9 Years, 9 Fruits, and a Faith Still Growing


Nine years ago this week, I stood in the pulpit of The Fellowship of Faith Church as one of nine women delivering our initial sermons—a moment that was not only deeply personal but also historically significant for the state of Alabama. That collective preaching experience marked the first time a group of nine women were licensed together to preach the gospel in our area. It was bold. It was groundbreaking. And it was holy.

I still remember the weight of that day. The preparation. The prayers. The awe of being part of something bigger than myself. That moment wasn’t just a public declaration of our calling; it was the planting of seeds that would grow and bear fruit in ways none of us could fully imagine at the time.

Spiritual growth, I’ve learned, is never just about a single moment—it’s about what God continues to do with our “yes.” Since that day, my faith has stretched and matured in ways that have surprised me. Not just in how I preach or teach, but in how I show up in the world. I’ve come to understand that growth is measured not in titles or milestones, but in fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These nine attributes have become the compass for my spiritual development. They’ve shown up in how I lead, how I heal, how I wait, and how I serve.

Love has kept me tender in tough conversations.

Joy has lifted me through the quiet seasons.

Peace has steadied me when I didn’t have answers.

Patience has reminded me that purpose unfolds in God’s timing.

Kindness has softened my tone.

Goodness has anchored my decisions.

Faithfulness has kept me consistent when no one was watching.

Gentleness has made me a better leader.

Self-control has given me the strength to honor God with my choices.

I haven’t perfected any of them, but I can see how they’ve grown in me over these nine years. And I’m still growing.

What began as a bold step onto a pulpit has become a lifelong walk of obedience. Through preaching, mentoring, coaching, and everyday discipleship, God continues to shape me—not just for ministry, but for maturity. Each year since that historic moment has deepened my conviction that discipleship isn’t about status, but surrender. It’s about being willing to be used by God again and again, in new and unfamiliar ways.

That willingness to say yes again is what gave birth to QuintessentialU, the coaching and consulting firm I now lead. At QuintessentialU, I help purpose-driven individuals and organizations align their God-given calling with practical tools for growth, leadership, and spiritual clarity. Whether someone is navigating career change, leading a team, or seeking personal transformation, I get to walk with them as they grow professionally and spiritually.

Your fruit matters. Your faith matters. And your voice matters.

Nine years ago, I stepped into a moment of history. Today, I continue to step into purpose. Not for applause, but for impact. And if you’re reading this, I believe God is inviting you to keep growing into your quintessential you!

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