Childhood trauma and abuse led to poor decisions and more trauma as an adult. By the time she was 23, Melissa’s heart was hard and unfeeling. But Jesus—the Light of the World and the bringer of life—restored her heart, giving her the ability to feel, forgive, and see goodness in people.

MELISSA LOTT is a warrior for Christ who combats the world's ugliness with the Gospel. Jesus has restored her heart, giving her the ability to feel, forgive, and see goodness in people. She enjoys sunshine, being courageous in darkness, and being a whole bunch of trouble for Satan.

"Worthy Living: The Story of Melissa Lott" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 2 | 2024. Read the digital copy here.

What was supposed to put an end to her pain multiplied it instead! Sentenced to life in prison at 26 for murdering her abusive husband, Marianne blamed God for not fixing things in the first place. But the harder she ran, the more God pursued her.

MARIANNE VAN DONGEN frequently returns to the same prison where she was incarcerated for 27 years, ministering to women through the Jesus Infusion (thejesusinfusion.org). She also volunteers with parole and probation programs and at various correctional institutions, helping persons who are reentering society to successfully complete the parole and probation process.

"A Lifer Set Free: The Story of Marianne Van Dongen" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 02 | 2024. Read the digital story here.

Essie found out the hard way that when we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting for God’s perfect plan in His perfect time, things can get very messy and very painful. Still, the moment we turn to Him, He turns our ashes into beauty.

ESSIE FAYE TAYLOR is a wife, bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. As the author of the "Finding the Love You Deserve" series for women and teens, she is deeply committed to sharing the healing power of the gospel. Learn more at essiefayetaylor.com.

"Finding Beauty in the Storm: The Story of Essie Faye Taylor" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 2 | 2024. Read the digital version here.