A Story Worth Living

Walking in purpose or pursuing the calling for which you were created is nothing short of a serious journey. It is ups and downs. It is hills and valleys. It is victories and battles. It is the pieces of a puzzle coming together one at a time toward the creation of a beautiful picture! It is pressing forward with the understanding that no matter what, God has a plan for you! This episode features speaker, author, coach, and YouTuber, Lorraine Edward's journey in purpose with a cool twist! Listen in on her encouraging and inspiring story recalling how God turned her frustration into fruitfulness and how her pain produced purpose. That part! Let's listen together... You can connect with Lorraine here: Website: asinglemission.com Instagram: @asinglemission Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorraineVision YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@asinglemission8340/featured Email: lorraine@asinglemission.com Here is the link to her current ebook: https://loveorillusion.datewizerr.com/ Listen on Spotify & Apple PodcastsConnect with us at A Story Worth Living IG: @bigpicturelivin

We had such a rich, thoughtful, and healing my conversation about women's health—specifically about fibroids—on this episode with Dr. LaKeischa McMillan, an integrative gynecologist. This is absolutely a must listen-to episode because there are a ton of gems and great, descriptive  information to add to your personal picture of reproductive health. We encourage you to be your own health advocate and to arm yourselves with the best info possible as you continue to navigate. Dr. LaKeischa Webb McMillan is certified in the use of the DiVinci Robotic System for Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery.  Her ability to reach and teach women has expanded through her Best Seller, The Other PMSTM: Your Survival Guide for Perimenopause and Menopause.  Her passion for helping women in perimenopause and menopause included her contribution to being on the advisory board of the only FDA Approved physician designed vaginal lube line, Momentum Intimacy.  A gifted speaker, Integrative OB-GYN, hormone specialist, and Amazon Best-Selling Author; Dr. LaKeischa helps women in perimenopause and menopause who are struggling with depleting hormones get their hormones balanced, regain mental sharpness, and have energy to last the entire day.  If you want to become a Hormone Hottie follow Dr. LaKeischa on all social media @drlakeischamd and take the free hormone quiz!!  Connect with us on IG: @bigpicturelivin

July is Fibroid Awareness Month. We've been sharing women's fibroid journeys. For this episode, we are excited to share the mic with Phyllis Frazier, a Fibroid Warrior who, through her story, encourages women to talk about their experiences in order to engage and inspire other women, especially younger women to take control of their reproductive health and their health overall. She reminds us that knowledge is power. Take a listen!

We are continuing the effort to raise awareness about fibroids and how that impact women. Our featured storyteller for this episode is my Sis-in-Law, Keshia Patterson. Through her unique story and lived experiences, Keshia, a true Fibroid Warrior, encourages us with the idea that not only can we can do hard things, but there are key lessons that we can learn from some of life's toughest challenges. She reminds us that we are our best advocate. 

It only takes a quick google search to discover some pretty significant statistics related to uterine fibroids. Stats like….most women will develop them at some point in their lives; over 25 million if you'd like to hear a number…with about 15 million of those whose everyday lives are impacted with severe symptoms. About. 15 million maybe more because, let's face it, for some women, there may not even be a diagnosis yet. Stats like Black women develop fibroids at higher rates.  We've dedicated this entire month of July, which is Fibroid Awareness Month, to exploring and amplifying stories of women whose lived experiences with fibroids are sure to educate and inspire. I am one of those women. I'm so looking forward to sharing this space with a few special sisters in order to provide even more visibility to a women's health topic that absolutely requires more attention, research, and education.  We can't wait for you to hear these stories! Join us on Wednesdays as we take a deep dive into this important topic all month long!

It's amazing what you'll discover is inside of you when you're under pressure. There's a diamond waiting to emerge….It's something how challenges have a way of forging new paths to purpose. When you would much rather be exempt from the difficult process, God has a way of revealing Himself in the furnace to remind us that He's right there and still has a plan. You've got to check out this episode where I chat with my friend of over 25 years about her journey of realization that she was “made for this.” Michelle's story worth living is truly inspiring! This episode will be available on Wednesday! You can contact Michelle and access copies of her book: Email: moreilly23@yahoo.com IG: @michelleo13 FB: Michelle O'Reilly Get Michelle's books at barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/michelle%20vanessa%20oreilly https://a.co/d/9MT7z00 https://a.co/d/aEQ756P Connect with us at A Story Worth Living! IG: @bigpicturelivin

At the time this episode airs, Tim's pride and joy, Morgann, is currently a freshman in college at Troy University and Tim's latest book is published and ready to purchase! We are privileged to feature Tim's story worth living as he shares his thoughts on journey to purpose, personal calling, and how he continues along that path. Check it out! You can contact Time and access a copy of Tim's book: info@timallston.com Linkedin: Tim Allston Connect with us at A Story Worth Living! IG: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Educational excellence is critical! Listen in as Eddie and Deloris Baker share their take from the perspective of what's under the hood of Baker's Learning Kitchen, their tutoring company that's positioned to help students confidently achieve academic success so they'll be prepared to apply their skills to life and work! Eddie and Delores are truly Made for This!! Be sure to check out the show notes below for how to connect with Baker's Learning Kitchen in Huntsville, Alabama! You can donate to the Baker's Learning Kitchen's K-5 Book Drive running from now until July 29 in one of the following ways: Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26MNKZJTOD46I?ref_=wl_share Donate: Cash app — $bakerslearningkitchn PayPal — info@bakerslearningkitchen.com Contact Baker's Learning Kitchen: Website — www.bakerslearningkitchen.com Email — info@bakerslearningkitchen.com Phone — 256.203.6350 FB/IG — Baker's Learning Kitchen Connect with us at A Story Worth Living! IG: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

When we stop to look closely at the trajectory of our lives, it's possible to see details in our experiences that highlight and point to exactly what we were built for. Marilyn Williams-Jerrels joins this episode and shares her story worth living through the lens of a heart that serves. You can connect with her on Facebook: Marilyn Williams-Jerrels. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Purpose can be defined as the reason for which something exists or is done, made, or used. Purpose is an intended or desired result. It's an aim or a goal. Purpose means determination and resoluteness. That's what Jonathan Cantrell, owner of Pushing4Greater, lives out as an inspirational leader and motivational speaker. Excited about featuring him on this episode! This season we are talking about discovering our reason for existing and what that journey looks like. I'm so excited about our featured guests who have been open and transparent by being willing to share their purpose stories worth living. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We can't believe it's SEASON 5!! These days we are talking about WALKING IN PURPOSE….lived experiences of individuals who have chosen the purpose life—discovering and living out what they were created to do! We are excited to jump into these stories worth living! Rock with us in the coming weeks and be inspired on your own journey! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Just a short message to say that you are here for a reason. Choosing to identify what that is and live it out is one of the most important things you can do on this life journey! Thank you for listening to the podcast and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Cheers to something new!! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

It's easy to shape our realities based on our expectations. Many times, there's a perspective—the worst-case scenario—that we didn't count on becoming the best-case scenario. In this episode, we are talking about the power of Plan B and what thankfulness for worse-case scenarios looks like. Take a listen! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Adversity doesn't mean the end. Don't believe me? Check out this bonus episode of our “Beauty for Ashes” series. Pastor Debleaire Snell hung out with me today and delved into some of his own stories worth living regarding navigating hard things. If you're a person of faith and even if you're not, there's something encouraging here for you. Go ahead. Check it out. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin

It can be challenging to navigate external changes that you had no control of. In this last installment of our “Beauty for Ashes” series, I talk about a few basics on what maneuvering external changes that feel like adversity looks like. Link to purchase my 31 day devotional journey: #SomethingNew: The Art of Making Life Changes: A 31-Day Journey https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545466025/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PJFK84GF1KVXB74R6GTH Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

It's exciting to feature Shea Crockett in this episode as he shares his heart and a personal story along the lines of what it looks like to stare adversity in the face and find the strength to navigate it only to discover that he was better because of it. His story worth living is powerful and I hope that it perpetually inspires everyone who has the privilege to hear it to decide to run on and see what the end will be. Just listen in…..you'll see for yourself…. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We are talking about tough times and what hope looks like while we maneuver through them…..the practical side of hope and what it is rooted in. "Hope against hope" doesn't just happen—it grows when we recognize and walk in the fact that hope lies in our design--how God created us. You'll want to check out this episode in our “Beauty for Ashes” series. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We are still having rich conversations about navigating adversity. In this episode, Rabel Ortiz gives a frank view of her experiences with a cancer scare and the lessons she gleaned along that journey. Her story is both raw and inspiring. You'll definitely want to click play as we continue our “Beauty for Ashes” series. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We feature Dwaynia Wilkerson in this episode of our “Beauty for Ashes” series, and she shares her “Journey of Acceptance” while navigating adversity in making career changes. She reminds us through her experiences that bumps and ruts along the way can certainly be positive learning curves. Check out this episode! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

This new episode featuring Queanna Osborne is a needed conversation about finding purpose in your pain. Queanna is candid and transparent as she shares some pretty powerful insights into navigating adversity in our “Beauty for Ashes” series. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Welcome to Season 4 of the podcast! Our theme for this series is “Beauty for Ashes” and we're sharing stories about navigating personal adversity. This series is sure to encourage and inspire you! Let's get started…. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Although we've reached the end of our EPIC EDUCATORS series, we have not reached the end of teacher appreciation. It is both on-going and inspiring! We salute our amazing teachers with our final episode featuring David Trofort as he shares the heart and soul of a teacher. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

First year teaching can be like opening a box of chocolates—you just don't what you're gonna get. What makes the difference is the will to make it the best it can be! Listen in as first-year teacher and Epic Educator, Beth Pezo, shares her journey into teaching and what she's learned along the way during her maiden voyage as a classroom teacher in the middle of a pandemic. It's truly inspiring! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We love teachers!! Can you tell??? I'm privileged to be able to feature my long-time friend, Faith Victor Franks, as she takes us into the world of teaching. Check it out!! #teachers #teachersrock #epiceducators #teachingisntjustaprofession #astoryworthliving #astoryworthlivingpodcast #season3 #unmuteyourmic #thebigpicture #bigpicturelivin Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and as we continue with our Epic Educators series, I add my flowers to the bunch with a few personal thoughts on the amazing individuals who teach and my own teaching experiences. Cheers!! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Kri'Shon Polk is THAT teacher. She is the teacher that truly cares and it shows. I had such a candid conversation with her and was truly inspired as I listened to her teaching journey. Catch this episode! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

I had such a great conversation with Dr. LaTonya Dixon in this episode and I want you to hear what we talked about. She is an educator to the heart and it shows! Her students are truly blessed to have her. Her stories, experiences, and poignant insights as a college professor in Family and Consumer Sciences are simply inspiring! Take a listen.... Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

What really matters when it comes to teaching is not solely academic successes, rather, the foundational connections that we are able to make with students that facilitate academic success. In this episode featuring EPIC EDUCATORS, Rachelle Heard-Hixon reminds us about how important it is to connect with students. She is truly a local hero! Check out her teacher story worth living! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Sometimes, you can end up in a career that you never intended to be part of. And when you get there, you recognize that it's where you always wanted to be. That's the experience of this episode's featured guest, Terence Stone, who discovered that he was definitely called to teach. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We are privileged to feature Nicole Smith in this episode in our EPIC EDUCATORS series. She reminds us of how important it is to champion the cause of establishing good relationships with students. That's where solid learning is sure to happen! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Dr. Martin Hodnett joins us for this EPIC EDUCATORS episode. He is a local hero who teaches at the college level. He shares a glimpse into his experiences in the classroom and reminds us that teaching is a work of heart. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We are used to superheroes who risk it all to save a city or the world. They are revered and respected for their amazing feats. Well, so is Akilah Parker, a high school english/language arts teacher, who is a local hero who doesn't wear a cape. Catch her teaching story worth living in this episode of our EPIC EDUCATORS series. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Season three features the first installment in our brand new series honoring educators!!! I'm introducing our “Epic Educators” series on this episode....dial in with us to hear from some of the most amazing people I know! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Sometimes, we work really hard at doing it our own way.....going about this relationship life the way we've always done it. Then there are those who choose to tap into what God has designed for their lives and relationships. Make sure you catch this week's episode featuring Jonathan and Marsha Cantrell's love story worth living. We are back with a brand new season themed: “Unmute Your Mic!” We are geared up to give more platform to voices that need to be heard through personal narratives on a variety of life issues that impact us all. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

In this episode on love, marriage, and commitment in our “How it Started; How it's Going series, Ray and Shavavian Allister share their journey from friends to spouses and everything in between. There are so many gems here! Take a listen! We are back with a brand new season themed: “Unmute Your Mic!” We are geared up to give more platform to voices that need to be heard through personal narratives on a variety of life issues that impact us all. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We're back with another take on love, marriage, and commitment in our “How it Started; How it's Going series. Lloyd and Sonjanae Shand, featured storytellers and long-time friends of mine share their love story and perspectives in authentic fashion. Check it out! We are back with a brand new season themed: “Unmute Your Mic!” We are geared up to give more platform to voices that need to be heard through personal narratives on a variety of life issues that impact us all. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

This week's episode features Wayne and Kellee Seale as they take a deep dive into the topic of love, marriage, and commitment from their point of view. Listen in as they share their LOVE story worth living! We are back with a brand new season themed: “Unmute Your Mic!” We are geared up to give more platform to voices that need to be heard through personal narratives on a variety of life issues that impact us all. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

This week's episode features Kavi and Melanie Spence as they explore their take on love, marriage, and commitment. They are real, transparent, and relevant in sharing their LOVE story worth living!  We are back with a brand new season themed: “Unmute Your Mic!” We are geared up to give more platform to voices that need to be heard through personal narratives on a variety of life issues that impact us all. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

We are back with a brand new season themed: “Unmute Your Mic!” We are geared up to give more platform to voices that need to be heard through personal narratives on a variety of life issues that impact us all. This week's episode introduces the new season while also encouraging us to choose the high road in challenging times. Join us for season 2 of A Story Worth Living! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

You'll want to take your time listening to Storyteller Judeth Fortune Altidor's story worth living. It's a story that is compelling, raw, and beautiful as it chronicles very personal experiences as well as centers on a thorough reflection on loss and restoration after loss. This episode is for mature audiences as some content may elicit strong emotions. Join us for another installation of A Story Worth Living!! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

What does trusting God really look like? In this episode, we are exploring that very thing through more, personal stories. Our featured storyteller, Lisette Marie, has joined the podcast to help with this exploration. Join the journey!! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Everyone hurts. Everyone experiences pain in life. We must know that we are not built to break by divine design! God is right by our sides, providing us with real options for healing, restoration, and renewal. Stop on in and join us for this week's installment of A Story Worth Living! We hope that you are encouraged by this episode! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Storms can be intimidating. They can stir up fear and anxiety or they can challenge us to really push past the discomfort to see what God is doing or what He has in store. Join us for this episode as I share a memorable story worth living about lessons in storms. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

In this episode, Pastor Wale Adepoju joins the podcast to share his story of redemption and the ways that God masterfully mixed his good days and bad days to create a mosaic that is a testament to the fact that, certainly, all things DO have a way of working together for our good. Join us for another Story Worth Living! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

In this episode, we are exploring faith over fear! Often, when we don't identify what scares us, it can easily keep us back from thriving in life! However, it's time to stare fear in the face and say, “Hello!” Tune in! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

In this episode, I share a little of my story from the perspective of enduring the discipline of dreams. Three key areas really put us in the driver's seat: being willing to grow in broken places, pushing through dark spaces, and waiting in active ways. It's a story worth living! Tune in! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

In this episode, we explore what it means to be broken by God with Jonathan Cantrell. He encourages us to base our faith on the fact that God is reliable and we are reminded to stay faithful, stay on assignment, and remember that God is our source! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

In this episode, Markenzie Saintinus challenges us to dare to go to war....to fight for the big dreams that God empowers us to pursue and accomplish them through sharing her story about how she realized that God has her back! She reminds us that we have worth, value, and are designed to do big things!! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

For this episode, Tahira Ashley joins the show to share her story worth living through the lens of being “worth the search.” You are sure to be personally empowered and encouraged! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

It is nowhere near easy to push against the odds, but it is SO possible and SO worth the effort! In this episode, I share a few of my personal experiences that really helped me gain some perspective about what it looks like to push past challenges, obstacles, and even fear in life in order to KEEP GOING! I'm sure you can relate..... Take a listen! Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org

Welcome to A Story Worth Living! While 2020 has had many of us in our feelings and there have been so many different types of losses experienced during this pandemic, I believe that there is still so much room for nurturing a mindset that will facilitate moving forward toward goals and dreams and achieving those things that we were created to do! Let's chat about thriving--not just surviving--in challenging spaces. In this episode, I am privileged to share a few of my own personal stories and what I've learned through living them. Connect with us! IG: @bigpicturelivin FB: @bigpicturelivin Twitter: @bigpicturelife Email: bigpicturelivin@gmail.com Website: www.jenniferepatterson.org