Rediscovering Joy: A Year of Growth, Grace, and Gratitude

My year in review focuses on rediscovering joy, growth, grace, and gratitude, a theme that defined 2024 for me.

As I reflect on 2024, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for a journey that has been anything but ordinary. It has been a year of rediscovery, where pain, disappointment, harsh realities, and difficult decisions led me back to a joy that only an intimate relationship with God can give. Through this renewed connection, I have rediscovered myself and the purpose predestined for me from conception. Rediscovering Joy: A Year of Growth, Grace, and Gratitude encapsulates this journey.

Motherhood Lessons

One of the most profound lessons I learned this year came from slowing down. It allowed me to truly see and hear my teenage son without him uttering a word. The challenges that we’ve faced as a family tried to outweigh our love. God’s wisdom became apparent as I navigated parenting Elijah, our vibrant five-year-old bonus son. Being fifty years old with a five-year-old was never in my plan. Even more, raising a child with autism who was labeled nonverbal has been a journey of unexpected challenges and indescribable rewards. But God, in His infinite wisdom—knew best.

Elijah has been a constant reminder and teacher of patience. Though his disability presented unique challenges, it also sparked a fire in me. It nudged my creativity to develop programs specifically tailored for him, filling the gaps where resources were scarce. This journey transformed my already compassionate heart, enabling me to love him more intentionally and intensely. While I don’t know what the future holds regarding his reunification with his biological mother. I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity to love and learn from him today.

Professional Growth

This year, I also experienced incredible success in my work. The Motivated Mom platform celebrated its 8th anniversary and hosted the first post-COVID Motivated Mom Retreat, a vibrant and empowering event. Through A Chance to Learn, we became the fiscal agent for The MOMS Tour, serving over 10,000 moms and dads in 25 cities. We connected families with doulas, mental health experts, and maternal health advocates, making a tangible impact in countless lives.

We also became the national partner for MyBaby4Me, a program designed to reduce infant mortality one zip code at a time. This partnership is a reflection of our commitment to maternal and infant health. Additionally, we launched offices in three cities this year, with plans for six more in 2025.

One of my favorite initiatives was the Adopt-A-Mom Christmas program. This year, we served 137 moms and nearly 400 children, partnering with First Lady Serita Jakes, Woman to Woman Ministries, and United Mega Care to host a beautiful Christmas celebration. Additionally, we collaborated with Viola’s House for their Annual Fair Park Christmas, serving over 3,000 families in the zero to three-year-old area with toys and other essentials.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of serving as an experiential producer for two televised shows. These opportunities allowed me to combine my creativity and passion for storytelling, creating experiences that inspire and connect audiences.

Gods Grace

But above all, this year’s most significant achievement has been rediscovering God’s love. This renewed intimacy has given me a sense of safety and security in His will, transforming every aspect of my life. Rediscovering Joy: A Year of Growth, Grace, and Gratitude has been the cornerstone of my transformation. His love is the foundation of all I accomplished and the anchor through every challenge.

As I step into the new year, I carry the lessons, successes, and blessings of 2024. I look forward to beautiful experiences and continued growth in 2025. Because God is at the center, I am ready to embrace all that will come.

Happy New Year, friends! May this year be filled with more of your heart’s desires!