“If you don’t say [your goals, dreams, intentions] out loud, your destiny will change.” -Lisa Copeland

One of the most profound quotes I’ve heard – of all time – nearly brought me to tears this evening. As I watched my husband graduate from his Chamber of Commerce Leadership class, I was stunned beyond words. I felt as if the keynote speaker was talking straight to me, as if I was the only person in the room.

This mission I have to help others with RA is beyond a passion – this is my calling in life. Every challenge, joy, heartache and thought in my life has brought me HERE. At 37 years old, I’ve finally found my purpose. I am guided each day by a compass bigger and stronger than my own mind and heart – the strength of which spooks me regularly, but I find incredible comfort in knowing that my lifelong effervescence finally has a purpose. I’m humbled by the opportunity to help others, and I pray that I exceed every expectation for bringing hope to your day – each and every day.

I pray that God (as a woman of faith) arms my words to resonate, to inspire, to help and to bring peace to those affected by a disease that strips peace from our bodies, our hearts, our minds. YOU matter to me. Your stories matter to me.

I want to make a difference in YOUR life. I want YOU to push forward when it’s that last thing you want to consider. I want to inspire you to smile, love, laugh and find joy in all of the moments that are YOUR life. This is why God made me. This is why I am here.

And if I’d never said it out loud, my destiny would have changed. I am here – for YOU. Thank you for being part of this community. You mean more than you could ever know.