Oh, I was feeling my college freshman self in this pic. I had recently cut my hair as an act of rebellion, much to my Mom’s displeasure.

Little did I know that approximately a week later, coming from a basketball game, two friends and I would walk into a store one evening, in the midst of an armed robbery.

We were quickly herded to the back by a masked gunman, where there were 2 or 3 other customers on their knees, heads bowed. We were instructed to do the same. Seconds later I felt a gun barrel at the back of my head, told not to move or make a sound, as I listened to the loud, gut-churning screams of a woman coming from the front of the store…..

Periodically I relive that horrific experience in my sleep. Last night was one of those nights.

Every now and then, when I begin to wonder if I am living my life as God wants me to, He sends me a signal. I am convinced that He spared my life that evening for a reason, in addition to a countless number of other “close calls.”

Yes, I was a fearless, ultra-adventurous young woman, almost to a fault in those days. Who goes parasailing in the Bahamas knowing damn well they can’t swim? Uhh, my 19-year-old, daredevil self, that’s who.

I am clearly here for a purpose and I am grateful for every day that He allows me to live it out. I am blessed to be a catalyst for other women, especially Moms, to embrace the possibilities, to live their best lives, even outside of motherhood.

No, Motherhood is not where dreams go to die. ®

Tomorrow is promised to NO ONE. No matter what it may be, find YOUR purpose and live it out loud! UNAPOLOGETICALLY.