Voice of Truth Stories

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MEET HALEY EGAN FROM MOREHEAD, KENTUCKY

Hi, my name is Haley Egan. I am from Morehead, Kentucky, but currently reside in Hillsboro, Kentucky. I am a wife, a daughter, and a sister. In addition, I am a teacher, a dog and cat owner, and a chicken farmer. But my favorite title is SAVED.

God has so blessed me in my 27 years. I have a wonderful husband, family, and friends. However, I know that nothing in this life has been a coincidence; I have my Lord and Savior to thank. On October 10th, 2004, Jesus touched me and changed my life forever. I’m so grateful to have been washed in the blood and that, when He hung on that cross, Jesus had me (and all of us) in mind. Throughout my walk with Christ, I’ve faced many challenges and obstacles. I often feel like Satan has placed a target on my back, and as I get closer to God, Satan’s aim becomes better. However, with each tactic to try and defeat me, I have found victory in Jesus.

This ministry has changed my life. I feel so blessed to be a part of Women World Leaders, a community of strong and faithful women, and for the opportunity to share my testimony with the whole world. Women World Leaders made it possible for me to have a voice here, and I am grateful. Through this wonderful experience, I know that I am agreeing to take a step closer to God in my walk of faith, and I’m over the moon!

Till my last day on earth, I know that God will never be finished with me. I also know that Satan will be on my heels every step of the way, but I’m living proof that there IS victory in Jesus, and I can’t wait to brag about all He’s done for me!

God gave me this opportunity to write about my love for Jesus. However, I needed a photo, so my friend, Dakota Marie Photography, took some pictures in honor of my recent graduation. That gave me the opportunity to share this beautiful magazine with her. It amazes me how God continues moving through Voice of Truth, allowing new friendships full of blessings and miracles to blossom throughout our walk of faith.

MEET DEANN ALAINE FROM ORLANDO, FLORIDA

“She’s goofy, effervescent, and full of the joy of the Lord.” Those are words that people have used to describe me. (Oh, and “weird.”) Have you heard that phrase, “That one broke the mold!”? Yep, that’s me. I should mention I’m a stand-up comedian, show host of Modwash Moments with DeAnn Alaine on the Creative Motion Network/ROKU TV, and I have been known to occasionally do the dishes in my sink…ok, RARELY. Let’s be real. Dawn may take the grease out of your way, but I’d rather she take all the dishes out of my way and wipe off the countertops! I digress.

I was 40-something when I was in a car accident on my way home from work. Days before the car accident, the Lord said to me, “I want you to write and build relationships.” I assumed, incorrectly, that He meant for me to write praise and worship music. Nope. It wasn’t until I was sitting in a beautiful chapel in January of 2020, at dusk, at Our Lady’s church retreat, that the Lord hit me over the head with love and said, “Hey Silly, I want you to write comedy!” He then started showing me Bible verses that I had never seen as hilarious till that night! Jesus really is the King of comedy! He started giving me comedy in that chapel. Sorry, I forgot to mention that this was a SILENT retreat. So naturally, I ran to my room and started performing comedy for my roommate! I also had a list of girls who were talking in their rooms, so I began knocking on their doors (with my roomie Sharon) to see who was still awake. One girl opened her door, and I started performing comedy in her room!

The next morning there were some reports of excessive laughter being heard...yeah. Moving on! Sometime later, Modwash Moments with DeAnn Alaine was nominated and winning film festivals for comedy TV series! WHAT?!?!? The show was all the Lord’s idea. It is literally me in my car with a guest star, having fun as we go through a carwash!

Since I had lots of experience as a show host, I was able to be an interviewer at the 2022 International Christian Film and Music Festival! I’m shocked that they trusted a comic with a mic in that environment! I was interviewing people for 24flix.com, and in between interviews, our cameraman, Barry, said, “DeAnn, stay here. I have a powerhouse couple I want you to interview. I’ll be right back.” He brought Ken & Kimberly Hobbs. What a DUO! I experienced the presence of the Lord even before the interview. I said to Kimberly, “Let’s pray!” Right after the prayer, we went live, and she spoke of the power of God at work in the lives of women through Women World Leaders and showed me her issue of Voice of Truth. She was also sharing about the Renew conference that was coming up at the University, inviting women to this incredible, free event!

After interviewing Kimberly and her stellar hubby, I knew the Lord wanted me to offer a comedic moment for the ladies at Renew. She began talking about the cost and how the Lord had been showing favor for that event to occur. I told her I’d bring laughs for free. I call this a passion project…but I do receive DONA- TIONS! Two or three days after sharing that with Kimberly and Ken, the Lord provided me with a talent agent. A sitcom that I was writing wanted to be seen by network executives, and that silly, little carwash comedy show was getting picked up by a new streaming service for monetization. I told Kimberly that I believed the Lord would make a financial way for what He has called me to do, but that would not include charging tickets for comedy. Look at what the Lord had done!

Since then, the Lord has opened tremendous doors in television, comedy clubs, movies, and the like - to share the joy of the Lord where His light is hard to see. In fact,

I took my copy of Voice of Truth to an audition, and the director started commenting on the cover artwork! He practically snatched it out of my hand and began flipping through the pages! I told him about Women World Leaders as a Christian ministry and how the magazine is a free publication! VOT really does tell the TRUTH of who Jesus is, and in my line of work, I need all the help I can get! I also want to mention how easy it is to share the magazine with friends since scanning the QR code on the back of each issue opens up the Voice of Truth digital copy!!! We have no excuse to keep this to ourselves! Lastly, here’s an unsolicited tip. VOT is the perfect size and weight to roll up and whack your family pet or feisty neighbor if need be. You’re welcome.

You can check me out at www.deannalaine.com, and if you don’t have Roku TV to see the carwash comedy show, that’s okay! It can also be seen on the FB page, Modwash Moments with DeAnn Alaine.

Joy in Jesus, DeAnn Alaine

MEET LAURA SHOEMAKER FROM JUPITER, FLORIDA

I was on vacation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, staying on top of Lookout Mountain with my amazing husband, Todd. Each morning we would have breakfast on the patio, in nature, listening to the birds sing their morning songs. It was during breakfast that I read my first Voice of Truth magazine. The brilliant colors of the beautiful artwork first caught my eye and instantly drew me in. As I read the stories by beautiful women of God, I found encouragement. My faith began to grow, wanting to draw closer to our Savior. It felt like the rivers of living waters flowing in my soul. I prayed about being part of this ministry, this fabulous group of Godly women. I wanted to share my story and share my voice there.

To give you a bit of history about me, it has been just over two years that I have been living in a remarkable miracle. For 18 years, my husband has been chronically and then terminally ill. I am his best friend, wife, caregiver, and breadwinner. During this excruciating journey, my mother got cancer and died at age 62. She was the most incredible shining light for Jesus. And my husband was wasting away, year after year, before my very eyes. He weighed just 112 pounds and had multiple diagnoses. But after the doctors suggested we call in Hospice, we decided instead to live our lives, trust God, and take adventures. We did make funeral arrangements, and then we were invited to a tent meeting, a Night of Prayer and Healing, with Dr. Chauncey Crandall. At the altar of that tent, Christ’s presence dwelled, and Todd received miraculous healing. His body was healed and restored. He was even able to run marathons again. We have walked in joy and shared God’s love and healing power with others ever since.

Recently, my husband and I attended the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando as our documentary, Dead Man Running; The Todd Shoemaker Story, was nominated for an award. A few days into the festival, I was blessed beyond measure to meet Kimberly Hobbs. I can’t fully describe this God-connection. Her genuine warmth and love of Christ instantly drew me in. I knew God brought our paths together, and I finally knew that I definitely wanted to get involved with this inspiring ministry. I experienced two significant moments during that festival: my husband won first place for Best Documentary, and I met Kimberly Hobbs.

I encourage all women to share Voice of Truth, which proclaims Christ’s love, empowerment, and joy. This ministry can touch women who might be struggling with their faith, are wounded and in need of healing, or need to find Christ as their Savior. I know my future is forever changed, and it started with reading Voice of Truth.

MEET AMANDA JACKMAN FROM IMLAY CITY, MICHIGAN

On September 5, 2021, we experienced a trial we could have never prepared for. At a big family gathering, my 2-year-old son snuck over the side of the pool, and he drowned. I was inside the house talking with my sister-in-law, and God spoke to me in a commanding voice, Find Walter. I walked outside immediately, and Walter was at the bottom of the pool. My husband dove in, and my other sister and brother-in-law started CPR.

I’m also CPR certified, but it’s just different when it’s your own child. My immediate response was to scream. I screamed until my husband told me to go and walk.

So I walked up the driveway and prayed boldly. “God, You brought him into this world, and it is not time for You to take him home. Bring him back to me, and I will shout out our testimony and Your goodness and kindness to our family. Walter was in the waters, and in Your Word, it says when we pass through the waters, You will be with us. I was faithful when you told me to go. Reward that faithfulness with Your mercy. He is fully restored. By the stripes, Jesus, he is healed.”

Walter was resuscitated before the ambulance arrived. We immediately went to the hospital, where he was intubated and then sent to another hospital with a pediatric intensive care unit.

He was in the hospital for two weeks. I had stopped at home to grab fresh clothes when I noticed the Sept/Oct 2021 issue of Voice of Truth on my counter. So I packed it and headed back to the hospital.

The magazine hit my lap in a hospital room. I opened it to the table of contents as I do with every issue, and I scanned for my dear friend Jessica’s column, “A Beautiful Mess.” In this issue, her column was on the right page, and when I opened to it, immediately my eyes trailed to the page on the left.

There sat the most beautiful picture of a Mama bear and her two cubs, titled “Carried” by Rachel Dube, with the scripture I had been speaking over my baby for days. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)

I sobbed, knowing in that moment that the scripture I had hidden in my heart and proclaimed over my baby was true. When we were not with Walter, Jesus was. Some can call it a maternal instinct or a guardian angel, but I know that I heard the voice of God tell me to find my baby while He had him wrapped safely in His arms.

I felt the Lord’s presence and peace as I sat in the hospital room reading this scripture and seeing this beautiful photo. I prayed for God to carry me through this trial in the same way this Mama bear was carrying her cubs. What a perfect image of love.

Today my wild 3-year-old gives me gray hairs daily, and I’m met with the challenges of a third-born child, always curious and always testing the boundaries. Walter hasn’t had any issues from the accident but is currently in speech and occupational therapy for the developmental delays he had before the accident. He is a miracle, perfectly restored by our loving Savior. We continue to declare Isaiah 43:2 over his life.

MEET STACY THOMAS FROM PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA

Hi Everyone. My name is Stacy Thomas. I am a lifelong Floridian with a few out-of-state diversions who now lives in Panama City Beach, Florida. I have been a pediatric Occupational Therapist for 27 years. I currently serve in a Level 3 NICU (newborn intensive care unit), where the tiniest humans have taught me many life lessons. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Joe, for 22 years. Blended, we have three adult children, a new daughter-in-law, and our dog Bella.

I grew up an only child of young parents and was blessed with mild Cerebral Palsy after two complications at birth, which earns the credit for my persistence and perseverance. As a child, we moved every couple of years, learning over time to keep friendships superficial to avoid the pain of leaving them behind. I knew God growing up but sincerely admit I had no relationship with Him. I was independent and self-reliant while craving the attention and acceptance of others - habits that I would carry into my adult years and habits that God would require me to change.

I enjoy everything outside. Nature is where I feel closest to God and all that He created. At my home, I have the emerald green waters and white sandy beaches at my back door. Sunsets and beach walks bring me in step with my creator while He shares whispers of peace to me with the setting of the sun. I have been blessed to travel worldwide, visiting the rich historical cultures of Italy and Jerusalem and many gems in the United States. As avid campers and hikers, my husband and I gravitate toward the National Parks. Currently, my greatest hiking achievement is completing the 25-mile Grand Canyon journey from the North Rim to the South Rim. Words could never describe the beauty of the experience.

"Come, let’s talk this over! Says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!" (Isaiah 1:18 TLB)

In 2011, I attended Celebrate Recovery with the hopes of fixing my broken marriage and, if truth be told, fixing my husband. But the Lord quickly made me aware that I had no business fixing anyone other than myself. He began to show me the broken pieces within my soul and the uncontrolled wrong thought patterns. Every hurt and unresolved grief I had stuffed over the years was revealed. I learned to stop denying the pain and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. I also became aware of my codependent tendencies and the ongoing pain I was creating within my family.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path everlasting." (Psalm 139: 23-24 TLB)

In 2013, I temporarily stepped into a Ministry Leader role at Celebrate Recovery. Still working through co-dependency, I accepted the position to help without truly asking God for His will. But He used those years to grow my compassion and move me into selfless love. He taught me how to love the “unlovable” in the midst of their mistakes, mess, and pain. God used those seven years to prepare me for His purpose, and I can honestly say, though challenging, I count my service at Celebrate Recovery as one of the most impactful seasons of my Christian walk.

Through my quiet time, God revealed that I would become a writer. I scoffed at that idea because I was not a consistent journaler, much less an effective author. I rebelled for a period of time, but the Lord made it clear that He would equip me. God aligned me with women who then aligned me with writers who aligned me with writing coaches, and here I am. Along the way, God connected me with Rusanne Jourdan, who mentioned Women World Leaders. I signed up for the Voice of Truth and began receiving it by mail. I thoroughly enjoyed the articles and encouragement. It was a blessing; however, I did not yet fully realize the extent God would use WWL in my life.

Through a series of major medical issues in 2020, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease, which is transmitted via a tick bite. Being the outdoors type had offered me many opportunities to pick up a little friend who shared this complicated and controversial disease with me. I was stricken, and my fitness level plummeted. There were days when walking was nearly impossible, and my independent self was required to accept help from the compassionate man God had blessed me with. Today, I continue my Lyme journey with new challenges at every turn. As I write this article, it is 4 AM, and sleep evades me, yet I am thankful that God is using this affliction to grow me closer to Him while revealing my strengths.

I am thankful for Women World Leaders and the ministry’s resources. So many times, especially on the days when remission seemed nearly impossible and my doubt and fears took over, Voice of Truth articles led me back to my Healer and Lover of my soul. God would remind me where He had brought me from in the articles of others’ healings. I have been encouraged as a wife and mother when reading about the other women involved through

WWL as God uses their stories to grow my prayer life and dependence on Him. I am pointed back to the scriptures, so perfectly timed, as if God had whispered directly into the author’s ear. And amazingly, it was through this international ministry that God reconnected me with one of the most precious people of my past. This strong Christian woman had planted seeds through her display of love, kindness, and commitment to Christ. Unbeknownst to her, those seeds would root deeply into my heart and direct my path towards Jesus. She had no idea the impact she made all those years ago, but through Kimberly Hobbs, I was reconnected with this dear friend and fellow author, Stephanie Fincher.

Women World Leaders is no accident and is being used by God to stitch the thread connecting the fabrics of my patchwork life. It has become essential that I serve where God asks, and I look forward to growing friendships, touching lives, and loving others towards Jesus. I am passionate about sharing the gospel. However, I am the most passionate about helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. I am thankful for this calling on my life and humbly thrilled to be counted as a Woman World Leader!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

MEET SHARAYAH DAVES FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Hi everyone! My name is Sharayah Daves, and I am a singer-songwriter at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. As a believer in the life-changing power of stories, I write songs that people can relate to and be encouraged by. I knew I wanted to be a songwriter from a young age—seven to be exact— when my brother Shafer was given three weeks to live due to an extremely rare syndrome. The doctors advised my parents to put him in hospice, yet they refused. My dad began singing “It Is Well” as his newborn baby was dying in a hospital bed, and he clung to the lyrics of an age-old hymn. At that moment, I understood the ability of a song to touch souls and restore peace despite earth-shattering circumstances. My emotions began to translate into melodies, and songwriting became a healing mechanism and natural way of processing life.

Since I had worked on a film that was being screened at the International Christian Film and Music Festival, I took a trip to Orlando to attend the festival. During a meet and greet event, I was introduced to Kimberly Hobbs, and she gave me the Quarter II Edition of Voice of Truth for 2022. As I read each article, I was blown away by the magnitude of freedom, love, and jubilation that emanated from each page! I was reminded yet again of the power of a voice. As believers, we are called to use our abilities to serve the Lord, and He honors our availability by turning our efforts into beautiful stories. By simply sharing a testimony or a piece of wisdom that God has divinely inspired, many lives can be touched.

My generation needs “voices of truth” more than ever, and I believe this magazine has the capacity to change the lives of countless teenage girls and young women around the globe. In this day and age, it is so easy to get distracted by social media, the news, and the lies that the enemy incessantly spews out. Without even realizing it, we can sink into the endless pit of comparison and depression. We desperately need truth. We need The Truth that is louder than the lies that constantly bombard us.

My favorite article was Russane Carole’s poem “Surrender.” The world always advises us to rush to the next thing, yet she prompts us to do the opposite. “Turn off everything. Come to me and with me. Take my hand.” In essence, she was quoting Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” That is exactly how my dad was able to sing “It Is Well” when life was not well, and we can all do the same when we take the time to intentionally stop, recenter, and direct our attention back to Him.

I want to leave you with my life verse, Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV) That pretty much sums up the key to keeping a smile on your face in the midst of a strenuous, sinful, and sad world. When we know The Truth, we have good reason to rejoice and share that joy with the people around us. Simply placing my hope in the Lord alone is what has sustained me through every trial I have faced, and it is what makes life not only tolerable, but beautiful.

I am absolutely thrilled to watch how God will continue to use this magazine to inspire and revitalize the souls of women, and I encourage each and every person reading this right now to be a “voice of truth” to the people around you.

To connect with Sharayah, follow or message her via Instagram @sharayahhhhh or on Facebook @ Sharayah Daves.