To know Amy Bryant Sampen is to know passion! Amy exudes everything bright, brave, bold, and beautiful. Her soul is a vibrant inferno, and her character is contagious. With every beat of her heart, she loves lavishly and unreservedly. Spend just a moment in her presence, and you might find yourself pursuing a higher calling, purpose, and mission. Despite facing her own heartbreaks and heartaches, Amy has always found God's faithfulness shining through. She said “Yes!” to co-writing this collective because she couldn't contain the wellspring of her soul's contents. Hang with her here, and you will receive a serious infusion of hope, help, and the awesomeness of the power of the Holy Spirit!

Brenda D. Jackson is a passionate teacher, leader, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner. With over 30 years of experience in directing projects and educating adults in corporate environments and teaching Sunday School classes, she has made a significant impact on many lives. Recently, she has added College Instructor to her list of accomplishments, teaching communications courses at the local community college. As a proud mother of two daughters, Brenda enjoys spending time with her family and many pets. She is committed to sharing her story of God’s faithfulness, driven by a desire to be obedient to the Great Commission. Her mission is to empower people to confidently achieve their personal and professional goals for the glory of God.

Brenda Sawyer Urwiler, affectionately known as Queen B, is passionate about mentoring and empowering women to recognize their worth as Daughters of the King. With a heart dedicated to uplifting others, she inspires women to embrace their true identity and potential. Brenda and her twin sons, Caleb and Elijah, enjoy creating new adventures, embarking on road trips, and making memories that last a lifetime. Being a part of this collective has sparked a new chapter in Brenda’s life, encouraging her to boldly share her story and experiences. With renewed energy and purpose, she is moving full speed ahead, ready to inspire and impact lives.

Cindy Holmes is a seasoned volleyball coach with twenty-eight years of experience, having led teams to state tournaments and earned the title of Coach of the Year fifteen times. Known for her dedication both on and off the court, Cindy also spent fourteen years teaching middle school, guiding students in math and social studies toward excellence. Certified with Habit Finder and Girl Power Alliance, she holds a Master's Degree in Education. Cindy lives near Ames, Iowa, with her husband Jim, and enjoys spending time with friends, offering encouragement, and utilizing her extensive coaching experience to inspire others to achieve their goals.

Cori Porter, a passionate storyteller, overcame severe depression and a bondage with the occult. At 23, while excelling in college, she faced dark thoughts and self-doubt, which led her to seek solace in Jesus Christ. Her salvation marked a profound transformation in her life. Married with children, Cori later experienced a vision that revealed the spiritual nature of her struggles, leading to her complete freedom from the occult's grip. 

Now, Cori dedicates her life to helping others find healing and freedom through faith. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of God's love and serves as an inspiration to those seeking spiritual deliverance and personal growth.

Jennifer Crow’s life is a testament to what you can become when you put your trust and faith in God, regardless of the curveballs thrown your way. She believes everyone has a story to share and enjoys working with those who have survived past trauma and domestic violence. Jennifer loves spending her mornings on the deck, writing, cooking, painting, and being creative. She is currently working on a children’s series that has been a passion project for 12 years. An entrepreneur with multiple businesses, her favorite is her mobile optical service, where she caters to clients across the country. Living on an acreage with her husband Michael and two of their six children, Jennifer is building their dream one sunrise at a time.

Joycelynn is a wife, mom, nana, pastor, registered nurse, wellness coach, writer, herbalist, clinical aromatherapist, and an advocate for living whole in the Kingdom of God. After experiencing burnout as a nurse, she became a wellness coach in 2011, helping clients overcome stress and burnout. Joycelynn is a contributing author to the books From Frustrated to Fulfilled and Brave Women Connect. In 2016, she focused on ministering to women of faith through a podcast and a successful aromatherapy business centered on emotional health. Following the tragic loss of her oldest son to suicide in 2017, she found strength in reclaiming her faith and addressing her own trauma. Joycelynn now dedicates her life to being a beacon of hope, guiding others toward wholeness and fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.

Kristin Taylor, a self-employed insurance consultant, lives in central Iowa with her five children. Passionate about worship, prayer, Bible study, writing, and dance, she shares her journey through trials to glorify God and encourage others. Kristin holds a Bachelor’s in Flute and a Master’s in English and Creative Writing. Despite her accolades, she treasures her roles as “mother,” “prayer warrior,” and “daughter of the King.” Excited to contribute to future Threads of Purple collectives and work on her first novel, Kristin hopes her experiences inspire and uplift others.

Neva has over 13 years of management experience across five industries. A transformative encounter with God on June 21, 2015, led her to a faith journey marked by signs, wonders, and miracles. She ministers internationally, including in Germany, the US, and Israel, empowering others to walk in God's power. A key figure in women's ministry, Neva contributes to the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. She lives in Shanghai, China, and travels widely for her ministry.

Counting this season the prime of her life, Risa Petrie enjoys spending time with her grown children and grandchildren and traveling at home and abroad with her husband of over 40 years. A lifelong learner, her love of the English language and understanding of the Word's direction to be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in her (I Peter 3:15), Risa is honored to join the writers collective in Threads of Purple to share her story of overcoming many life obstacles through the abiding presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Shirley Stevens Clark resides southwest of Edmonton, AB, Canada. She believes that it’s nearly impossible to lift your face up to our Father in Heaven without smiling. Many years ago, she learned that while looking up, the flow of Jesus’s grace and enduring love are continually poured onto you, never ending.

Shirley is committed to the Threads of Purple Collective series, writing and sharing her voice with Jesus so that all His people may truly know Him, not just know of Him. She reminds everyone that Christ Jesus is within you, closer than your next breath.

Shirley’s mission is to live each day as a glorious gift from God and to help people stop living in their past and start striving to live more Christ-like.

Teresa Stewart, based in Athens, Alabama, sees her life as a testament to God's transformative power, likening it to Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with precious metals. Despite facing trauma from childhood abuse and adult struggles with addiction and broken trust, Teresa's journey has led her to find healing and purpose in Christ. She is committed to the Threads of Purple Collective series, sharing her story to inspire and empower others to know Jesus intimately and to live each day as a gift from God. Teresa's mission is to help others overcome their past and strive to live more Christ-like lives, reflecting God's enduring love and grace.