPE OF SEASONS.

they never stop talking! You are their safe place, their sounding board, their teacher in the most literal sense. You are their favorite person! We seem to measure their success by reading levels, math facts, and neat handwriting, but the real work is quieter. You’re teaching them how to learn, how to try again, and how to sit with something hard and not run away. You’re building trust, the soil from which everything else will grow. In actuality, it’s not about grades and test scores—it’s about establishing the deep roots of a foundation. There is grace in this season because there is flexibility. If the lesson falls apart, you pivot. If attention wanders, you take a walk. The work bends to the child; this is not the time to rush. Roots grow slowly, unseen.

Middle School:

The In-Between Season

Middle school is where the weather changes; yet somehow, we never seem ready for the turbulence of the new season, even with an umbrella, sunscreen, and preparations at hand. Middle school season, complete with hormones, is a real maze to maneuver through. No one quite knows how to describe this season until they’re living it. The kids are not little anymore, but they’re not ready to be independent, either. Their questions get sharper, their emotions louder, and their confidence wobbles. In this season, homeschooling can feel like standing in early autumn—it is still warm, but the forecast is unpredictable. Some days feel like summer leftovers; others feel like a cold front is rolling in without warning.

Academically, things also shift. Subjects grow more complex. Pre-Algebra begins to

hurt our brains and requires us to learn how to do that math again! Time management starts to matter. You begin introducing responsibility in small, intentional ways— planners, deadlines, and independent work. And there’s tension in knowing when to hold your child’s hand and when to loosen your grip. This is a very difficult balance with no manual that can fully explain what to do since each kid is so very different.

Relationally, this season asks more of us as parents. Our kids are forming opinions, wrestling with beliefs, and testing boundaries. Homeschooling gives us a frontrow seat to this internal work. Conversations stretch longer, and awkward silence shows up more often. At this time, homeschooling becomes less about instruction and more about discipleship and walking alongside our students as they learn not just what to think, but how to think. How to disagree with respect. How to own mistakes. How to articulate what they believe and why.

At this point, it’s tempting to panic and worry we’re falling behind—that we should look more like “real school.” But middle school is not a race. It’s a bridge. And bridges are meant to be crossed thoughtfully, not by sprinting. Still, we regularly question ourselves and whether we are doing things “right.”

High School:

Letting Go With Intention

High school arrives like winter—clear, bracing, and honest. There is no pretending anymore. The stakes feel higher. Transcripts matter. Credits count. Conversations turn toward the future, whether you feel ready or not. In this season, homeschooling shifts

from being something you do for your child to something you do with them. Ownership begins to transfer. They learn to manage workloads, advocate for themselves, and take responsibility for outcomes, even when those outcomes are failures at first, which teaches them valuable lessons. And if we’re honest, this time can be hard for the homeschooling parent. It’s difficult to watch your kids struggle when you know how to help. It’s crucial to resist stepping in and essential to accept that growth often comes through discomfort. This is sacred work—teaching them how to stand on their own while knowing they’re never alone.

High school homeschooling offers something uniquely beautiful: space for alignment. Courses can reflect interests. Learning can move toward calling. With internships, dual enrollment, and apprenticeships, education becomes more about what your children are interested in and want to pursue in their lives. And in the quiet moments of late-night talks, car rides, and shared coffee at the kitchen counter, you realize the curriculum that mattered most wasn’t written down in any agenda, but was the ongoing development of character, perseverance, integrity, and faith.

Preparing for College (and Beyond)

College preparation often sounds intimidating, but at its heart, it’s about readiness—not just academically, but personally. Yes, there are practical steps to consider: coordinating transcripts, taking standardized tests, fulfilling course requirements, and meeting application timelines. These things matter. But they’re not the whole story.

The deeper preparation is happening daily. When your child learns to manage their time and show up for things on time, they’re preparing for college. When they learn to ask for help from their managers and counselors, to sit with uncertainty, problem-solve, and recover from failure, they’re preparing for college and for life.

Homeschooling offers a long view. You’ve watched your child grow from sounding out words to articulating ideas. You’ve seen their strengths emerge and their weaknesses soften with time. This perspective is a gift. And it reminds us that college is not the finish line—it’s simply another season.

Somewhere along the way, homeschooling stops being just about our kids. We as parents grow, too. We learn patience we didn’t know we needed. We confront

JESSICA PRUKNER

our own gaps, fears, control issues, and even perhaps our tendency to measure worth by outcomes. We learn to trust the process, even when it looks nothing like we imagined. Our own transformation is difficult to push through.

Each season invites a different posture: nurturing, guiding, and releasing. Each one is right for its own time. There is grief in the transitions: Letting go of read-aloud afternoons. Realizing your child no longer needs you in the same way. And watching independence bloom where dependence once lived. But there is beauty, too. Because the goal was never to keep them small—it was to help them grow.

Homeschooling is not a straight line. It’s a landscape of seasons—some vibrant and others quiet, but all meaningful.

AND IF THERE IS ONE TRUTH WORTH HOLDING ONTO, IT’S THIS: YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO EVERY SEASON PERFECTLY TO DO IT WELL.

Wherever you are in the process of homeschooling, show up. Pay attention. Adjust when the weather changes. Trust that the seeds you are planting, even if imperfectly, are doing more than you can see.

One day, you’ll look back and realize that homeschooling didn’t just educate your children, it shaped your family. And that may be the most beautiful lesson of all.

EVER INTERCEDING

God Knows Our Hearts and Hears Our Prayers

by Diana Brown

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges we possess as followers of Christ. It’s not about saying the right words or following formulas; it is about a relationship. Through prayer, we enter into conversations with the God who created us, loves us, and knows us better than we know ourselves. He hears us whether we speak aloud or whisper silently in our hearts because nothing is hidden from Him.

Let’s look at and compare some Scripture as written in different translations.

Hebrews 4:12, in the English Standard Version (ESV), says: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12, in the EasyEnglish Bible (EASY), reads: So be careful! God's message to us is alive and powerful. It is like a sword that has two sharp edges. Even more than a sword, God's message goes very deep into us. It cuts between our soul and our spirit. It is like a sharp knife that can cut deep into our body between our bones. God's message shows what we are really thinking. It shows what we really want.

HE SEES BEYOND OUR WORDS INTO THE DEEPEST PLACES OF OUR HEARTS.

Your Turn: How does knowing that God sees your innermost thoughts (Hebrews 4:12) change the way you approach prayer?

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure (Proverbs 15:26 ESV).

The Lord hates the thoughts of wicked people. But kind words please him (Proverbs 15:26 EASY).

Your Turn: Proverbs 15:26 says the Lord delights in pure words. What does “purity” in prayer look like for you?

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16b ESV)

Reading James 5:16 in a few versions:

When a good person prays to God, God does powerful things. (James 5:16b EAS)

Anyone who lives the way God wants can pray, and great things will happen. (James 5:16b ERV)

Your Turn: James 5:16 reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. What steps can you take to align your life with God’s will so your prayers reflect righteousness?

God’s Word reminds us that He sees beyond our words into the deepest places of our hearts. Our thoughts, motives, and desires are fully known to Him. This truth calls us to approach prayer with sincerity and humility, knowing that what delights Him is purity of heart and gracious words.

James 5:16 assures us that our prayers are not only heard, but are also powerful. When we walk in righteousness and align our hearts with God’s will, our prayers become effective and life-changing. Whether spoken aloud or whispered silently, prayer connects us to the living God who works through it in mighty ways.

Your Turn: How does the truth that God hears silent prayers encourage you in seasons when words are hard to find?

As we wrap up, Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word penetrates to the deepest parts of who we are, discerning our thoughts and attitudes. Proverbs 15:26 tells us that He delights in pure words, and James 5:16 assures us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. These truths invite us to approach prayer with sincerity and confidence, knowing that God listens and responds according to His perfect will.

Bottom Line: Prayer isn’t a ritual or a performance. It’s a gift—a beautiful way to connect with God through Jesus by the Spirit. He loves to hear us, no matter how we phrase it.

Dwell in these truths; think and allow the Lord to speak to your heart in this last thought: When you pray, do you tend to focus more on the words you say or the attitude of your heart? Why? Truly think through this question in the days ahead.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for hearing every prayer and knowing my heart completely. Help me to live in righteousness and purity so that my prayers honor You and accomplish Your purposes. Teach me to trust in the power of prayer and to seek You earnestly every day. Amen.

Your Turn: How do you view prayer? Has your understanding of it changed over time? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send an email to Diana@womenworldleaders.com. We love hearing your God stories!

More than ever, the church needs believers to step into the God-ordained servant roles Jesus has called and commissioned us to fill. In this rapidly changing world, one thing remains constant: Jesus’ people need tending. The hungry and hurting, the new believer, and the seasoned saint all yearn for godly people like you and me to lead them.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

I wholeheartedly recommend Feeding Jesus’ Sheep for anyone longing to serve with greater impact. Through the powerful story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, Marcia delivers inspirational insight that equips us to nurture others and ourselves. Her insights go beyond storytelling; she offers actionable steps rooted in Scripture, making this book a must-read for anyone passionate about spiritual growth and serving others. I found myself both encouraged and challenged to step into discipleship with renewed purpose. If you’re ready to deepen your faith journey and make an impact, this is a must-read. You will be empowered to follow Christ’s example!"

~ Ketra Hancock, Beloved Dust, Founder—Combine, Texas

Marcia Furrow brings her God-given gifts of teaching and leadership together in this book, offering a deeply biblical and practical guide for those entrusted with caring for God’s people. Drawing from Jesus’ example in the feeding of the 5,000, she provides clear, applicable principles that serve both seasoned leaders and those just beginning in ministry. This book equips leaders to faithfully and wisely feed the sheep God has placed in their care."

~ Anita McGinnis, Women’s Ministry Director, Austin Baptist Church—Austin, TX

Marcia Furrow is a compassionate leader with a heart to feed Jesus’ sheep—nourishing people with the truth of God’s Word. This strength is revealed with humility and consistency throughout this book as she teaches us to make room for others to be seen, known, and strengthened in their own faith. I’m grateful for her faithful 'yes' and the way her life and this book point people back to the Shepherd."

~ Christa March, Teen Mother Choices—Gurnee, IL

What a pleasure to read this book; it was a blessing to me. I know it will be a blessing to many others."

~ Derek Mason, Identity In Christ, President, Cedar Rock, Lead Pastor—Mineral Point, Wisconsin

Marcia Furrow has served as a Teaching Leader in Bible Study Fellowship and was taught by and studied under numerous revered theologians during her tenure. While she enjoys teaching, Marcia concentrates on training leaders because successful leaders are always about the business of training successful leaders—their replacements.

More of LordYou,

AyokeJesus met me in picture prayer when my basket was too heavy.

is not a burden. It is a way of walking. That’s how Jesus met me in picture prayer when my basket was too heavy.

Every woman I know carries a quiet ache, a longing for more than noise, more than striving, and more than the pace of life. It’s the ache that whispers, “Lord, give me more of You.”

But wanting more of God and knowing how to make space for Him are not the same thing. That’s where spiritual practices become a gift. They quiet the noise long enough for our hearts to remember what is true:

n God is near

n God is speaking.

n God knows how to meet us.

Spiritual practices are not about trying harder. They are about opening space for God to meet us, speak to us, shape us, and gently turn our eyes back to Him. Each practice is a sacred rhythm that trains us to walk with Jesus in our everyday lives, fix our eyes on Him, and receive what only He can provide.

One of the most tender and transformative practices I know is picture prayer.

Picture prayer, or guided imagery, is a way of meeting Jesus through prayer and imagination. It creates a quiet space for the Holy Spirit to help us see Him, hear Him, and receive what He is already speaking. I experienced this recently in a way that brought Matthew 11:28-30 to life like never before.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(MATTHEW 11:28-30 NIV)

One morning, I invited Jesus to sit with me in prayer. I pictured Him beside me, close enough to see His expression. When I looked down at my hands, ready to offer Him whatever I was carrying, I realized my hands were empty. Why don’t I have anything to give Him?

As I pondered that question, Jesus gently revealed the reason. I didn’t have anything in my hands because I had an entire basket full of things I needed to offer Him: burdens, worries, responsibilities, and the weight of caring for others. The basket was overflowing and impossible for me to lift.

Seeing that basket overwhelmed me. I felt the urge to walk away from prayer and Jesus, not because I didn’t want to surrender what was inside, but because I physically could not pick it up. It was beyond my control. And in that tender moment, Jesus whispered, “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”

Then Jesus did something that still brings tears to my eyes. He lifted the basket Himself. Easily. One by one, He began pulling things out, naming them, claiming them, taking responsibility for them. Each item was His to conquer, not mine.

Then came His invitation: “Fix your eyes on Me. Be still and know that I am God.”

I didn’t need to lift the basket. I didn’t need to sort its contents. I didn’t need to explain anything.

All Jesus asked for was my attention and my presence. The rest was His.

As I reflected, I realized I had lived Matthew 11:28-30 in real time.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened…”

Real rest is not the absence of struggle. It is the transfer of the burden.

I came to my Lord overwhelmed and unable to carry what I held. That heavy basket was the perfect picture of what “burdened” really feels like.

“…and I will give you rest.”

Rest did not come from trying harder. Rest came when Jesus lifted the basket. Real rest is not the absence of struggle. It is the transfer of the burden.

“Take My yoke upon you…”

A yoke is not a burden. It is a way of walking—a way of moving through life with Jesus. Jesus did not shame me for my weakness. He simply lifted the weight and invited me to stay near.

May you slow down long enough to listen for the One who is already near. May you discover His yoke is not a burden, but a way of walking with Him. And may His strength lift what you were never meant to carry alone.

This edition of "More of You, Lord" written by Donna Sawyer

Donna Sawyer is the founder of Crafted with Purpose. If you’d like to experience picture prayer for yourself, you can find a short, guided video on her website at craftedwithpurpose.co/post/wwl01 BIO

KINGDOM HARVEST sow into the share in the

Women World Leaders is now reaching women in over 50 countries—and the harvest is growing.

Through Voice of Truth, God is sowing hope, identity, and truth into hearts around the world. This magazine is available free digitally and provided in print to our donors because we believe God’s Word should be accessible to all.

When you give, you’re not just supporting a ministry— you’re partnering with God’s kingdom-work.

In Scripture, sowing is for the sower. Giving strengthens our trust in God as Provider and invites us to participate in His economy of abundance. Your gift is a seed that bears fruit in the lives of women globally and in your own faith journey.

As you sow, we are praying and believing that God will meet your needs according to His riches in glory. Together, we sow. Together, we believe. Together, we share in the harvest.

(Check

General ofJoy

by DeAnn Alaine CELEappaYOUza

If

you've been reading my column for any length of time, you'll know that I usually open up with a personal story, and then I tie it to Scripture to enhance what the Lord is highlighting. But not this time.

It is time to celebrate!

You know the Bible teaches that there is a time for everything, but lately it seems like there's a time to be sick, a time to be stressed, and a time to be broken. But when is there a time to celebrate? While Christmas wasn't all that long ago, for many people, that is not a time to celebrate. In fact, it's one of the highest times of the year when people are more at risk of loneliness, depression, and suicide.

The Lord is always intentional, and for decades, He has placed me among groups of people where celebrating wasn’t just a fun thing we do during a holiday, it was a necessity. When I worked in rehab, I realized people walking away from addiction need someone willing to celebrate any win at all. Walking into a rehab facility, celebrate. Choosing to stay two minutes at a time, celebrate. In fact, the Lord used my position there to create SoberSight: Clothes That Say, “You’re On Your Way!”

Even though the Bible doesn't clearly address each time celebrations would have happened, I can imagine there was celebrating in Luke 8 when the little girl was brought back to life, when Lazarus was raised from the dead, and even when the large fish barfed Jonah up on the beach at Ninevah. I’d be celebrating anyway! So like I said, it's time to celebrate! If it seems like you must celebrate by faith, then do it!

At the end of each year, I have heard a lot of ladies in my life say that they have adopted a particular word to prepare them for what to focus on in the year to come. I’ve heard words such as “intentionality,” “focus,” and “contentment.” For once, I think it would be a riot if someone's word was “zealous” or “I’mNotGonnaFreakOut”… yes, I am counting that as one word!

So with all of those singular focuses that He has had for me in the past, like “surrender” and “consecration,” I am thrilled—and even zealous— that, for the last 48 hours, the Lord has been solidly speaking the word “Celebrate!” He continued,

“Share a celebratory attitude with everyone around you!”

With everything going on in the world, everyone needs an opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated! Well, how can this happen? As we all understand, when the Lord gives direction, He provides the means to accomplish what He wants. Can I get an amen? AMEN!

Here are some of the means that He has established for you! Every month, I host an online party called CELEappaYOUza! It doesn't cost anything, and all you have to do is sign up via email at celeappayouza@outlook.com and provide me with your name and number! Here's how it works…

we hop on GoBrunch (not Zoom) online. One woman shares a victory for one minute, then we all celebrate her for one minute! It can be something small or huge, since every victory is important! It literally is a celebration of you! My heart’s intent is to break the internet with CELEappaYOUzas because we all need to be seen, heard, loved, and celebrated; and this is going to help accomplish that! When signing up, let me know that you saw this in Voice of Truth. We have already had a few CELEappaYOUzas, and they are growing!

Something else we get to do is come together for the Unshakable Courage Tour! We're going nationwide as a team of ladies with praise and worship of our King—two powerful speakers, and Lord help us all, comedians! I am one of three comedians included in this tour! If you are interested in our tour coming to your town or city, simply go to unshakablecourage.com.

IT

IS TIME TO CELEappaYOUza and celebrate our King!

So let’s be about our Father’s business of celebrating people! I can’t wait to CELEappaYOUza!

Your 4-Star General of Joy, DeAnn Alaine

DeAnn Alaine is a comedienne whose mandate from the Lord is to bring joy to the world. She's a contributing author of Miracle Mindset and the creator/director of the multi-award winning sitcom, Fade Away. If you’d like to view the trailer or book DeAnn for your next ladies event, go to www.deannalaine.com.

POWER POINTS: GOD AT WORK THROUGH WOMEN LEADERS YESTERDAY AND

TODAY

by Leecy Barnett

O dear hearts put your hands in this work and be not slack... offer freely to His service that in the freeness and willingness of your spirits, the brethren may be refreshed.1

In21st-century terms, Margaret Fell was a 17th-century influencer. One of the earliest converts to the Society of Friends, Margaret is widely known as the Mother of Quakerism. As a student and teacher of God’s Word, she encouraged others to know God personally through the enlightening indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Her influence was first displayed through hospitality, and later by writing letters and pamphlets. She encouraged all she met to see the light, inspired women to speak and teach for God, heartened those who suffered imprisonment for their faith, and stirred up rulers and kings to look favorably on the Quaker cause.

Margaret was married to the Lord of Swarthmore Manor in Northern England and a mother of seven when, in 1652, she welcomed itinerant preacher George Fox to speak to her household. This was after the English Civil War, when Oliver Cromwell ruled an English Commonwealth. During this period, Fox was one of many religious rebels dissatisfied with the teachings of the Church of England. He emphasized a direct, personal relationship with God through the Spirit and saw no need for church buildings, clergy, and the mandatory tithes that supported them. Later reflecting on that first encounter with Fox, Margaret wrote:

It pleased the Lord so to open my understanding... That I saw perfectly just then that we were all

wrong, and that we were but thieves, that had stolen the Scriptures. which caused me to shed many tears. And I sat down in my pew and wept all the while…²

Before, she had known the Word of God, but now she knew the God of the Word.

Her first sphere of influence came as she opened Swarthmore Manor as a gathering place for the Friends and seekers.

As she continued to study and teach the Word, she started writing pamphlets. One of her most controversial publications was Women's Speaking Justified, Proved and Allowed of by the Scriptures.³ Because Quakers believe God speaks directly to His children, women as well as men were qualified to testify to the truth. She concluded:

And so let this serve to stop that opposing Spirit that would limit the Power and Spirit of the Lord Jesus, whose Spirit is poured upon all Flesh, both Sons and Daughters... And thus, the Lord Jesus hath manifested himself and his Power, without Respect of Persons; and so, let all Mouths be stopped that would limit him, whose Power and Spirit is infinite, who is pouring it upon all Flesh.⁴

Because Quakers opposed the English religious establishment, they experienced persecution and imprisonment. Margaret wrote many letters to encourage the Friends who were suffering for their faith. She also petitioned the powers that be on behalf of the Quakers. She wrote a handful of letters to Oliver Cromwell. After the monarchy was restored, she wrote to King Charles II more than a dozen times. According to one of her

biographers, “the emerging Friends movement can be seen to have valued highly the support and political influence provided by the place and status of Margaret Fell.” ⁵ Margaret herself spent nearly four years confined in Lancaster Castle (though her situation did not seem too harsh, as she was able to keep up her writing).

Many women today strive to be social media influencers. Unfortunately, those influencers are often worldly and shallow. As Women World Leaders today, I hope we learn from the example of Margaret Fell and endeavor to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near (Hebrews 10: 24-25 NLT).

1 Fell, M. (2003). Undaunted zeal: the letters of Margaret Fell (Ed. R. Moore). Friends United Press, p. 213. (Note: I changed the spelling for easier understanding.)

2 Ibid., p. 430.

3 Fell, M. (1666). Women's Speaking Justified, Proved and Allowed of by the Scriptures, all such as speak by the Spirit and power of the Lord Jesus. http://www.qhpress.org/texts/fell.html

4 Ibid., p. 430.

5 Bruyneel, S. (2000). Margaret Fell; Historical context and the shape of Quaker thought. Quaker Religious Thought, 95 (4), 25-39. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/qrt/vol95/iss1/4 pp.25-26.

MEET Ansley Ella Willard

My name is Ansley Willard. I’m 12 years old, and I live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina! My mom started working for Women World Leaders about five years ago, and it changed her life. I remember the first book that she wrote in—Victories. I couldn’t believe it. She made her dream come true. Over the years, she has worked hard to keep chasing her dreams and teaching us about that, too. All the people at Women World Leaders have been so nice to her and to me, too!

I love this ministry because it’s teaching me that I can make my dreams come true. I started homeschooling this year, and that means I get to spend all day with my mom; that has helped me to find what my passion is. I think I really want to become an actress one day. I also love cooking and baking, and we get to do that more now.

I know that I can be anything and believe in myself now because I see other people making dreams come true, too. God can do the impossible. I’m excited for my future and to keep chasing my dreams!

Thank you, Women World Leaders, for believing in my mom and for all the work you do.

Ansley Ella Willard

MEET Edie VanHorn

My name is Edie VanHorn, and I live in Flatwoods, Kentucky. I’m a retired woman with five children and nine grandchildren. I discovered Women World Leaders through my daughter, and this ministry has impacted my life in big ways. I am proud and grateful for the women in this ministry; their books and stories have helped me go on my own personal journey with God.

My daughter often shares that Women World Leaders changed her life, and I know that’s true, because it also changed mine.

Before finding WWL, I wasn’t sure what I wanted or how to move forward in my spiritual life. I was holding onto strongholds and bondages that robbed me of everything. Reading the stories in the Women World Leaders books has given me hope and a deeper understanding of living a fulfilling life with my family and grandchildren.

I had never been in a place where I spent time listening for answers from God, and I didn’t even realize I needed to be. Now, I spend a lot of time alone, and I can feel something changing in me. I’m becoming the woman God called me to be and a woman ready to find her purpose.

I relate to a blind man who can’t see his way; it’s scary to realize how lost I allowed myself to feel. I attend church and pray as a child of God, but I often still felt lost.

Not too long ago, I was baptized in the Colorado River; the rushing water swept both the preacher and me into a strong current, and I thought we were going to drown. My biggest fear was hitting the rocks, but after struggling for breath, I started to give in. Just as I was about to give up, I heard a voice instructing me to grab a belt. I managed to find it,

thanks to a young man on the other side of the river who witnessed everything unfold. He ran down to the bridge and quickly got a rescue tool from his belt and a dog leash from a service dog, and he began fishing for me.

As I made my way to the shore, the dog, Rocksey, jumped in to save me, but he quickly found himself in trouble too. Finally, a real-life hero, Chris Quack, helped us both onto a large rock. I couldn’t believe it. I was alive! When I reached for his hand, all I could see was a man who was there when I needed help the most, wearing a T-shirt that read, “Everybody needs Jesus.” I still feel chills as I see God’s presence in that! I couldn’t see value in myself, but God saw differently!

After that experience, I still fought feelings of inadequacy and questioned my faith at times. I struggle with so many fears, my past, and mistakes, and I don’t always know how to find my

own way back to God. I feel lost sometimes and wait for a sign, and wonder why God isn’t speaking directly to me like He is with others in our church.

But God was speaking to me; I just had to open my eyes to Him!

WWL books have served as a roadmap for me as I’ve grown in my relationship with Christ. I can see God in everything now and, even when I struggle, I know that God loves me and will help me push through to have the life He created for me!

I’ve come to realize that building a relationship with God requires work and time on my part. While the Bible can be confusing, one of the books, Unshakable, has reassured me that I’m on the right path and that God will reveal His glory for me to rejoice in Him.

Thank you, ladies, for your incredible stories that strengthen my faith and deepen my understanding of how to grow in my relationship with the Holy Spirit, as well as God’s mercy and grace. It’s because of your ministry that I feel like I am worthy of a beautiful life and have a big purpose, too!

EPHESIANS 3:20 (NIV)

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.

MEET Carol Ann Whipkey

My name is Carol Ann Whipkey, and I live in Thompson, Ohio! I love Jesus, this ministry, and the women serving here, especially my beautiful daughter!

A letter to my daughter, Kimberly Ann Hobbs!

I would have never guessed what the Lord had in store for me as a child. It was entirely by God’s design that every step I took led me to this moment.

This letter is for you, my beautiful Kimmy, and speaks of how deeply I have been inspired by God’s timing. Throughout my life, I have experienced so many events, and one of the most wonderful was your unexpected arrival.

Not only did we both survive your birth, but we have been incredibly blessed since that first day we spent together. Although we’ve faced difficult times, we have held on to one another with the love that God instilled in us from the very beginning. He drew me to Himself early in my life (though I didn’t recognize it at the time), but I always had a sense of His presence and shared that with you.

I raised you without realizing how He would intervene in our lives, and look at you now! Anyone who knew you before this day would agree. I am proud of you for kingdom building and the legacy you are leaving for us! I could never have imagined the woman you would become and the ministry of women you would build with the Lord. You amaze me with your dedication to HIM and how you inspire so many with the love you have for Jesus.

Reflecting on our lives together, I see the ups and downs, the inspiring moments, and the events that have led us to this day. I don’t know how many more days or years we will share, but I am certain they will all be filled with love for each other and for the One who created us and blessed us with His everlasting love.

This work we are doing will go farther than we can ever dream or imagine, reaching the world for the Lord. Praise His name!

You are my dear sweet love forever. Even when we are apart, our love will continue as we spend eternity with the One who brought us together in the first place. I love you everlasting, forever and always.

Love, Mom (me)

Women World Leaders

SPOTLIGHT

KINGDOM PROMISE: ABUNDANCE, HOPE, AND A FUTURE

Author:

kelly williams hale

Q: Tell us about yourself.

I’m a wife to my amazing husband, Buddy, a mom to three "only children"—all born a decade apart—and a Mimi to three sweet grandchildren. I truly believe God has kept me busy with my unique parenting assignment, on purpose! I’m also a graphic designer by profession, but at my core, I’m an encourager—someone who loves helping women see who they really are through God’s eyes.

Q: What stirred your heart to write for Voice of Truth?

Voice of Truth had been a source of encouragement for me long before I ever became a contributor. When God opened the door for me to write, it felt like a full-circle moment—an opportunity to give back to a community that had already poured so much truth and hope into my own life.

Q: What is the core message you want readers to receive from your article?

That no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve walked through, God is not finished with you. He is faithful to redeem, restore, and lead us forward when we choose trust and obedience over fear.

Q: How has your personal journey with God shaped what you write about?

My journey has been marked by both peaks and valleys—times of deep struggle, self-doubt, and learning how to forgive myself. Those experiences taught me that God’s love is rooted in who we are, not what we’ve done. That truth shapes everything I write.

Q: What does living out your faith look like?

For me, it looks like trusting God with today. Releasing worry, listening for His direction, and stewarding the gifts He’s given me—both creatively and spiritually—to encourage others.

Q: any last words?

That God truly does abundantly more than we can ask or imagine when we trust Him fully and release control.

with Kelly:

globalconnections

WAGING PEACE: YOUNG LEADERS RISING IN AFRICA

Peace must begin within—through changed hearts and minds— work only Christ can do.

It’s hard to believe it all began with a simple “yes”—agreeing to accompany a film team on a mission trip to Rwanda. That was 20 years ago, and it changed my life.

As a communications professional, I was struck by how hate-filled media and dehumanizing language helped pave the way for the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi—turning words into weapons and neighbors against one another.

In our world increasingly shaped by polarization, misinformation, and debasing online speech, Rwanda stands as both a warning and a teacher—challenging us to face the cost of unchecked division, and what it takes to rebuild trust.

Rwanda’s story does not exist in isolation. The Great Lakes Region of Africa is home to one of the world’s youngest populations—and some of its most complex conflicts. Decades of violence in eastern DR Congo, alongside political tension and economic pressure across the region, have left many young people facing displacement, trauma, and chronic unemployment.

And yet, what struck me most was not despair—but potential.

As youth shared their losses, frustrations, hopes, and dreams, something stirred deeply within me. Young people longing to be heard. To be equipped. To lead change now—not someday.

I also came to understand something essential: peace must begin within—through changed hearts and minds—work only Christ can do.

That conviction gave birth to A Peace of Life (APOL), a Rwanda-based social enterprise focused on education and mentoring. We equip youth with skills in peacebuilding, leadership, and entrepreneurship, alongside spiritual nurture and trauma-informed counselling. Our core program is an annual Peace Camp, bringing together youth from Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Peace Camp is a rare pause in difficult lives—a place to rest, reflect, and renew. Here, youth encounter their God-given dignity, experience inner healing, and grow as leaders, developing skills in communication, conflict resolution, mental health, and teamwork.

FROM “THE OTHER” TO ONE ANOTHER

One of the most powerful transformations at Peace Camp happens quietly, in shared life.

Youth from Rwanda and DR Congo—countries whose histories are deeply intertwined with violence, displacement, and mistrust—sit side by side. Many arrive guarded. But as they eat together, play games, pray, study Scripture, share stories, and laugh late into the night, something begins to shift.

They discover the “other” carries the same burdens— unemployment, loss, trauma, school fees, and uncertainty. “Hearing that others had the same problems really changed me,” shared one participant. His family is impacted by HIV and AIDS, a tragic legacy of the genocide, and he left school to support his mother.

Peace Camp creates space for real connection and healing. Strangers become friends. Rivals become partners. Youth discover one another as leaders. These friendships stretch far beyond camp—crossing borders, languages, tribes, and religion—shining hope in a divided world.

FROM CAMP TO COMMUNITY IMPACT

Inspired participants return home and put peace into action—launching peace clubs and community initiatives that create a ripple effect far beyond camp.

Youth carry the Peace Camp message forward: you matter to God, and your life has purpose.

In Tanzania, youth planted hundreds of trees with their “peace and environment” campaign, distributed school supplies to help vulnerable children stay in school, and— through APOL support—empowered over 300 girls with menstrual health education and hygiene products including washable pads, removing a major barrier to education.

In Rwanda, Light of the World Club creates community dramas and short films to address family and village conflict. With their own resources, they provide Saturday breakfast for vulnerable children and visit children and youth with disabilities, helping break isolation and stigma.

In DR Congo, Vision Club supports orphans with school supplies, clothing, food, and a joyful annual Christmas meal. In Burundi, Heart of Charity cares for infant orphans with disabilities—providing food, diapers, love— and equips vulnerable children with school supplies.

Today, 10 regional peace clubs respond to needs they see—planting gardens, cleaning communities, mediating student conflicts.

In their peacebuilding, youth carry the Peace Camp message forward: you matter to God, and your life has purpose. One youth captured it best: “Love is the catalyst of peace—it sets you free.”

YOUNG LEADERS OF CHANGE

In 2022, Bethy, a peace club member from Tanzania, attended Peace Camp. “Peace Camp transformed how I see leadership and my role as a young woman. I learned that peace is built through small acts of

BY LAURENA ZONDO

kindness and meaningful action. I saw girls turn hesitation into confidence and begin to lead change.”

In 2023, we asked her to return as Camp Director. She continues to volunteer in our program. With an APOL entrepreneurship grant, Bethy recently launched a business selling sea moss gummies and other health products online, with a vision to open her own healthy food shop.

From 2011 Peace Camp participant to APOL Executive Director, Prince Mugisha helped secure our official status in 2016. As a grassroots organization with limited funding, we backed his café dream—creating income to sustain his volunteer peace leadership. That one step grew into two cafés in Rwanda and Tanzania, now employing 50+ people.

Today, a new chapter is unfolding on the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda, where we are developing an eco-campsite to host Peace Camp, provide youth internships, promote eco-tourism, and generate sustainable income for peacebuilding.

We are deeply grateful to the churches and individuals whose prayers and generosity sustain this work. We invite you to join us— through prayer, partnership, and presence.

Fondly known as “Mama Peace”, Laurena Zondo is co-founder of A Peace of Life. She is based in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and family, and travels regularly to the Great Lakes Region of Africa to monitor programming, participate in peace club community events, and facilitate Peace Camp.

THANK YOU

OUR PURE DEVOTION

As a ministry, we hereby dedicate this magazine unto the Lord almighty. He is our rock, our provider, our Savior, and the love of our life. This magazine thanks the Lord for providing all of the women, the finances, and the strength to complete a task such as this. All glory, dominion, and power praise His holy name. We bow down in complete reverence and love to our King of kings.

Praying for you, Daughter of Zion

Lifting you up, Sister, before the Lord of Hosts. Asking the Lord to bless you in all of your ways—to humble your heart that you may receive the ever-flowing love and mercy of Jesus. Praying His sacrificial care towards you would stir you on to do good works and that His tenderness towards you would allow your full, reverent commitment to Him. Asking for repentance tears, that your trust in Him may increase as you receive every ounce of soul-satisfying grace that He has to pour upon you. Praying living waters would well up in you richly, providing all of your needs with His abounding presence. Asking our Father God to carry you to the fountain of life. Praying you will run this race with His merciful heart, carrying His truth. May His Word fill you in abundance. In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

To our sister and friend, Kelly Williams Hale. She has spent numerous hours laboring in love for our Savior to graphically design this magazine! Her heart of passion, creativity and love exude in everything she does! Thank you Kelly for the beauty you’ve made come alive through these pages! Much love to you!

A special thanks goes to Johana Torres, our translator for Voice of Truth and Women World Leaders.

Johana is a faithful Woman World Leader who has supported this ministry with her time, talents, and prayers not only for us all, but graciously for the Hispanic community who is close to her heart. She has a passionate desire to serve God first in all that He calls her to do at home, in the family business, and in ministry. Thank you Johana for being a committed volunteer of your time. We love you.

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