Moment Everything Changes
Captured by Mitchell Royel | Now Playing: Messy by Kiiara
Captured by Mitchell Royel | Now Playing: Messy by Kiiara
“There’s this moment that comes in every relationship—sometimes it’s sudden, sometimes it creeps up on you like a shadow you didn’t know was there. It’s the moment when you see someone differently. Not better, not worse necessarily. Just… different. Real.
You think you know someone. You’ve spent time with them, laughed with them, maybe even let your guard down. And then one day, something shifts. A word is said the wrong way. A look crosses their face that you’ve never seen before. And suddenly, you’re staring at a version of this person you didn’t know existed. A side that scares you.
It’s not always dramatic. It’s not always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet—the kind of scary that settles in your chest and makes you realize you don’t actually know what you’re looking at. You see the potential for something darker, something messier than you ever imagined. Maybe it’s anger you didn’t know they carried. Maybe it’s selfishness masked as love. Maybe it’s just the realization that people are more complicated than we want them to be.
And here’s the thing nobody tells you: once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
So you have a choice. You can stay and try to convince yourself it wasn’t real, that you imagined it, that they’re still the person you thought they were. You can rationalize it, minimize it, make excuses. Or you can do the harder thing. You can walk away.
I’m not talking about running at the first sign of trouble. Real relationships require work, require patience, require understanding that we’re all broken in different ways. But there’s a difference between broken and dangerous. There’s a difference between flawed and toxic.
Walking away isn’t always about them being a bad person. Sometimes it’s about protecting yourself from becoming someone you don’t recognize. Sometimes it’s about knowing that staying will only make things messier—not just for you, but for them too. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is leave.
The hardest part isn’t the leaving. It’s the moment right before, when you’re standing at the edge of a decision and you know that choosing yourself means letting them go. It’s knowing that you could have stayed, could have tried harder, could have been the person who fixed them. But you also know that some things can’t be fixed by love alone.
So you walk away. Not because you don’t care. Not because they’re not worth it. But because you’re worth it too.
And maybe that’s the scariest thing of all—realizing that sometimes the person we need to protect ourselves from is someone we love.”
-Mitchell + Ryder (of Gospel Glamour)
She Said No More: The Sacred Art of Walking Away
Captured by Mitchell Royel
Now Playing: No More Baby I'ma Do Right & Playas Gon' Play by 3LW
When the universe whispers "enough," she finally listened.
There comes a moment in every woman's journey when the whisper becomes a roar. She had been dancing around the edges of her own life for too long, tiptoeing through conversations that drained her soul and relationships that felt more like negotiations than love.
The realization hit her like lightning on a Tuesday afternoon while folding laundry—such an ordinary moment for such an extraordinary awakening. No more, she thought, and the words felt like prayer and revolution all at once.
The Unraveling
She had been the queen of second chances, the empress of "maybe this time will be different." Her heart had become a revolving door for people who treated her generosity like an all-you-can-eat buffet. But something shifted when she finally understood that her kindness wasn't meant to be a doormat for others' dysfunction.
The song playing in her car that morning—something about doing right and no more games—became her anthem. She turned up the volume and felt the bass line sync with her heartbeat. This is what liberation sounds like, she realized.
The Sacred No
Learning to say no became her spiritual practice. Not the apologetic, guilt-ridden no she used to whisper, but the fierce, unapologetic NO that comes from a place of deep self-respect. She discovered that boundaries weren't walls—they were love letters to her future self.
She began to understand that every "no" to what didn't serve her was a resounding "yes" to what did.
Her phone stopped buzzing with drama. Her calendar cleared of obligations that felt heavy. Her mirror reflected someone she was beginning to recognize again—the woman she was before she learned to shrink herself to fit into other people's comfort zones.
The Alchemy of Transformation
What happened next was pure magic. The space she created by removing what wasn't meant for her became fertile ground for what was. Opportunities appeared. Authentic connections deepened. Her creativity exploded like fireworks in July.
She started writing again—not the careful, people-pleasing words she used to craft, but raw, honest truth that made her hands shake and her heart race. She painted her living room the color of sunset because it made her happy. She danced in her kitchen to songs that made her feel alive.
The woman who once asked permission to take up space now claimed her territory with the confidence of someone who finally understood her worth.
Your Turn to Rise
If you're reading this and feeling that familiar stirring in your chest—that whisper that says "no more"—trust it. Your intuition isn't suggesting; it's commanding. The part of you that knows better is ready to take the wheel.
Start Your Own Transformation Journey →
What would change in your life if you stopped accepting what you don't want? What relationships would shift? What dreams would finally have room to breathe?
The universe is waiting for you to claim what's yours. She did it, and so can you.
Ready to say "no more" to what's keeping you small? Join thousands of women who are choosing themselves first. Download the Sacred Boundaries Toolkit → and start your journey to fierce, unapologetic self-love today.
Because baby, you're gonna do right—by yourself, first and always.
-Mitchell + Ryder (of Gospel Glamour)
HOPE
Captured by the artistry of Mitchell Royel, this moment now unfolds through the enchanting melodies of "Who Am I to Say" by Hope—a luminous composition that weaves emotion and elegance into every note.
There’s something I want to talk with you about today. Not at you—but with you. Because hope isn’t something we experience in isolation. It’s relational. It’s the quiet conversation we have with ourselves and each other when everything feels uncertain.
We live in a time that asks a lot of us. The world is complex. Our inner worlds are complex. And somewhere in the middle of all that complexity, we’re trying to figure out what’s possible, what’s worth believing in, what’s worth moving toward.
Here’s what I know: hope isn’t about denying reality. It’s not about toxic positivity or pretending that hard things aren’t hard. Hope is something much more grounded than that. It’s a practice. It’s a choice we make—sometimes moment by moment—to stay open to possibility even when we can’t see the whole path ahead.
We’re Allowed to Want Things
One of the most radical acts we can do is to admit what we actually want. Not what we think we should want. Not what looks good on Instagram or fits the narrative we’ve been told about ourselves. But what we genuinely, deeply desire.
When we do this—when we get honest about our longings—we’re already practicing hope. We’re saying: “I believe my desires matter. I believe my life can be shaped by what I care about.”
This is where hope begins. Not in some distant future. But right here, in the willingness to acknowledge what lights us up.
The Courage in Uncertainty
We talk a lot about certainty as if it’s the goal. But what if uncertainty is actually where our power lives? What if not knowing exactly how things will unfold is the space where we get to choose who we want to be?
We can’t control outcomes. We never could. But we can control our intention. We can control how we show up. We can control whether we’re willing to try, to learn, to adjust, to keep going even when the path isn’t clear.
That’s the kind of hope I’m interested in. The kind that doesn’t require guarantees. The kind that says: “I don’t know how this will work out, and I’m going to move forward anyway because the alternative—giving up on myself—costs too much.”
We’re in This Together
Here’s something I want you to remember: you’re not alone in this. Whatever you’re hoping for, whatever you’re working toward, whatever feels impossible right now—there are others in the same space. We’re all trying to figure it out. We’re all learning how to hope in our own way.
And that matters. Because hope is contagious. When we see someone else believing in themselves, it gives us permission to believe in ourselves too. When we witness someone else moving toward their desires despite fear, it shows us what’s possible.
So let’s be that for each other. Let’s be the ones who say yes to possibility. Let’s be the ones who keep showing up. Let’s be the ones who believe that our lives can be shaped by our choices, our values, and our willingness to stay open.
Your Next Move
I want to leave you with this: What is one thing you’re hoping for right now? Not someday. Not when conditions are perfect. But right now, in this season of your life.
And what’s one small way you could move toward it this week? Not a grand gesture. Just something real. Something that says to yourself: “I believe in this. I believe in me.”
That’s hope in action. That’s us, together, choosing to believe in what’s possible.
The world needs what you have to offer. It needs your hope. It needs your willingness to keep going. And it needs you to know that you’re not doing this alone.
-Mitchell & Ryder (of Gospel Glamour)
Real Recognizes Real
Exquisitely captured by the visionary lens of Mitchell Royel (Pierce College) in 2012, this moment now resonates with the audacious energy of Gucci Gucci by Kreayshawn, a sonic masterpiece that pulses through the frame with contemporary flair and undeniable style.
Darling, let's talk about the most expensive thing you'll never buy: authenticity.
I was standing in a boutique last week, watching a woman agonize over a handbag that cost more than most people's rent. She kept asking the sales associate, "Will people know it's real?" And I thought to myself—honey, the real question is: do YOU know you're real?
Because here's what I've learned after decades of chasing external validation, spiritual bypassing, and yes, even a few designer moments of my own: your soul doesn't give a damn about labels.
Counterfeit Life We're Sold
We live in a world obsessed with proving our worth through things. The right car, the right neighborhood, the right everything. But what happens when we mistake the wrapper for the gift? When we become so focused on looking the part that we forget who we actually are?
I've coached thousands of women who thought they needed to look successful before they could feel successful. They were wearing masks made of logos, speaking in voices that weren't their own, and wondering why they felt so empty despite having everything they thought they wanted.
The truth? Authenticity isn't something you can purchase. It's something you excavate.
Inner Luxury
Real luxury isn't about what you can afford—it's about what you can become. It's the confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are and refusing to apologize for it. It's the freedom that comes from not needing anyone else's approval to validate your existence.
I remember the day I stopped caring about impressing people who didn't even like themselves. I was at a networking event, surrounded by people name-dropping and status-signaling, and I realized: I'd rather be genuinely me than successfully fake.
That shift? That's where the magic happens.
Real Status Symbols
Boundaries that protect your energy
Values that guide your decisions
Courage to speak your truth
Compassion for yourself and others
Presence that doesn't need to perform
These are the accessories that never go out of style. These are the investments that actually appreciate in value.
Breaking the Spell of Superficial
When you stop trying to impress people who are trying to impress other people, you break free from the most exhausting game on the planet. You realize that the people worth knowing don't care about your handbag—they care about your heart.
Ask yourself:
What would I do if I knew no one was watching?
How would I dress if I was dressing for my soul?
What would I say if I wasn't afraid of judgment?
Your answers to these questions? That's your real designer collection.
Authenticity Advantage
Here's what happens when you choose real over replica in every area of your life:
You attract your tribe. The right people, opportunities, and experiences start showing up because you're finally broadcasting your true frequency.
You save energy. No more exhausting yourself trying to maintain a persona that isn't you.
You feel alive. When you're not performing, you can actually experience your life.
Your Soul's Signature Style
Darling, you don't need anyone else's approval to be magnificent. You don't need the right labels to be worthy. You don't need to prove anything to anyone—especially not to people who are too busy proving things themselves to notice your brilliance.
Your soul has its own signature style, and it's been waiting for you to wear it proudly.
So here's your invitation: Strip away everything that isn't authentically you. Stop apologizing for your desires, your dreams, your way of being in the world. Stop trying to fit into someone else's definition of success.
-Mitchell + Ryder (of Gospel Glamour)
Celebrating Courageous Testimonies
Captured in stunning detail by the lens of renowned photographer Mitchell Royel back in 2019, the scene now shifts as the hauntingly beautiful track "high1x" by the enigmatic artist blackbear fills the air, its melancholic melodies painting the room in shades of heartbreak and longing.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
In the sacred space of recovery meetings, souls gather to find solace, support, and strength. These gatherings are a testament to the power of community and faith in the journey of healing.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18
Let’s celebrate the incredible women who have found the courage to share their testimonies. Their voices, once silenced by shame or fear, now ring out with hope and inspiration, touching hearts and changing lives.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” - Psalm 147:3
In these meetings, we witness the miraculous healing of wounded hearts. The love and acceptance found here create a nurturing environment where true transformation can take root and flourish.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Recovery meetings are more than just gatherings; they’re powerful crucibles of change where lives are being rebuilt and hearts are being renewed. Here, we see the old giving way to the new in real-time.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” - 2 Corinthians 12:9
The courage it takes to stand up and share one’s testimony is immeasurable. These brave women are living proof that vulnerability is strength, and their stories are beacons of hope in a world that desperately needs it.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” - Philippians 4:13
From struggle to success, these women are showing the world that recovery is possible and that a life of purpose, joy, and abundance awaits on the other side of addiction. Their resilience is truly awe-inspiring.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” - Psalm 28:7
In these meetings, we see the power of community in action. Women supporting women, offering understanding, compassion, and unconditional love. It’s a beautiful reflection of divine love in human form.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
The transformation in these women’s lives is a testament to the healing power of faith and the strength found in surrender to a higher power. Their stories remind us that even our darkest moments can be redeemed.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
These meetings are breeding grounds for hope, where stories of rock bottom become launchpads for incredible comebacks. Here, women are discovering their true purpose and embracing a future full of promise.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
The women sharing their testimonies are living proof that rock bottom can become a solid foundation on which to build a new life. Their courage to rise and soar inspires us all.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” - Isaiah 61:1
In these meetings, we witness the chains of addiction being broken and the dawn of new beginnings. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 8:1
The atmosphere in these gatherings is one of acceptance and love, free from judgment and full of grace. It’s a safe haven where healing can truly begin.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7
These brave women are showing that it’s okay to not be okay, and that reaching out for help is an act of courage, not weakness. Their vulnerability becomes a source of strength for others.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
In sharing their stories, these women are lighting the way for others who are still struggling in the darkness of addiction. They are living testimonies to the faithfulness of a God who never abandons us.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” - 1 Peter 5:10
The transformation we see in these meetings is nothing short of miraculous - lives rebuilt, families restored, and futures reclaimed. It’s a powerful reminder of the restorative power of grace.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5
These meetings are a reminder that healing is available to all who seek it. The stories shared here point to a love that conquers all and a grace that knows no bounds.
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” - Psalm 18:2
The strength these women display in sharing their testimonies is awe-inspiring, showing that vulnerability can be the birthplace of incredible power. They have found an unshakeable foundation in faith.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” - Isaiah 1:18
In these meetings, we witness the beautiful process of forgiveness - both of self and others - that is crucial to the recovery journey. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
These meetings are sacred spaces where miracles happen daily, where lives are being rewritten and hope is being restored. The women here are living testimonies to the transformative power of faith.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10
In recovery, these women are not just surviving - they’re thriving, embracing life with a newfound joy and purpose. They’re reclaiming the abundant life that addiction once stole from them.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39
The unconditional love and acceptance found in these meetings mirror the boundless love of God, creating a safe haven for healing and growth. It’s a powerful reminder that nothing can separate us from divine love.
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10
The resilience displayed by these women is truly inspiring, showing that our greatest trials can become our greatest triumphs. They are emerging from their struggles refined and radiant.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” - Psalm 23:1-3
In these meetings, we see women finding peace and restoration, often for the first time in years. It’s a beautiful picture of the Good Shepherd leading His flock to still waters.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
The stories shared in these meetings are powerful reminders that even our darkest moments can be redeemed and used for good. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy of grace.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” - Isaiah 61:1
These meetings are beacons of hope, proclaiming freedom and new beginnings for all who enter. Here, captives are set free and darkness gives way to light.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18
The compassion and understanding found in these meetings create a nurturing environment where healing can flourish. It’s a tangible expression of God’s nearness to the brokenhearted.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” - Psalm 147:3
We witness incredible healing in these meetings, as wounds of the past are tended to with love and care. It’s a beautiful picture of divine healing in action.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
These meetings offer a respite from the struggles of recovery, a place to find rest and renewal. It’s an invitation to lay down our burdens and find true rest.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” - Psalm 55:22
In these meetings, we see women learning to release their burdens and trust in a higher power. It’s a powerful lesson in surrendering our cares to God.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1
The courage displayed in these meetings is contagious, inspiring others to face their fears and embrace recovery. These women are finding strength in the Lord to overcome their fears.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7
In these meetings, we see women stepping into their God-given power, embracing love, and reclaiming their mental and emotional wellbeing.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
The women sharing their testimonies embody strength and courage, inspiring others to take bold steps in their own recovery journeys.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
These meetings are a testament to the power of patience and perseverance in recovery, showing that those who trust in the Lord find renewed strength.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” - Exodus 14:14
In the quiet moments of these meetings, we witness the power of stillness and surrender, as women learn to let go and let God fight their battles.
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” - Isaiah 41:13
The support and encouragement found in these meetings reflect the divine help promised to all who seek it. No one walks the path of recovery alone.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8
These meetings are a powerful reminder of God’s unconditional love, accepting and embracing each person regardless of their past.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
We celebrate new beginnings in these meetings, honoring the journey from addiction to recovery and witnessing the emergence of new creations in Christ.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” - Proverbs 3:5
The recovery journey often defies understanding, but these meetings show the power of trusting in a higher power rather than relying solely on oneself.
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” - Nahum 1:7
These meetings serve as a refuge for those in recovery, a safe haven where they can find care, support, and the goodness of God.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
The testimonies shared in these meetings are living proof that through faith, we can find peace amidst troubles and overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
These meetings are a testament to God’s redemptive work, showing how even the darkest experiences can be transformed for good.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” - Psalm 28:7
We witness hearts leaping for joy in these meetings as women find strength, protection, and reasons to praise God in their recovery journey.
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10
The refining process of recovery, though challenging, produces beautiful results in these women’s lives, much like gold refined by fire.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
These meetings are filled with hope as women discover God’s good plans for their lives, beyond the harm of addiction.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” - Isaiah 61:1
In these gatherings, we see the fulfillment of this scripture as good news is proclaimed, hearts are healed, and freedom is found.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
The resilience and determination of these women in recovery is truly inspiring, showing the power of hope and perseverance rooted in faith.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7
These meetings provide a space for women to cast their anxieties onto God, finding peace in His care and love.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:7
In the midst of recovery’s challenges, these meetings offer a taste of God’s transcendent peace, guarding hearts and minds.
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” - Psalm 31:24
The courage displayed by these women as they share their testimonies is a powerful encouragement to all who hope in the Lord.
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17
These meetings resound with the joy of salvation, as women experience God’s delight and rejoicing over their journey of recovery.
In these sacred gatherings, we witness the power of faith, community, and courage. Women from all walks of life come together, united in their journey of recovery and their praise for Christ. They’re not just overcoming addiction – they’re building successful careers, prioritizing their health, and inspiring others with their stories of transformation.
These brave souls are working up the courage to share their testimonies, turning their pain into purpose and their struggles into strength. Their voices, once silenced by shame, now ring out with hope and inspiration. They’re living proof that rock bottom can become a solid foundation for an incredible life.
In sharing their stories, these women are lighting the way for others who are still struggling in the darkness of addiction. They’re showing that it’s possible to not just survive, but thrive – making money.
-Mitchell + Ryder (of Gospel Glamour)