Ani says she grew up in a church tradition where her voice was neither valued nor encouraged. Since leaving that tradition, she has wrestled with learning to live out of who God says she is—and believes she has been greatly blessed by that effort.

Ani thought she would have to travel that journey through the faith desert alone but was surprised to find good company along the way.

Saint Philip’s has been a place of refuge and restoration; a place where she has been welcomed and supported. She says it’s refreshing to be in a community where her gifts are celebrated.

Ani hopes and prays that when her words appear in your in-box that you, too, will be encouraged to live into who God says you are.