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The power and strength in YOU!
i. am. she.
Struggling with low self-esteem and never feeling as though she was good enough, Corey Sallie never thought that she would be the beauty pageant type. Inspired by her mother, who has sacrificed through her disabilities as a single parent, Corey reigned as Miss Black Will County USA 2014 and Miss Black Illinois USA 2015.
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"I am inspired the most by my mother. My mom is my number one fan; she always wants the best for my siblings and me even if she shows it with tough love. She just wants the best like any parent would want for their child. Being a single parent with disabilities on a fixed income, my mom has a heart of gold. She is loving and supportive and on top of that strong woman. She is someone who I inspire to be when I get older. She always puts her kids before herself and makes
"Not everyone will be supportive throughout your endeavors, and that's ok. Move in silence and let success make the noise is something I live by daily," says Corey. "You'll be surprised on what you can accomplish without telling people about your next move. Always keep it that way."
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sacrifices to make sure we're happy and always takes care of business. My mother always tells me, "business before pleasure." Growing up, I didn't understand some of her teachings, but now that I'm older, it sticks with me every day. To those who struggle with low self-esteem, don't bottle it up. Talk to someone. Everyone is human. At the end of the day, nobody is perfect. Remember you are someone and you are special. Everyone is special and beautiful in their own way." - Corey
"Today is the day to make a choice and mend your ways. Don't wait too late."
Ruthie’s love for God is her ultimate inspiration. Seeking guidance and God’s heartbeat for her, has
found comfort, acceptance, and her identity. The Bible verses continuously remind her that she is fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. "How God continually assures me in His word that my worth is far above rubies and He loves me unconditionally. Reminds me that I can do all things through Him who gives me the strength on a daily basis. Therefore, I will never give up on my hopes and dreams because He wishes that I prosper and be in good health. I’ve learned to love me!" - Ruthie
and continues to motivate Ruthie to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Loved and respected by many, Ruthie Carroll had a dark secret behind closed doors. Growing up, she was the best at whatever she chose to do, but inside she struggled with low self-esteem and suicide. Raised in a very loving and close-knit family, loved yet feeling unloved, alone and ugly, Ruthie struggled with being a bed wetter. Feeling ashamed and like an outcast, going through her teenage years into adulthood, Ruthie couldn't seem to shake off the desire
husband. As time progressed, unsure of life, feeling incapable of being loved and unsure of her identity, she fell into a deeper state of depression and began to act on the suicidal thoughts. Battling depression and attempting to take her life on several occasions by overdosing on pills, Ruthie became withdrawn and isolated. Thank God for a praying family. Her mother was persistent and adamant about keeping Ruthie before the Lord until she relieved herself of that marriage. Ruthie cried out to God, and He intervened, and she was delivered in 1994. Experiencing over 15 years of abusive encounters, she began working at a domestic violence shelter, housing women and children who had fallen victim to domestic violence. Ruthie's desire to advocate for domestic violence. Now, enjoying life to the fullest, Ruthie continues her ministry in singing, writing, arranging, and composing. Not only has her music helped her spiritual growth, but it is also drawing others closer to God. Ruthie overcame the fight through the encouraging word of God. She
Ruthie Carroll realized her love for music at the age of six and has been using her broad vocal range for the glory of the Lord.
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of wanting to take her life. She found herself in a very verbally, mental and emotionally abusive marriage and several other failed marriages. Desiring love, she became accepting of the abuse confusing that as love. Mistaking love for lust and acceptance enhanced her desire to commit suicide. Ruthie became pregnant and was consumed by the ways of her abusive
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SHE.
to an ordinary world. There is no duplicate, as she is extraordinaire. She was able to notice her unlimited capacity. The beliefs that her gender and culture defined her intelligence had her bound. Later to realize that her destiny was not within the confinements of this world. The self-discovery brought her freedom. She is now a successful entrepreneur who continues to captivate women around the globe. Through her presentations, she encourages women to go beyond their reflections and see the depths of what they have to offer this world. Having a keen sense to empower others, she helps women discover their purpose. A powerful tool that she teaches is the beauty of brokenness. Women are encouraged to allow their pain to succumb to forgiveness so that they may experience a fuller life.
Fear encapsulated the hunger. The thirsty soul left unquenched. The burning desire to recognize greatness within, never to be snuffed out. She gained power over the fear that trapped her hunger to succeed. The perceptions of society skewed her definition of success. Once she discovered that her success began with her identity, she then met courage. Still uncertain, she tapped into what courage looked like to her. The courage to love herself. The ability to embrace her imperfections and present her unique self
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I Am Who I Am. Exodus 3:14
"We must come to understand, what resides within us, defines us." - From The Soul the Spirit Speaks
Walk by faith
keep a roof over my head and keep gas in the car. There was a point when I didn’t know where I'd get my next meal. There were nights I cried myself to sleep because I felt so alone without my family near and I was working low paying jobs that I didn’t enjoy. In my lowest moments, the enemy tried to discourage me, and I started to question my purpose of moving to Atlanta. In spite of the adversity I was going through, I continued to pray and trust God. He slowly began to open
Almost four years ago I quit my job, closed my fashion boutique business, sold everything in my apartment, packed my car with whatever belongings I had left and drove 13 hours from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Atlanta, Georgia. I took a leap of faith with only $1200 in my bank account, no job, no family, and no place to stay that was my own. This was the time when I heard God’s voice like never before. He told me that it was finally time for me to let go of everything and move to Atlanta. God knew that I wasn’t pleased and that I wanted more out of life. With all odds against me, I decided to trust God’s process and move forward without
knowing where my next steps would lead me. I knew that the destiny God had over my life went beyond the small city where I grew up. For me to grow, I had to leave my comfort zone and challenge myself so that God could prepare me for greater. I had to not only change my environment but change my mindset to develop into a woman of purpose. The transition from Milwaukee to Atlanta was a challenge. I had no one to depend on but God. Moving to a big busy city like Atlanta was a bit scary at first. I never really knew how strong I was until I had to deal with this transition. A friend of
mine allowed me to stay with her for a month before she had to move to New York. I used most of the money I had saved up to help pay the rent and bills. I had one month to find a job and a place to live on my own. I applied to so many jobs and went on interview after interview and nothing came through for me. I was beginning to get discouraged at this point, so I cried and prayed to God like never before. I knew I had to continue to trust God’s timing and with that, he blessed me with two jobs and my apartment after one month of living in Atlanta. I drove to one part of town in the mornings to get to the first job and then I'd drive to the opposite side of the city at night to get to my second job. I started getting behind on student loans and other bills because I made just enough to
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doors and connect me with people that changed my life. God lead me to a church home, placed me in a season of fulfilling my passion for acting, and connected me with other like-minded God fearing people where I could learn and grow. At that point, I realized that trusting God’s word and will over my life was the only way to survive.
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