Some days feel heavier than others. Not because of one big thing, but because of all the small ones that add up and leave us feeling worn thin. If you are in that place, this is your reminder: You do not have to have it all figured out. Just take the next step. God is still with you, even here. One breath, one prayer, one step at a time.

This week brought a wave of emotions.
We met with the surgical teams and now have a clearer picture of what lies ahead. It brings some peace—but also a heavier weight as we prepare for more travel and more time away from our boys.

Even though they are in great hands, it never gets easier to say goodbye.

We are leaning into God’s presence in every moment—on the road, in the waiting, and in the quiet. He is our steady when things feel anything but steady.

After 10 years of scans, surgeries, and uncertainty, our family is stepping into a new chapter. Emma is preparing for a double mastectomy. It’s not the road we would have chosen, but we are walking it with faith and purpose. In this post, we share how we got here, where we’re headed, and the promise we are holding onto in Isaiah 41:10.

This post reflects on the unexpected spiritual renewal found during a weekend fire department class in Milledgeville, Georgia. Staying in a secluded cabin by Lake Sinclair without cell service or distractions, I was reminded of the importance of slowing down to pray intentionally and dive into scripture. The quiet moments on the dock created space for an honest conversation with God, leading to clarity, peace, and a renewed focus on faith. As the holiday season grows busier, this experience serves as a reminder to pause, seek God, and let His Word bring perspective and rest amidst life’s demands.

Jesus calls us to let our light shine, not for attention, but to reflect his love and inspire others. Whether it is through a kind word, a small act of encouragement, or simply being present for someone, your light has the power to make a difference. At Living Valor, we believe the best light is the kind that helps others find their own. How will you shine today?

Life has a way of bringing storms, but even the smallest light can guide us through. Being a light does not mean fixing someone’s problems. It is about showing up, offering kindness, and reminding them they are not alone. Whether it is a heartfelt message, a simple smile, or just being present, your actions can brighten someone’s world. 

*BIG NEWS ALERT*

For our friends and family following our journey, you know Emma and I have faced numerous challenges over the years. From heartbreaking miscarriages to unexpected tumors and the financial weight of medical bills and travels to Johns Hopkins.

Earlier this year, scans revealed new areas of concern which ultimately led to us scheduling surgery for Emma in September.
The morning of the surgery, Emma’s doctors told us that the main tumor they’d been monitoring for months had disappeared. Surgery was successful and they removed the other two areas of concern and sent them off for evaluation. The next two weeks were a waiting game to see if the cancer was back.

We are excited to say that the results came back and revealed -no signs of cancer- in her body!

The change? Being intentional. In June, I had an opportunity to go on a mission trip that changed my life and revealed to me how important it is to be intentional with my prayers, my worship, my relationship with Jesus, and my family. I learned how to study scripture and dive into God's promises to His people. It’s funny, I didn’t truly know what that meant until I was in a time of weakness and had no other choice BUT to put Him before everything else. Once my view shifted, things seemed to fall into place. Through this journey, we’ve been able to find the good, even in the middle of the storm.

Through our relationship with Jesus, Emma and I have learned to overcome any obstacles that stand before us. Thank you to our family and friends from the City of Roswell, Safe Kids Worldwide, West Virginia, Roswell United Methodist Church, our 8th-grade small group, and the village that continues to surround us daily.

I challenge you to be intentional with your faith. To dive deeper into the things that are important in life. If you need help, reach out to us. Emma and I are happy to share our story with you.

As summer ends, we've taken crucial steps in our medical journey at the Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Center in Baltimore. We are grateful for the immense support and prayers from our community during this challenging time. My surgery has been scheduled for August 22, which will address a tumor and other tissue concerns. While facing the possibility of new malignancies after seven peaceful years, we're holding on firmly to our faith, the expertise of our medical team, and the many blessings in our life. Learn more about our latest updates in this blog post.

I realized that I have a choice every day: to let anxiety control me or to choose joy despite the brokenness of life. Life with Jesus doesn't make everything easy, but it gives us the courage and peace to face difficulties. I pray that today, you find the same comfort and strength in knowing that God is always with you, no matter how messy life can be. He will continue to make a way when it seems impossible to take one more step- forever our way-maker, miracle worker, and promise keeper.

Emma was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue sarcoma at the age of 19. Since then, our story has been a whirlwind of events including the birth of our first son, Valor, marital challenges, seven miscarriages, and the birth of our second son, Titus. Throughout it all, we kept almost everything to ourselves, fearing that showing weakness to those closest to us would be detrimental.