Walking Forward in Faith and Purpose

It has been a while since I’ve written here on Strangely Estranged. Honestly, so much has happened since my last post that it would be impossible to capture it all in one blog. Life has been full of change, challenges, and new opportunities—and I feel like I am only beginning to see how God is weaving it all together.

Since I last wrote, I’ve stepped into some exciting new roles. I am honored to hold the titles of Mrs. Chattanooga America 2026 and Mrs. Tennessee Galaxy 2026. With these platforms, I am working hard to shine a light on something very close to my heart: ADA Paws Pass by Crystal. This outreach is dedicated to helping individuals with Invisible Disabilities—especially those who rely on Service Dogs—experience less anxiety when they are out in public.

The truth is, many people still don’t understand ADA Laws and how they protect those of us with disabilities. From businesses to schools to public spaces, the knowledge gap is real—and it impacts lives every single day. Children with conditions such as ADHD, for example, are entitled to specific supports in the educational system, yet so many parents don’t know what rights their children have. This is why awareness is critical, and why I feel such urgency to keep moving forward with this mission.

At the same time, life has not been without struggles. I have faced some serious health concerns, with many doctor’s appointments and tests on my calendar. This season has left me feeling tired most days, yet I know the Lord is holding me steady. I humbly ask for your prayers as I walk through this journey.

On a brighter note, my students are doing incredibly well. In fact, Big and I will be traveling to New York City soon with a couple of them as they compete in a National Musical Theatre Competition. I am so very proud of them and grateful to see their hard work pay off. I’m also looking forward to being in the city again—there’s always something special about New York, and this trip will be an exciting adventure for both my students and me.

And then there is the tender place in my heart—estrangement. It has now been over two years since I last spoke with my adult daughter. That truth still hurts. It is still something I pray about every single day. Yet, God is bringing me comfort in ways only He can. One Sunday at church, my Pastor shared a story that spoke directly to my situation. In that moment, I realized I had to release her completely into God’s hands. Letting go wasn’t easy, but since then I’ve found a measure of peace I didn’t have before.

Do I know if I will ever see or hear from her again? No. But I am learning to rest in the fact that God does know, and He loves her more than I ever could. My focus now must be on my purpose, my calling, and the path God has placed in front of me.

Though I grow weary, my spirit remains hopeful. I believe the Lord is not finished with me yet, and He is using every part of this journey—titles, advocacy, health challenges, students, and even my broken places—to prepare me for what is ahead.

So here I am.

Walking forward, one step at a time.

Trusting Him.

And I hope you’ll walk with me.