If you follow my work at all, you know by now how much I like to write a little somethin’ somethin’ about my clients. One of the most fun parts of my job is forming genuine friendships with my clients. This blog post is a little extra special, because it’s about my sissy and our “just because” photos with a beautiful Ooltewah sunflower field.
My sister, Amberhope, is one of the most talented, strong people I know. This sounds cliché, but in a lot of ways, I look up to her even though I’m HER big sister. Her testimony is one of hope, discipline, and faith. I’m so proud that she shares her testimony publicly in hopes that it will reach others and bring them to better place in life and wellness. I’m glad we got to celebrate her life in this gorgeous Ooltewah sunflower field.
To put it simply, our home life wasn’t an easy one. We each had our “demons” to fight growing up. For Amberhope it was battling years of mental illnesses that manifested itself in eating disorders and physical self-harm. She was bullied and outcasted at school because of this, which only made things harder. Many nights we fought for my sister’s literal survival. Navigating this season of her life was challenging, terrifying, and heartbreaking for our entire household, but Amberhope was the one who had the biggest battle to fight. The odds really weren’t in her favor.
Because of God’s faithfulness, the support of her closest loved ones, and her sheer grit, Amberhope got well and dedicated her life to serving others who are fighting for holistic wellness. She has a Bachelors in Corporate Wellness Management. She’s a Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Support Trainer at Burn Booth Camp Chattanooga, and a Health Coach specializing in plant-based nutrition and weight management. She also works at Bwell4ever, LLC implementing evidence-based research and providing education, coaching, and wellness program development for some of Chattanooga’s local corporations. She’s also had five educational articles featured in Healthscope magazine. But one of the things I’m most excited about (for totally selfish reasons), she’s currently working on her own recipe book! As one of her main taste testers, I’ve never been disappointed!!!
After sharing all that, I have to emphasize that it’s not about WHAT she’s accomplished, but WHO she’s become and how she’s allowed God to work in her life so that she’s well enough to care for others in such meaningful ways. I get so encouraged when I hear testimonies about people who’ve allowed God to do a 180 with their lives. People are so resilient. God is so powerful. I know I need stories like this when I’ve lost perspective or am stuck wallowing in my own ruts. I hope sharing just a small piece of Amberhope’s story does that for you today.
If her story doesn’t (which I know it will!), her beautiful, infectious smile in the previews below will! We had so much fun frolicking in the bee-infested, scorching hot Ooltewah sunflower fields for “just because photos.” I mean, it’s the least I can do after getting to taste all her yummy food, receiving endless fitness and nutrition advice, and lots of help with my Beckett Boy!!!
I’m really proud that Beckett has someone like you, sis, to look up to and learn from! 🙂 I love you!
