This is What a “Comeback” Story Looks Like

It’s one thing to get inspired by this wall hanging in my daughter’s home, but it’s a testament to the words when you have a live and in-person comeback story that walks in your front door. These are Christina’s beautiful two grandsons who she is raising to be mighty men of God. They surprised me with love and this yummy red velvet cake on my birthday. And, now, today, it’s Christina’s birthday. I get to reciprocate the love here.

First of all, happy birthday to this beautiful gal, Christina Willis, who is someone this world should know, then endeavor to emulate the tenacity and determination of what an overcomer looks and acts like. Christina, I pray you are blessed beyond words for your commitment to changing lives daily. As a devoted follower of Christ, you serve passionately and are relentless in helping others have a comeback story, too. Carry on, sweet girl! Your best is yet to be! I love you so much! <3 Christina is a bright light that has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. If ever there was a story of God’s amazing grace that took someone from the lowest lows to the highest highs – that’s this gal’s story. In August, 2017, Christina was homeless and living in a hotel with her daughter and her two sons. They were struggling financially -- evicted and homeless many times over the previous 20 years. Although she was attending church and Bible studies, she still felt lost and hopeless. She knew she needed someone to show her how to apply her faith and teach her life-skills to get her life turned around. Then she met my daughter, Staci. Christina started attending her “Mission Possible --Unlocking Your Full Potential” Bible study course that she had written. From that first night of attending the class, Christina’s world began to change. It was as if God gave her sight after being blind for so many years. During the Mission Possible study, she was delivered from a major paranormal addiction and deep-rooted shame. She found forgiveness and freedom and learned how to forgive others, despite the years of rejection, abuse and brokenness she had experienced. She then began a journey of learning how to apply biblical wisdom to practical life choices in the organization my daughter heads up, EMwomen, a non-profit organization that equips and empowers women by helping them learn life-skills to become stronger leaders in the marketplace, their homes and community. EMwomen’s motto “Every woman has a story and every story can change the world” certainly is true for Christina. There isn’t room here to share Christina’s full story, but suffice it to say, Christina’s life was radically and fully reversed (her COMEBACK). Christina shares: “My story began to transform when I began to make better choices. My alignment with EMwomen changed the trajectory of my life. The communication and life-skills I learned enabled me to get a job in the medical industry, making more money than I have ever made in my life.” Now she has a beautiful home and is raising her two beautiful grandsons.

Christina is now EMwomen’s Director of Outreach where she oversees programs that specifically reach single moms and girls who are running from domestic violence, struggling through abuse, homelessness or perhaps they have suffered from divorce or human trafficking or other areas that have held women from achieving God’s best.They are loved right where they are, but they are walked through spiritual deliverance, practical life-skills training and personal coaching to help them emerge from their past into quality jobs, better relationships and an abundant life in Christ.

Christina has found that rather than having been given just a fish, she was taught how to fish with the skills and spiritual fortitude necessary to thrive in life – and now she is paying it forward. Perhaps, it’s time to write your “comeback” story – where you rise out of the ashes and step up into the bright light of God’s mercy and love -- where you consider where you’ve been and where you are now, and become a blessing to those who need to hear your story for God’s glory. Christina had a major comeback. So can anyone who is living in hopelessness and who would welcome God to be the Lord of your life. Perhaps you’ll have a comeback story that will change the trajectory of your life, too!

Our Mission is Possible Wherever We Are

When you hear “mission”, maybe you think about Tom Cruise and his exploits in the Mission Impossible spy film series. Or, when you hear “mission”, you may think about missionaries in a third world country, dedicated to bringing lost souls to Christ. The truth is we are all called to a mission – right here or over there. God doesn’t value a far-off there more than an ordinary right here. Every there for us is someone else’s here.

Yes, some are called to go but most are called to stay and this is no lesser of a story to be living. If God is everywhere, and He tells us that He is, then He loves all the earth and we can serve Him in any corner of it -- including the one at the end of our own street. We are all missionaries because none of us are “home.” We are all in a foreign place, in a culture where we are not true citizens but wanderers. "Our citizenship is in heaven." (Philippians 3:20)

The good news is we can honor God in what is familiar to us. We can seek Him in the everyday sameness of our lives. We don't have to go anywhere but TO HIM in order for us to be useful in His Kingdom. For those called to step on a plane or boat, you go with the blessing of God. For those called to stay in a kitchen or a check-out line at a store or a conference room or a a desk in a class, you stay right where you are -- with the blessing of God.

“Missionary” simply means someone who has or is on a mission. If that’s the case, then we all bear that name. I’m by no means taking away the special care and honor that should be given to those for whom it is also an occupation. I’m just saying “Let’s not diminish the privilege we all have of being part of a great mission, too." You have been sent. I have been sent. We were sent the second the first spark of life flickered in our mother’s womb. To this earth. And now to wherever we are today.

Let’s not believe that there is a more “spiritual” location to be. Let’s never let our hearts be convinced God is not as fully here as He is on some distant continent. Instead let’s take off our shoes and declare that right here where we stand is holy ground, too. Because God is here -- in this moment. Perhaps even more miraculous, He is in us. God Himself is Who He wants us to bring wherever we are, wherever we go.

Do you want to know where God is asking you to serve and bless right now? You only need to look down at the one-foot square of humble, sacred earth beneath your feet. The only place on this spinning globe where both you and God are present in this moment. That's where we can always make a difference.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

Mission IMPOSSIBLE or Mission POSSIBLE?

As most know, I'm a Hallmark Movie kind-of-gal, but I still love an action thriller now and then. So, Sunday night I joined my family in their theater room to watch the last Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation movie. That prepped us to see the latest Mission Impossible - Fallout movie Monday night. Okay, I'm still reeling from two nights of fast-paced, sitting on the edge of my seat, enjoying the comedy relief moments when my son, Larry's laughs make me laugh louder -- not to mention the crazy stunts of Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. When I watched the movie, I knew that Ethan Hunt's stunts were always Tom Cruise doing those stunts. It's remarkable because, in this film, the stunts only got more difficult and Cruise is now 53. If you can stand the twists and turns, death-defying stunts and so many other surprises that are in it from beginning to end, you might want to see it.

No sooner does Ethan Hunt makes it through one crisis, than another crisis tops that one. When you think it's time for a little R&R, then comes the crazies out to get him. His greatest mission in life, besides preventing a disaster of epic proportions, is to stay alive. Spoiler alert! When I was starting to panic a little, Larry whispered, "Mom, this is Ethan Hunt -- He will survive!" No doubt, Ethan Hunt knows why he was put here on this planet.

Of course, I was inspired by that riveting 2-1/2 hour movie. But my inspiration for today's post comes from the title "Mission Impossible" -- which is definitely NOT what our Manufacturer equipped us with. Our MISSION is POSSIBLE because each of us has shown up on planet earth with our Manufacturer's LIFETIME, and beyond, guarantee. That is, those of us who acknowledge Him as our Creator and Lord. The guarantee says this: "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a spokesperson to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) In Psalm 139:16 we read "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." God knows the beginning of our lives, the length of our lives and the plan for our lives. Our purpose is to dedicate ourselves to that mission and plan. 'We are ordinary people on an extraordinary mission to love and serve and help others to see the plan of God in their lives; to save them from the bad guys (the enemy of our souls). In the words of the voice in the box that will self-destruct in five seconds, "Do you accept this mission?"

For those of us who did accept the mission, we can verify -- it will give you the thrills, chills, ups and downs, challenges, victories, but more importantly the results are peace, joy, hope, love, and so many other promises that God gave us through Christ, Jesus in John 10:10 -- "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The best part of this mission.....it never ends. It brings life everlasting!

My daughter, Staci Wallace, wrote the book "Mission: Possible", with the foreword by Zig Ziglar. It's her best-selling book that helps the reader to "unleash their full potential" as they discover "Why am I here?" Check it out here: https://www.staciwallace.com/store
Mission IMPOSSIBLE or Mission POSSIBLE?
As most know, I'm a Hallmark Movie kind-of-gal, but I still love an action thriller now and then. So, Sunday night I joined my family in their theater room to watch the last Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation movie. That prepped us to see the latest Mission Impossible: Fallout movie Monday night. Okay, I'm still reeling from two nights of fast-paced action, sitting on the edge of my seat, enjoying the comedy relief moments when my son, Larry's laughs make me laugh louder -- not to mention the crazy stunts of Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. When I watched the movie, I knew that Ethan Hunt's stunts were always Tom Cruise doing those stunts. It's remarkable because, in this film, the stunts only got more difficult and Cruise is now 53. If you can stand the twists and turns, death-defying stunts and so many other surprises, from beginning to end, you'll want to see it.

No sooner does Ethan Hunt makes it through one crisis, than another crisis tops that one. When you think it's time for a little R&R, then comes the crazies out to get him. His greatest mission in life, besides preventing a disaster of epic proportions, is to stay alive. Spoiler alert! When I was starting to panic a little, Larry whispered, "Mom, it's Ethan Hunt! He will survive!"

Of course, I was inspired by that riveting 2-1/2 hour movie. But my inspiration for today's post comes from the title "Mission: Impossible", which is definitely NOT how our Manufacturer equipped us. Ours is a Mission: Possible. Each of us showed up on planet earth with our Manufacturer's LIFETIME, and beyond, guarantee. That is, those of us who acknowledge Him as our Creator and Lord. The guarantee says this: "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a spokesperson to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5). In Psalm 139:16 we read "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." God knows the beginning of our lives, the length of our lives and the plan for our lives. Our purpose is to dedicate ourselves to that mission and plan. We are ordinary people on an extraordinary mission to love and serve and help others to see the plan of God in their lives; to save them from the bad guys (the enemy of our souls). In the words of the voice in the case that says it will self-destruct in five seconds, "Do you accept this mission?"

For those of us who did accept the mission, we can verify -- it will give you plenty of thrills, chills, ups and downs, challenges, victories, but more importantly the results are peace, joy, hope, love, and so many other promises that God gave us through Christ, Jesus in John 10:10 -- "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The best part of this mission.....it never ends. It brings life everlasting!

My daughter, Staci Wallace, wrote the book "Mission: Possible", with the foreword by Zig Ziglar. It's her best-selling book that helps the reader to "unleash their full potential" as they discover "Why am I here?" Check it out here: https://www.staciwallace.com/store

Forward.....MARCH!

In honor of this month of MARCH, and in honor of our service men and women who, on our behalf, are MARCHING to the beat of the love of their country, my word for today is MARCH.

It’s MARCH 4th -- the only day of the year that can also be a sentence -- MARCH Forth! Time is marching forth and so are we! An Army platoon marches FORWARD, not backward. Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or on the battlefield, they are on assignment until their mission has been accomplished. St. Paul wrote "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

My daily goal is to MARCH forward. No backward marching for me because I want to make daily progress. Some folks have lost their hope and expectancy for good things to come their way so they HALT, and are at a stand-still. I get that because for over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with my dear husband and his earth assignments ended when Heaven called his name. My life could be HALTED, too, but Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here! I'd lose momentum in accomplishing my assignments if I stayed in backward thinking.

My precious 95-year-old mother-in-law often asks “Why doesn’t God take me home? I’m ready to go!” And we always tell her “He’s not finished with you here, yet! Keep sharing your love with others, pray, and be here for us! That’s your assignment until you get called home!” You and I are still here and we, too, must complete our God-given assignments. Keep marching!

Everyday we have the opportunity to MARCH to the beat of our Divine Drummer who has perfect rhythm so we can make daily progress on our journey of faith. No more rear-view-mirror glimpses of regret, unforgiveness or shame from the past. No MARCHING backward. We have assignments to complete. This year, with its surprises and joys, AND with some bumpy roads along the way, let's keep MARCH FORWARD to conquer whatever comes our way, hand in hand with our Commanding Officer, Joy-Bringer, Deliverer, Comforter, Guide, Peace-Giver.

What are the assignments that God has given you? What are you going to accomplish with YOU? Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders today – our MISSION is possible!

And You Will Call Her Name.....Staci Michelle

When December rolls around, I go into nostalgic-mode because it holds so many treasured memories from years past. Other than the unparalleled birth-day of Jesus, was the birth of my precious girl, Staci Wallace.

Back in those days, they put most of us to sleep to have our babies, and we didn't know whether we were having a girl or boy. I just remember waking up and hearing my sweet husband whispering in my ear “Your prayers were answered. You got your girl!” Indeed my prayers were answered – above and beyond what I could have ever hoped for. This girl has always shocked me with her bold and audacious way of doing things. She was on the stage at our church at four years old – belting out songs with a “no fear” attitude. God gave her a gift of faith that has always been a constant source of inspiration and strength to us. When we would go through a challenging time, she would post “Expect a Miracle” signs all over our home. The “miracles” would come. Her energy and talents gave us years of excitement and entertainment as we watched her excel in sports and music – winning music competitions, singing before presidents and celebrities and speaking on stages with confidence before 10s of thousands -- a message that always motivated and encouraged her audiences. Her drive and determination caused her to be relentless in pursuing whatever task or goal that God gave her.

Above all, she’s been my precious daughter, best friend, confidant, encourager, mentor and in-house stand-up comedian -- especially when I needed to laugh the most. She has been a woman of honor, integrity and character and when up against the wall, she always figured out how to tear the wall down, or karate kick a hole in it to get through (yes, she's also a Black Belt in Karate).

Of all the names we thought of if we had a girl, we chose Staci Michelle. Staci means "resurrection life" and Michelle means "close to God". No doubt, God guided us to that name, because she has been true to those definitions. In so many ways, she brings resurrection life to everyone she encounters -- helping people find a new life from one of rejection, defeat, depression, darkness, and pain -- because the closeness she has with God magnetically draws them closer to HIM.

I don't tell you all this to impress you, but to impress upon you how important it is to ponder, pray for and get God's vision for your children, AND the name you give them. He had that vision for His Son that gives us a perfect example to follow. Staci, being born in December, draws my attention to Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:30 "And, behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and you will CALL HIS NAME, JESUS.” I love that Isaiah 9:6 even gave definition to His name before He was born, "And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

What we name our children shouldn't be a mere conglomeration of letters that we put together as a convenient way to refer to them. God proved that when He named His son Jesus -- that name that is ABOVE all other names, that describes His personality and gives interpretation of His character traits. He has lived up to His name and it gives us hope, life, and blessing. Indeed, names are important!

So, to my precious girl STACI MICHELLE WALLACE -- today is YOUR day -- and I honor you, esteem you and I call myself "Blessed among women, and blessed is the fruit of my womb!" I love you so much and thank God for the gift of you to me! Happy, happy birthday, my sweet girl! <3 span="">