Tell me about yourself.

I love my career in education! It has allowed me to see the world through the eyes of my students. Sometimes it isn’t a pretty world for them. I am passionate about advocating for children. I have five grandchildren and one includes my foster daughter’s baby. I have always wanted to foster but never took God up on His command until now. It has been an indescribable blessing! My mama was the most influential person in my life and when she became ill from Alzheimer’s I really lost myself. It also opened my eyes that life is short and time was running out to make a difference. I learned to let go of ideas of what happiness was and started all over again. Give everything you have to the Lord and He will bless you! I mean everything! Don’t hold anything back! Until you do this, you’re tiptoeing through life and missing all He has to offer.

How has your photo shoot experience shaped how you view yourself?

I saw my smile which I hated before the shoot and liked it. I liked myself! I felt very welcomed, relaxed, and natural. Starring at the photos I was sure it was me! The woman in the pictures was beautiful, confident, and real!

What message would you like to give other women that are going through a difficult time in life and might not feel worthy?

Jesus knew the woman at the well was worthy. He reached out to her because her past was far from perfect and He knew her heart!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Give everything you have to the Lord and He will bless you! I mean everything! Don’t hold anything back! Until you do this, you’re tiptoeing through life and missing all He has to offer. Volunteer! Do random acts of kindness! Find your passion! Stand up for yourself!

What would you tell other women about stepping out of their comfort zone and doing a photo shoot?

Do it for the women who can’t. The women who aren’t allowed to make their own decisions. Do it for all the little girls.