Claudia Stephens Survivor of the Year Claudia’s Survivor of the Year Certificate “Freedom” no matter how big the challenge or how difficult the road may be, it is possible to rise above the challenges and create a better future for yourself and your family. Her main message is that true freedom comes from Jesus Christ. She’s not trying to push her faith on anyone, but that’s her story. She believes that no one can take away what she has lived and what God has done for her. Claudia never walked for graduation until she received her license in nursing. She did one class at a time. She received her associate in psychology in December 2022. She also applying for her Bachelor’s in social work. It isn’t about how fast you get there; it’s about getting there. As a family, we are moving the success needle up. When it comes to education and degrees for Hispanics, the statistics are low. Her boys have all moved the needle up in education. They have achieved their associates, bachelors and one has a trade. In this life, we are like a cloud, and we can minister to people who are going through physical elements, doubting that God is there, depression, mental health, and a variety of stuff. There is no one shoe that fits everyone’s pain. Everyone is so individual and there are so many pathways to healing, but what we do have in common is that we are human, and it is okay not to be OK. She’s all about being real with yourself. You don’t have to lie to “kick it” with her. Claudia has remarried and when she first started dating her second husband, he invited her to church. Then she knew that he was her husband right next to her. She shied away from telling her story for a long time, but she feels that now is the time. She has journeyed from pain to promise. The promises that God gives at the end of the pain in your life are manifested in your journey. She does what she does so that others can experience freedom. Freedom has the capacity to shine a light at the end of a tunnel and show someone the way. Freedom is so precious. Sometimes people have trouble describing freedom. We are so bogged down by so many weights. The weight of others, the weight of our past, and the lies we are told are all things that keep us in chains. Freedom is so invaluable. Claudia has been married now for 13 years and says, “I came with boxes of clothes and my two boys” is how Claudia described the transition into a new and better life. Her ex-husband would leave her and her children numerous times. His family would help her. She was a charismatic catholic and she heard God say, “Move to Ohio”. Claudia became overwhelmed with her change. She looks back and says “Wow, look at what God has done”. Today, her joy has come from seeing that transformation before her eyes. It is so beautiful to watch. Now she’s living a life worth telling. Remember that even when it is darkest, the light never turns off. Phillis Hand Phillis is a volunteer and a 2023 writer for EnVision Proven Success ENVISIONPROVENSUCCESS.COM | 19
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