Women’s Campaign - Stephanie’s Story
When Stephanie applied for the 40 OVER 40, a women’s campaign to celebrate women, she had a powerful statement of why she was applying. She said, “I've always shied away from the camera because I never felt beautiful and didn't want my kids to remember me as the overweight, overworked mom. I now realize that there are very few pictures of me in their lives, because, I made sure to stay out of the ‘limelight’.” That statement is absolutely why I decided to launch a women’s campaign and encourage women to do a photoshoot just for themselves.
Stephanie’s story was moving and inspiring. If you passed by her, you would have no idea she has lived through what she has. That is the beautiful thing about this campaign. It opened my eyes. We can say we have no idea what someone has gone through. But are we willing to actually sit with a person and hear their story? Stephanie is kind and was willing to share her story in hopes of encouraging other women.
Growing up, Stephanie often joked that her childhood was straight out of a Walton family episode. Her parents never raised their voices at each other; their home was a sanctuary of love and care. This gentle upbringing, while a blessing, didn't fully prepare her for the real world. She said she “sought love and acceptance that mirrored my family's ways and, well, let's just say I had a very rude awakening.”
Her first marriage was to her high school sweetheart. Friends had warned her about his temper, but during the two years they dated, she never saw a hint of it. It wasn't until their very first week of marriage that she witnessed his rage in all its terrifying glory. This pattern continued throughout their marriage, and she eventually decided that she didn't want her girls raised in such a volatile environment.
When asked what three words she would use to describe herself she answered-
“Compassionate, Servant, Daughter (of the King)”
Feeling isolated, she met her second husband. She said, “He was charismatic, energetic, and I fell hard for his outgoing personality.” Little did she know, much of his "energy" came from substances. She drifted away from church, sinking deeper into depression and fear. Their property was severely damaged by a tornado in 2008, and she hoped this calamity might push him to stop his substance abuse. Sadly, it didn't. The following spring, he wrecked their car while drunk—with their children inside.
That night, she left with nothing but their car, her purse, and the clothes on their backs. She became a single mom of four, with no clue what to do next. The next 3.5 years were a brutal battle for her children. Despite testimonies from counselors and social workers, the court failed her, granting him 50% custody and sometimes even more. Their children eventually moved in with him. Her relationships deteriorated, and she spent many nights crying herself to sleep, consumed by despair.
During those 3.5 years, she “clung to God like never before, keeping my Bible at my side at all times.” She realized that God had never left her, even when she had walked away from Him. She continued to pray for her children, never giving up hope that one day they would understand how much she loved them.
Eight years ago, Stephanie was blessed with a sweet man who became her rock. He walked with her through the hard times and has been a blessing to their family. Stephanie says, “God truly redeems what was taken from us if we only trust and believe in Him.” Stephanie now craves closeness with her family and cherishes every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. She says, “Life is too short for anger, regrets, and being tied down to past failures.”
“I can’t begin to describe the trials I faced during those tumultuous years, battling for my children and fearing for their well-being. We left with nothing but the clothes on our backs and moved into a “borrowed home” that my sister-in-law was trying to sell. We started from scratch—sleeping on floors and rejoicing over any free furniture we could find. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me one invaluable lesson: God is with you ALWAYS.”
Stephanie’s session was a celebration of what she has been through. It was a time for her to open up and share about her trials. She desperately wanted other women to know they aren’t alone.
When I asked Stephanie how she felt coming into her photoshoot she replied, “I was very nervous to do the shoot. I don't like being the center of attention. I don't feel comfortable having people look at me. I didn't want people to think I was doing these out of pride in myself-- it was actually just the opposite. I was doing them in hopes that I could see myself as beautiful as the pictures I had seen Jessica do for others. I loved looking through the images for the first time. I dreaded having to narrow them down to just a few shots- as Jessica does such amazing work.”
I was able to watch Stephanie’s confidence bloom as she session continued. A couple things that really added to the experience is that Stephanie was pampered with professional hair and makeup. She got to choose beautiful dresses from my studio wardrobe. Then she was fully guided through the photoshoot. She never had to ask, “What do I do with my hands?” I helped her work into poses and expressions. She was able to take a day for herself, feel beautiful and leave with her cup filled.
If you’ve been on the fence about doing a session for yourself, take the advice of Stephanie. She encourages other women to do a session by saying, “Trust Jessica. She has a heart of gold and is so precious to work with. You will enjoy your session and realize the inner beauty that is inside you- as Jessica beckons it to come forward.”
I will forever be grateful for Stephanie’s vulnerability in the 40 OVER 40 Campaign. Since her photoshoot, she lost her husband to cancer. She has, once again, had to face a valley. My hope is that she is able to look back on these photos and remember she is loved, cherished and appreciated. This campaign brought women together from all walks of life. We honored Stephanie and 39 other women at the 40 OVER 40 gala in February 2023. It was a beautiful night to encourage women that their stories matter. They aren’t meant to bring shame but to encourage.
Stephanie, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story.
If you are interested in my current campaign, learn how you can be part of by following the link below.
“You are Beautiful! God doesn’t make mistakes and He created you just the way He wanted you. You are His masterpiece. Celebrate your uniqueness and know that true beauty comes from within. ”
