SHIP-1
My devotion is to be a woman, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who is courageous and full of faith--to use the life that God gave me, which has been full of trials and blessings, to inspire hope in other people. At my core, I am an enourager, trainer, storyteller, artist, writer, and creative problem solver--I'm Mary Poppins! Remember she came in with songs and smiles but what she really did was bring love, order, beauty and purpose to the home, was not afraid to elevate responsibility and accountability, she brought leadership and connection back to the father, and developed character in the children, connected with the neighboorhood, all with joy and hope. I am Mary Poppins, with the hope of Christ, and all glory to God.
As a single Mom of twins girls (now 22), and having not had a Mom growing up, I am in awe of motherhood and being a woman with all its' complexities, and I support, mentor, and speak at many non-profit organizations that help mothers and daughters and children get back on their feet and heal from abuse to live a redeemed life. My heart is here.
I want to continue to tell stories of Jesus in whatever I am doing, and encourage you to tell yours! Keep reading to hear how God saved my life and follow me @studiosuzan!
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MY TESTIMONY
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,” in Jeremiah 29:11. They are plans for good and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope.” This magnificent promise saved me from ending my life in 1996. How can I write my life story on a little page? The first half of my life was filled with trauma and abuse, my mother’s suicide when I was three, an abusive stepmother, offset with being a very creative person, a successful career in marketing, all with my insides a tangled and lonely mess. The second half began when, at 38, I made a choice not to ever think that life wasn't worth living. After so many years of confusion, fear, and depression--in a pivotal moment--I chose to put my life into the hands of Jesus, which for a Jewish-born Atheist was nothing but a miracle! After God reworked my heart and my life perspective, I finally understood that I did have a purpose here, which was to make jewelry and to mentor to help others in pain. The craft I had learned from my father was the very gift that would save my life.
I share this with you because my designs, writing and approach to life comes from deep within. I love things that have been touched and used over time, the patina of life--The jewelry making, art, and thought techniques I use reflect this idea. I like my jewelry to look worn, like it has been treasured and passed on through families and time, so I leave in many of the natural markings from the jewelry process. It is a constant reminder to me that we all have scars and imperfections; the very things that give us character and make us special and unique.
Authenticity is important to me, and my jewelry connects me to women, and heals the hole left in my heart from losing my mother. Many years of personal struggle, persistence and courage have gone into my growth, and I thank each person who enjoys and wears my jewelry, poems, stories, art and thought process.
My story continues as my jewelry chapter has ended, my twin daughters are now 22, and I am onto a new chapter of work and life devotion...stay tuned and love always and be brave always, Suzan