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.

At ten years old, Jerry dodged a train…and the adrenaline rush that followed kept him playing chicken for the next two decades. Jerry’s daredevil nature merged with natural leadership qualities, and he looked good…right up until everything fell apart. But that’s when he turned to God, and today, he teaches CEOs and other executives to lead like Jesus in the marketplace.

JERRY HOWARD is an executive mentor, speaker, and author whose mission of God is to share the Gospel of Jesus and to “go and make disciples.” Jerry owns multiple businesses and founded iNTREPiD iMPACT Team, a comprehensive leadership coaching and business consulting agency. He is a licensed healthcare executive and has successfully overseen multiple post-acute healthcare centers. He can be reached at JerryHowardInternational.com.

To read "Train, Bullies, Cops...and Jesus: The Story of Jerry Howard" in its entirety, click here.

When Stephanie learned her cheating husband’s mistress was pregnant, she went off the deep end. Hurt and anger became hatred. Suicidal thoughts became murderous ones, but as she cried out to God, all she heard was “Forgive them.” When she finally surrendered to that command, she found freedom and purpose for her pain.

STEPHANIE M. CARTER is an author and the host of her podcast Reveal. Her heart is to help hurting and broken women learn who they are in Christ. To learn more, visit her websites at revealedgrace.com and stephaniemcarter.com.

To read "The Beauty in Forgiveness: The Story of Stephanie M. Carter" in its entirety, click HERE. 

Preacher’s kid Stephen Barbee rebelled early despite the bright prospects before him. Alcohol, drugs, and reckless behavior dragged him right down into the pigsty next to the Bible’s prodigal son. In his strength, he failed to stay clean, but a true surrender in prison brought healing and purpose to his life.

STEPHEN BARBEE serves the incarcerated and reentry communities as a mentor and community outreach specialist. As the founder of P2P (Passion to Purpose), he shares his message of hope and transformation through Christ. For more information, go to p2pministry.org.

"Head to the Cross: The Story of Stephen Barbee" is found in Issue 1 | 2024 of Victorious Living Magazine. To read Stephen's story, click here.

Are you an incarcerated brother or sister needing more encouragement? Write to us at PO Box 2751, Greenville, NC 27836, or email us at hope@vlmag.org. We cannot communicate through our phone line; please use the email system or snail mail. We read and pray over every letter we receive. Sorry, we cannot receive COD emails or phone calls.

For a free NIV Bible, please write to RESCUED NOT ARRESTED, PO Box 90606, Phoenix, AZ 85066.

"God, I've always trusted you have a plan and a future for me. But this plan doesn't feel so good." A fun afternoon on the water turned tragic for college freshman, Parker Byrd. Twenty-two surgeries and a leg amputation later, he faced the likelihood that his dreams of playing college baseball were over. Where were God's "good plans" now?

PARKER BYRD is an East Carolina University student and baseball team member. When he's not studying, working out, or playing ball, you'll find him sharing his inspiring story at various venues.  

"God's Plan is Still Good: The Story of Parker Byrd is found in Issue 4 | 2023 of Victorious Living Magazine. To read Parker's story in its entirety, click here.

Grief and loss are a part of life we all experience. We can be taught how to deal with and cope with grief in godly, healthy ways. What we focus on thoughts and minds on changes the way we experience and relate to life.

When Stefanie's best friend Mo was diagnosed with cancer, she became M's caregiver, willingly entering into the pain and struggle of survival. But as the disease progressed, Mo's ability to find something good in every day, no matter what, baffled and angered Stefanie. What good could come from Mo's illness?

STEFANIE CABANISS was a public health professional before beginning the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast. Out of her grief and pain came her purpose of helping Christian women navigate loss through understanding their grief, growing their faith, and processing daily life to find hope. 

"The Best Part of Your Day" by Stef Cabaniss is found in Issue 4 | 2023 of Victorious Living Magazine. To read Stef's story in its entirety, click here.