Motivating Stories from Local Women
Every woman has a story to tell, and no two stories are alike. Meet the women who have persevered through challenges and tribulations and come out the other side stronger than ever.
These unique individuals have seen their fair share of adversity but continue to inspire those around them with the lessons they have learned and their love of life. Read on for four truly motivating stories by the women who experienced them firsthand.
As full as life is, as hard as it can be, I’m incredibly grateful Adam and I get to do it all together, with God, and with our people. “We’re Better Together” still hangs in our home. "
Photos taken on location at Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary
My parents remember me telling them at a young age, “I want to move away with my husband one day.” That seems like a silly dream for a child, but I guess even then part of me loved the idea of exploring the world with my best friend. Fast forward to 2015 and Adam, my boyfriend and brave soldier, became my husband, and off we went to be stationed in Texas.
My wish became a reality, and my world was immediately a thousand times bigger. We were excited for the adventure, the challenges, and the togetherness that we were about to encounter. Early on, I made a sign that read “We’re Better Together,” and that we were! We made new friends, found our favorite brunch spots, learned the roads, pushed through a nine-month warzone deployment, brought home our first baby who was born with a clubbed foot, and called El Paso, Texas, home for four years. We were challenged in ways we expected, but God also carried us through some heart-aching moments we could never have imagined. Navigating wartime Army life, becoming new parents, and overseeing countless pediatric surgeries bonded us even more. It forced our friends to become family and helped us rely on God that much more.
Leaving Texas was bittersweet but was coupled with excitement. Making Chattanooga our home again has been incredibly sweet. We’ve found a church family, reconnected with old friends, and made new ones. To top it all off, both of our families are here. We’ve added another baby boy to our team, moved three times in 22 months, joined sports teams, and enjoyed rediscovering our city. We’re still defining life as we continue to juggle Army obligations, two babies, therapy for our now 4-year-old, and growing careers.
My paraphrase of Philippians 4:13 has been a steady and consistent balm for my soul, a reminder of God’s constant nearness: “I can do anything with you! There’s nothing I can’t do, as long as I have you!”
As full as life is, as hard as it can be, I’m incredibly grateful Adam and I get to do it all together, with God, and with our people. “We’re Better Together” still hangs in our home.
Tori Lozano, Highland Park
