I Almost Didn’t Share This
It’s vulnerable and raw—but it’s for the woman who feels unseen, overlooked, or weary from chasing the world’s version of success.
The world says success is hustle, money, and image.
God says success is obedience, peace, and service.
This is my story of how He took me from broken to breakthrough to blessing—and redefined success His way.
As you read, think about your own story. God has been guiding you—even in the hardest places.
Listen to this Strong. Confident. His. Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Brokenness — When Life Feels Shattered
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
“He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.” — Isaiah 61:1
There’s a moment when the ache gets louder than the noise—when you finally whisper, “God, are You there?”
I grew up in a broken home. My parents were very young with five kids by twenty-seven. My dad battled alcohol and drugs, and his emotional abuse left wounds I carried everywhere I went.
I remember visiting a wealthy friend’s home and seeing the love between her and her father. I thought, My life is nothing like this. I want what she has.
As the oldest child, I felt responsible for everyone. My teen years were marked by betrayal, insecurity, and darkness. And at thirteen, I had a chilling encounter where I sensed evil whisper, “Give me your soul, and I’ll give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
With everything in me, I said no. Even then, God was near.
Maybe you’ve felt that same pull—the lie that you’ll never measure up or that compromise will finally bring peace. But the way your story begins is not how it has to end.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21
I began speaking life instead of shame, faith instead of fear, truth instead of lies.
Salvation Invitation
Have you given your life to Christ?
If not, this is your moment.
Pray this:
Jesus, I surrender my life to You.
I can’t do this alone anymore.
Come and make me new.
I see how much I need a Savior.
Forgive my sins, heal my heart, and be Lord of my life.
I choose to follow You from this day forward.
If you prayed that prayer, Heaven rejoices.
Find a Bible-based church and tell them you’ve made Jesus the Lord of your life.
This is your new beginning.
Reflection
What pain have you been carrying alone? Write it down and give it to Jesus. Let Him make beauty from what has been broken.
Breakthrough — When You Finally Meet Jesus
Breakthrough doesn’t look pretty or polished—it looks surrendered.
By my twenties, I was chasing success the world’s way—career, image, relationships. I thought if I looked the part and earned the paycheck, I’d finally be happy.
I didn’t go to college right away. I moved from Tucson to Southern California, landed a good job, and made great money. But at twenty-two, I remember thinking, Is this it?
So I left everything, moved back to Tucson, and went to college. I put myself through school and became the first in my family to graduate – without debt!
But I was also in a destructive relationship. I lived with a narcissistic boyfriend who gaslit me constantly—making me question my worth. His alcoholism, his absence, his betrayal—they made me feel like a shell of myself.
Looking back, I can see why I stayed: dysfunction felt familiar. When you grow up around abuse, chaos can feel like home.
One night, after a long shift, I sat with a glass of red wine, listening to Jewel. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the Bible my now-saved parents had given me. I turned off the music, opened it, and read the words in red.
That night, I met Jesus.
Days later, I was baptized.He met me in my pain.
He pulled me out.
He lifted me up.That’s breakthrough—not escaping your past but meeting the One who rewrites it.
Reflection
Look back at your life. Where do you see God’s fingerprints now?
Write those moments in a journal and thank Him for His faithfulness.
Every time you reread them, your faith will grow.
Blessing — When God Redefines Success
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses.” — Acts 1:8
True success isn’t status—it’s surrender.
God has a sense of humor. I was living in Scottsdale, working for Johnson & Johnson, when I met a friend at my apartment pool. She invited me to dinner with a man she wasn’t interested in—but that man became my husband, Bill.
I almost didn’t go, but I did. Twenty-six years later, we’re still walking in God’s plan together.
Since then, I’ve been ten different women: a business-suit wearing career woman, an ESPN Fitness Champion, a fitness cover model, a new mom, a bestselling author, a podcaster, a ministry leader. Each season stretched me, refined me, and taught me to depend on God.
He’s blessed His call:
- 10 Steps to F.I.T. Faith Inspired Transformation became a bestseller.
- Strong. Confident. His Podcast is a top 3 podcast and the Strong. Confident. His. Devotional sold out.
- Fit God’s Way was Traditionally published with Salem Media.
- Sony streamed my workouts on Great American Pure Flix.
- I’ve been featured on almost all Christian media including: The 700 Club, Jesus Calling, CBN, and TBN.
But none of that defines success. Success is peace in His presence, not applause from the world.
“To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” — Isaiah 61:3
From Broken to Breakthrough to Blessing
In brokenness there were ashes.
In breakthrough there was the oil of joy.
In blessing there stands an oak of righteousness—for His glory.
Reflection
Look at your life today. Every detail that brought you here—God was in it.
Take time to praise Him.
Write down what you’re grateful for, and if you have a testimony, share it.
Your story might lead someone else to Jesus.
Key Takeaways: From Broken to Breakthrough to Blessing
- Brokenness isn’t your ending—it’s the place where God begins rebuilding.
- Breakthrough happens in surrender, not striving.
- Blessing is found in obedience, not outcomes.
- Success without God isn’t success at all—it’s exhaustion.
- Every part of your story can become a testimony when you give it to Him.
Challenge / Reflection
- Brokenness: Have you given your life to Christ? If not, pray and surrender to Him today. Then find a Bible-based church and tell them you’ve made Jesus Lord of your life.
- Breakthrough: Look back and write down pivotal moments where God showed up for you. This will strengthen your faith.
- Blessing: Look at your life right now. Write down what you’re thankful for, praise Him for what He’s done, and share your story with someone who needs hope.
Dr. Charles Stanley said it best:
“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend.
No wound is too deep, no past too heavy for God’s redeeming love.
In Him, you can go from broken to breakthrough to blessing.
Be who He created you to be.
Live boldly.
Walk faithfully.
Because you are Strong. Confident. His.
With love in Christ Jesus,
