From The Executive Director:

In 2004, a seed was planted. It was first planted in my heart, as I had just experienced the incredible journey of my younger sister, Kim. She had navigated the stormy seas of a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. In the end, at the age of 44, it was the means God used to bring her home to Him.

During her 'time of trouble', I spent as much time as possible with her. I live in Nashville, while Kim lived in Texas. The logistics presented more than a few challenges. However, because of my husband Vic, and loving family and friends, my parents and I were able to spend nearly the entire last six months of Kim's life on earth with her.

We saw so many changes in Kim during her battle with the disease. The one we are most in awe of is the way God not only changed her, but completely apprehended her in such tangible ways. Her relationship with Him was real. Her challenges were not always understood, but her decision to accept His will and His Lordship over the outcome of the battle became irrefutable. Was she afraid? Yes, very much so at times. Yet, He enabled her to trust Him in ways that defied logic.

Early on, Kim made the decision to stop asking why this had come upon her, and determined that she would daily ask Him how to gracefully fight the 'mother of all battles' until the war was either won or over. He showed not only her, but all of us the meaning of being 'in the grip of grace'.

In those dark days, the light of God shined brightly in Kim. I learned that God’s purpose was revealed in our battles, as well as in their outcome. As we committed our circumstance to God’s sovereignty, He strengthened us and prepared us for what was ahead. He taught us every step of the way. He revealed His great heart of mercy and His plan for redemption in ways I never imagined. I realized that our story was His story. How He kept us, how He keeps us, and how He redeems us, and oh, how He loves us.

After her ordeal ended, I began receiving speaking invitations to share what I had learned of God in the experience. I learned to view every step as precious to the Lord, and useful in His hands. I learned that nothing is wasted in His hands. I learned that His heart is moved by our infirmities, and His hand is strong in our feebleness.

I learned that God promises deliverance to those who trust Him. I also learned that He alone determines the means and timing of that deliverance. I learned that I can ask God for anything according to His will, and He will hear me. I learned that He knows better than I, and that what He chooses is always better than what I wish for.

God birthed Voices With Purpose because it is His will that none should perish, but that all should come to a saving knowledge of the Truth. He has preserved us to tell His redemptive story. Our lives are His...and our stories are His too. How will the world know what God has done if we do not tell them? Rev. 12:11 states, "They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony".

Voices With Purpose is about sharing the experience of God’s touch of redemption with all who will hear. It’s about testifying of His heart for reconciliation with us. It’s about using every means possible to accomplish His purpose in our lives. We have learned firsthand about the transforming and sustaining power of God to heal, deliver, restore, redeem, and renew. We know the Truth. We have been redeemed for a purpose. This is more than a 'christian-ese' catch phrase. God has redeemed us and our circumstances. We have been reconciled. Our history is His story. Because of this, we raise our Voices with Purpose!

Rev. Toni Clay

Founder/Executive Director