Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer McCullough.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Wow, how much space do I have to write, (insert laugh here!). There are so many pieces to my story so I’ll try to summarize as best as possible! Girls Like Us was birthed out of a deep desire to share how God called me out of darkness, into His light and encourage other women that He can do the same for them. My story has lots of dark places where I felt like all hope was lost, but He picked me up, He rescued, redeemed and restored me! Over the years, I have discovered that my voice was to be used in many different ways. As an Ambassador of Hope, I realized that I was called to be a part of the Pro-Life Movement and to use my voice to help women. Not just in a way of sharing the hurt, pain, and regret of my personal experience with abortion but so much more. In 2017, my husband and I walked through one of the toughest times of our lives. We were asked to adopt a baby that was to be born to a single mother of three, but when the mother decided to parent instead of placing, our world was turned upside down. In the midst of our pain, I couldn’t leave her side.
From mother to mother and woman to woman, all I could think about was her. What she must be going through and how I could help. Long story short we collaborated and came up with a way to walk alongside women just like her! In situations where women may consider abortion as an option out of fear, the uncertainty of how they are going to make it or even lack of education. How can we better serve women in our communities so they will feel supported, empowered and loved? Over the next few months, we put out heads together to develop something that would not only help that mom but also provide a support system for her. I wanted every woman to experience God’s love through this gift so we called it a Lavish Bag. A diaper bag that would “lavish” God’s love on her at such an important time in her life! This bag would include a robe, hygiene items, onesie or gown for the baby, receiving a blanket, fuzzy socks and a gift for mom and child. These items will help her during her stay at the hospital. We also offer Labor and Delivery support so that no woman has to be alone! Our services and bags are free for women in our community that need help. As we walk alongside this woman during her journey, we connect her with other resources in the community that might help her. It has been a beautiful journey not only for myself but for the women that we have already served in our community!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
SMOOTH?? What’s that? Nothing worth doing will be smooth! Even with God in it, I struggled with all the in’s and out’s of how, what it, and of course the big F word, FEAR! Who’s going to sign up for a bag, how will they hear about us, what if I only serve 10 women? One of the biggest struggles was fear. Fear of failing! That was the one thing that kept me from moving forward until I heard a woman speak one morning and I’ll never forget what she said! She told me even if I only served 10 women, no one could ever take that away from me so there was no such thing as failing! It sparked something in me that day that gave me just what I needed to jump in! God used her and her words to change my thought process, my perspective and belief in myself. I couldn’t let the fear of anything stand in my way, so I stepped out and did it scared, but I did it!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Girls Like Us – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As you read before, we empower women through a Diaper Bag! How cool is that! Empowering women to become strong mothers as we support and love them not only while they are pregnant but beyond. We have developed relationships with these women through texts, phone calls, and meetups. Some of our volunteers are still connected even years after the birth of the baby! Our services not only help the baby but more importantly helps the mother!
Who have you been inspired by?
Elise Z. – the strength and courage that it took for her to go through what she went through to keep her family together! She has been the inspiration for our Lavish Bag!
Lisa Bevere – through her books and Bible studies her teachings have helped transform my life!
Jamie Massey – mentor, spiritual mother, and friend!
Jess Ekstrom – though adversity and failures she persevered and has inspired me more than she’ll ever know.
Abby Johnson – the boldness and courage that she has displayed encourages me and empowers me to be bold with my story.
And last but not least my mother, thank you for choosing life!
Contact Info:
- Website: girlslikeusatl.com
- Phone: 678-664-4903
- Email: girlslikeusatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: girlslikeus_atl
- Facebook: @girlslikeusatl
Image Credit:
Hadli Barrett
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
