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.

 

 

 

Hi everybody,

Many of you have been keeping up with our family's story and have been faithfully walking beside us during some of our most recent challenges. Chad and I quickly realized that the weight of these challenges was too much to carry, and we could no longer handle these figurative blows on our own. We had to humble ourselves and allow others into our lives and support our family through prayer, love, and support. By sharing our story and sparking meaningful conversations with the people around us, we realized that there are so many just like us that face their giants alone each day. By allowing our community into our story, we learned that the army of believers around us and our faith in Jesus will defeat any giants that come before us.

We have witnessed miracles unfold before our eyes, reminding us that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times. Our son Valor, whose life was prophesied long before he arrived, is a testament to the power of faith and the beauty of waiting patiently for what is meant to be. And then there is Titus, whose arrival defied all odds, reminding us that God's plans are far greater than we can imagine.

We hope that by sharing our journey, we can bring encouragement to those who may be walking through their own valleys. We want to remind you all that you are never alone, and that there are people who love you and want to support you through every season of life. We believe that by embracing vulnerability and surrounding ourselves with a loving community, we can find strength, healing, and hope.

When Chad and I created the Living Valor brand, we knew that it needed to be purposeful and built on the foundation that our family holds to. We want to use this platform, particularly through the Emma's Warriors collection, to transform our personal circumstances into something meaningful and impactful. We aim to create a space where our stories intersect with yours, where our struggles and victories resonate with your own, and where together, we can fix our eyes on Jesus and find inspiration.

While we are uncertain about what lies ahead for our little family, we hold steadfast in our faith that nothing is wasted, and that God is continuously working in our lives. We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support and love that you all have shown us throughout our journey. Your presence has been a constant reminder that we are surrounded by a community that cares for one another.

Thank you again for being a part of this incredible journey with us. Let's continue to walk together, share our stories, and create a space filled with courage, resilience, and love. #LivingValor #ShareYourStory