Growing up, I didn’t think I could do anything well. You might think that’s not true, but it is. There were so many things I wanted to do and be. I wanted to be a singer, an artist, a Hollywood movie star! I wanted fame, to be good at something, to be recognized and seen as someone who had something to offer. Little did I know that my years growing up were a search for significance, love, and acceptance.

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After receiving Jesus as the Lord of my life, things began to change. I had a purpose and mission. My passion for sharing with others the same love I found was so great that I wasn’t able to contain the springs flowing from my belly.

I Wrote A Book!

Eleven years ago, when the whole world was crashing in on me, and I was at my lowest point, God used that moment, and it became the highest point of my life. Through faith, I have overcome a shattered life, full of loneliness, lies, emptiness and constant striving to be who someone else expected. I don’t have time to tell you here all about that life. But, I did write a book telling the story of God’s divine intervention and rescue, and one key that changed my life.

After writing my book, I began receiving a few invitations to share my story. Even though I did not feel equipped to speak, I did it anyway. My heart beat so fast at my first introduction, I thought I might have a heart attack! In faithfulness, our God met me in my need. There is one time that stands out to me more than all the others. A young man in his mid-30’s approached me after I shared my message. He told me that all his life he has felt just like I did. He shared the story of standing in his parent’s room as an 8-year old and watching his dad shoot and kill his mom at close range with a shotgun. All these years, this man suffered from addiction issues, and hatred and bitterness led his steps. He wanted freedom from that life. “Miss Allison, I want what you found!” Right there at that moment, for the very first time in my life, I led a man into the arms of Jesus.

Our Family Legacy is Changing!

I have received abundant grace and mercy to have the gift of two beautiful, kind, and generous daughters who have hearts to lay a new foundation and redirect our family legacy. With three grandchildren and one on the way, thanks to God and my wonderful son-in-love, life is full of joy. I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity we each have to teach these precious children how to live and love well and to thrive.

I Became An Artist!

Maybe you think you aren’t artistic. Can I tell you something? That is stinking thinking! I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and no one will create like you. When I took steps to go to the art store, and buy paints, canvases, brushes and all the tools needed for sketching, I painted and sketched. My artistic talent is still a work in progress. But knowing I can do it after wanting it all the years of my childhood, is more than enough.

I Am Thriving In My Work!

When I was in high-school, I rallied our teams on to victory as a cheerleader. I loved being a part of the team. I still do. It’s incredible what can happen when each does his/her part. Today, I cheer women on to victory through my coaching practice where I serve women who want more from their personal, career and community relationships. It’s an honor to be a part of Eight28 Women, a grass roots non-profit organization that unfolded when I stepped out in faith and rallied like-minded people for a cause greater than ourselves, established on the truth of Romans 8:28. I also serve as the Atlanta Director for Top 5 America, a digital publishing site that hosts stories we write to connect businesses and their customers. And, I freelance, working with different clients, on various projects such as website improvement, copywriting, and developing creative elements that engage audiences. I’ve had incredibly talented coaches and mentors. None of the things I have accomplished in my life happened on my own. It truly takes a village to accomplish anything and do it well. I’ve had some of the world’s top coaches work with me to help me hone my skills and talents. They also used many tests to help me see where I work best naturally. Knowing this about myself is something that has given me greater confidence and boundaries to stay in my lane. When I do that, work doesn’t feel like work. God is the greatest partner in my work. Without His love, grace, and goodness, I’d still be living in chaos.

I Discovered My Purpose

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Living without knowing my purpose left me in a state of chaos and uncertainty. I was always wondering if I was enough, measured up to others approval and if I was doing enough to please others. I had no boundaries, only yes, yes, yes and okay.

Once my purpose was revealed to me, everything began to change. It gave meaning to my life. It simplified my life. If you know your purpose, you know what to do and what not to do. It helped me focus my life. I no longer walked aimlessly, always changing directions in my jobs, relationships, and other externals. I am grounded, rooted and growing each day as I become more than I can imagine. My telling you this isn’t from a sense of self-righteousness, but from a very great understanding that I have a Creator who purposed and planned my days for me from the foundations of the earth. And here I am in such a time as this, living it out more and more each day.

I no longer have the need to be known as a singer, artist or Hollywood star. What I realized is that I sing every day, whether anyone hears me or not. I became an artist when I eliminated the phrase, “I want to to be an artist,” and became one. I’m not a Hollywood star and don’t have to be any kind of star except one who shines light into others lives. My story is not over. I know there is more. I will capture and share the moments with you as I journey because, as I grow, I gain wisdom. And, as Jason said in his post, it’s a selfish thing for us to horde our wisdom.

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