…we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. -Romans 8:37
It was May 22, 2011. Sundi Jo Graham and I were driving back home to Missouri…right into a ferocious storm. Little did we know that the Joplin tornado had just happened and we were heading into its furious path. This was not just any storm, it was a catastrophic EF5-rated multiple-vortex tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, late that afternoon.
Sundi Jo and I had been at a women’s retreat, where we had received encouragement from God’s word and respite from the daily grind. Our dear friend and mentor, Jennifer White, had blessed us, sent us, and sponsored us! (She’s awesome like that)! The Joplin tornado was a metaphor right before our eyes: the world is a storm. We were returning back into the world of “dangers, toils and snares.” Our retreat, away from it all, had been only temporary. We had to face the storm with faith! Everything that Jesus had equipped us with now had to be put into action.
Since then I have witnessed Sundi Jo weather many storms. But she never gives up! She continues to inspire me, and I praise God for what He does through her life!
I will never stop being amazed at Sundi Jo’s transformation from the time I met her in 2009 until now! Back then I’d greet her with a smile and she would quickly look away and frown. What a sharp contrast to the joyful, bright, encouraging lady she is today! Allow me to share a few of the storms Sundi Jo has been able to overcome with God:
- Sexual abuse
- Rape
- Abandonment
- Food Addiction
- Pornography Addiction
- Suicidal thoughts
Listen to this powerful statement from Sundi Jo, “God has given me a testimony to share with others seeking hope, including a 145 lbs. weight loss.
In 2009, all the pain I’d been burying came bubbling up and I had two choices: I could end everything or reach out for help. After an intervention from three of my friends and one of my pastors, they drove me to a residential discipleship program, where I spent the next year allowing God to heal the deepest, broken places of my heart. It was one of the hardest, most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life.
I learned Who I was in Christ, that God loved me with an everlasting love, that He had an amazing plan for my life, and that my past didn’t have to control my future. For the first time in my life I truly understood redemption.
In 2012, God called me to continue the mission of offering hope to the broken. I said “No” about 85 different times, trying to convince myself He was making a huge mistake. I finally said “Yes” to His plan and decided to stop being disobedient. Out of that decision, Esther’s House of Redemption was born.
In 2015, I learned a big lesson: life isn’t about me. So.. I packed up my comfortable life and moved back to my hometown of Belle, Missouri, the one place I swore I’d never return, to open Esther’s House. What an adventure God has me on!
I now spend my days mentoring others, leading the ministry, and doing just what God has called me to do – offering hope to the broken. I still pinch myself at the reality of calling this a job.
I’m the author of Dear Dad, Did You Know I Was a Princess?, a memoir of gritty redemption, chronolicing my one-year journey through my own discipleship program.”
See what I mean? Sundi Jo’s life transformation is the real deal. Knowing her and watching her live out her faith, adds fuel to my fire! What Satan meant for evil, God has used for good! I encourage you to subscribe to her blog at www.sundijo.com and pray and give to the incredible ministry she is doing at Esther’s House! You won’t regret it!
I pray that Sundi Jo’s life will cause you to praise God with everything you’ve got!!
Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57