Beyond The Bio

Beyond my BIO…words from my heart.

In 2008, I walked away from my career as a motivational speaker.  Speaking was my greatest passion and my most “publicly” celebrated gift. Whether it was for an audience of 40 or 40,000; I had been speaking since the age of 14, the stage was my second “home.” I was a founding partner of Body Temple Wellness; an organization that partnered with ministries and women’s conferences across the nation to bring a message of health, wellness and spiritual renewal. In 2008, I felt God’s call on my heart to step away from the “outer work” of ministry; and surrender to the “inner-work” that needed to take place within my heart.

During this time that I now call my “Soul Sabbatical” God taught me my true worth as a woman…it was not defined by my gifts or the public accolades I received for using them. On this journey, I laid down the heavy yoke of selfish ambition; that enslaved me to a soul-killing, false identity. I was TIRED.  I was tired of holding it all together; tired of managing what it looked like. My marriage and family needed healing; my home life was out of order.

During my soul sabbatical, I was no longer striving and toiling; I could finally EXHALE. My heart found perfect rest in His love. I was no longer preoccupied, divided, and conflicted; I was anchored in love; whole and complete, lacking nothing. During this transformational season, I began a 40 day fast. In this time of fasting and prayer, I asked God to bring me out of as a “called woman.”   He did. I am no longer driven, I am called.  My gifts and talents no longer define me, I define them. My identity is not found in what I do. It is determined by who I am and I am enough. If there was a sacred journey that could marvelously transform your life…would you take it? I did. And now I’m confident of one thing, every woman should go…

– Shannon