Want to know why I started the booth, ZARA, for OMA? Grab a tissue and settle in, it’s testimony time! This time of year I always share this story because I’m still in awe of what God has done and can do.

Fifteen years of marriage may not seem like a big deal to most people, but 2 years after our wedding day, our marriage began to fall apart. Had you asked me eight years ago whether no not we would make it to 15 years, I would have answered, “NO WAY!” Guess what? God intervened and had a different plan.

In our years of marriage we have experienced many things. Nova was born, and there was loss of loved ones–in particular, Jeff’s mom (who passed on our 2-year anniversary). We moved away from friends, a state and a house we loved. We were broke, especially after inheriting two homes with all their bills (meaning we now had 3 homes). We were forced to file bankruptcy. We moved into a place that had mold, the smell of cigarette smoke, and we were ALWAYS sick. Nova was in a vicious cycle of ear infections plus she suffered side effects caused by the antibiotics. There was addiction, lying, and plain ole’ distrust. There was lack of love on top of exhaustion from trying to work as much as possible to make ends meet. We literally counted pennies to buy groceries.

Jeff went to OMA for a year. While he was there, I unexpectedly lost my best girlfriend, Marge. I felt alone. The list goes on. We were broken and in a bad place, but we gave it to God (mostly Jeff did at first; in my mind and heart I was done). Jeff did a lot of praying and mending himself and trusting God to fix what we had broken. God provided (and still does) in ways we never expected, he sent friends and family to help us get through our tough times. There were so many, I can’t begin to list them all, but please know we appreciate every one of you, especially Outreach Ministries of Alabama.

That’s why we not only support the program but were also called to work there for a season. We may not work directly for OMA any longer, but still do our best to support them any way we can (i.e., ZARA booth, assist with Farm Day among other things). OMA was a huge part of helping us rebuild what we once had. My point is that if you’re lost, broken & hurting, don’t give up. Give it to God! You won’t regret it. I hate that it took years for us to figure that out. Since both of us grew up in church, it should have been obvious!

I’m looking forward to the next 15 years! Happy Anniversary to my childhood sweetheart, Jeff Wingfield. I ❤ you!! Thank you for everything you do for our family! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!