I love connecting heart-to-heart. Having conversations that are down-to-earth and REAL. Let’s face it, even though we experience moments that bring incredible joy and happiness, much of this life can be so hard.
I learned this first-hand on April 13th, 2018. After thirty-eight years of marriage, my husband and my best friend, Charlie Farrell, died suddenly in his sleep. As you can probably imagine, (or perhaps even relate), I have experienced much grief. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him like crazy. It seems as if I’ve cried a river of tears.
Yet even if I had the power to reverse his death, to somehow bring him back to me and to all those who have loved him, I could never do that. I know the truth: in God’s presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11b, ESV). My husband had a relationship with Jesus Christ and put his faith and trust in Him. How could I ever cheat him of time in heaven? I’m so grateful to know where he is and to be able to anticipate seeing him again someday. In the meantime, I lift up my broken heart to the One who holds me and who loves me with an everlasting love.
More than anything, I want to see men and women healed and whole through the hope found in Jesus Christ. My many years as a pastor’s wife have given me opportunities to minister to those who are hurting. I don’t want to waste a moment of the pain of this life. Whether I’m sharing about something I’ve been through, or whether it’s someone else’s story I’m relating, my goal is the same: to reveal how God can take the jagged, broken pieces of our lives and bring true beauty from them.
Working as a registered nurse in a life-affirming pregnancy center has been a passion of mine for the past thirteen years. I have had the privilege of listening to the struggles and fears men and women have faced due to an unplanned pregnancy. I’ve also cried with individuals as they poured out their grief and regret over a past abortion. This was the catalyst for writing my first published book, Ribbon of Redemption: True Stories Offering Hope and Healing after Abortion. As both a speaker and author, I have the opportunity to share the truth about the untold damage abortion has had on so many.
I am beyond grateful for my two adult children and three grandsons—all of whom have my heart. I also cherish my extended family, my church family, and friends both near and far.
What are a few of my favorite things? Well, I’m a sucker for romantic comedies. I like listening to music that inspires me or soothes my soul. I love a good book, am an avid journaler, and enjoy long walks. I especially find great joy being near the ocean, listening to the sound of the crashing waves and feeling the warm sand beneath my feet. But since I live in Iowa, strolling along the Mississippi River fills my need to be near water, until my next ocean “fix.”