When I moved to Virginia Beach in August 2025, I knew right away that I would get involved in the local nonprofit scene.  Subjects like female empowerment, social justice, and trauma-informed care translate to causes that pique my interest. Suffice it to say, when I heard Samaritan House was hosting their 11th Annual Women Against Violence Luncheon at Westin Town Center, I made immediate plans to attend. At the October luncheon, Keynote Speaker Leslie Morgan Steiner shared her powerful journey from victim to survivor of domestic violence.  She tells her touching story in her book Crazy Love. Making Connections Thanks to a colleague, I connected with the Samaritan House Executive…

The kids and I snuck away to North Carolina this past weekend to enjoy some time with my brother’s family in Angier. He has four kids ages five and under with one set of twins who I finally got to meet in person. (Have I mentioned how grateful I am to be living in VA Beach within driving distance of most of my family?!) We benefited from my brother’s masterful barista skills and my sister-in-law’s exceptional cooking. The cousins entertained each other with basketball, soccer, board games, and by watching a few classic episodes of Wallace & Gromit. The Woodsy Cottage Location After researching places to stay in the area…

God gave me this encouragement earlier this week when I was knee-deep in planning the next-steps for my speaking ministry. Through it, he reminded me that I don’t need to feel foolish for pushing down the gas peddle and pursuing my goals with reckless abandon because he is sitting in the front seat next to me. I hope the following invites you to ponder your God-given desires and silences any internal conflict you might be facing. “You can’t run ahead without Me.I won’t fall back and mock you.I will walk with you and show you the way.” You know what it feels like to be left standing on your own,…