Give Me Hope

#10 - "Voice of the Voiceless"

**AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR:** ✍️ William A. Stephens Jr. is a retired Senior Enlisted Sergeant (SFC/E7) in the United States Army, serving from 1988 to 2008. Throughout his military career, he completed multiple deployments, including five combat missions around the world. With over 38 years of combined experience in military and civilian government roles, he has held positions in strategic military leadership, mentorship, advisory roles, security, and anti-terrorism. William lost his father, mother, and recently his sister. My mom died when she was 62. My sister died when she was 61 and my dad died when he was 84. William is the author of *The Mirror* (Second Edition, 2018, Rebranded in 2024) and *The Broken Mirror* (2024). He was nominated for the Eric Hoffer Book Award in 2024 and won the International Impact Book Award in March 2024. As a mental health advocate, he supports veterans and individuals facing traumatic experiences. Originally from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, William has a teenage daughter named Izabel, a cat named Penelope, and a dog named Zoe. **Be the Voice of the Voiceless.** 1821productions.com https://open.spotify.com/show/6SDBXWxEg2GPtXXyKW1V1n?si=0cg0he5SSumrehDqfOfpgA https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK0hDHOyvhA/?igsh=bWVsZ3JoaWk0ZTNw https://www.facebook.com/share/16WkbFNesw/?mibextid=wwXIfr Message Johanna Vendel on Gmail at  givemehopewithjohanna@gmail.com - if you have a story and would like to be on her show.  Johanna Vendel Books available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4XTKS31 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW48P1R2  #voiceofthevoiceless #1821productions ##TheBrokenMirror #veteranvoices #PTSD #ptsdrecovery #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #givemehope ##hopewithjohanna #fypviral #GoodVibesOnly2025 #parentloss #podcasting #internationalimpactbookawards.com #believeinyourself #dreamsdocometrue #Godisgood #DadsAndDaughters #22ADay

#9 - Finding New Footing!

Caitlyn is 27 years old and recently married. She has dedicated the past four years to working as a medical receptionist for a psychiatrist, a role that highlights her commitment to helping others in difficult times. Her journey through loss began at a young age. In 2009, when she was only 11 years old, her grandfather succumbed to cancer. His decline was a slow but painful process for the family, who witnessed the heartbreaking transformation up close. Though she was young, the profound sense of loss left a haunting emptiness that she still carries. Tragedy struck again in 2014 when her father was killed in a motorbike accident. At just 16, she faced the reality of losing him devastatingly—he was hit by a taxi while navigating an intersection. It was a day that began like any other; she was home, and when her mother came to wake her, she couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling caused by the absence of her father's usual morning message—a daily ritual that had always connected them. His absence had shaped her life in "ways she never expected. She missed countless moments, especially her birthdays, each one serving as a constant reminder of the void left by her father's departure. Every milestone she reaches echoes the love and support she once had, making her journey all the more bittersweet. After his accident, he wasn't there to celebrate her 21st birthday or share in the joy of her wedding day on May 3, 2025. Adding to her struggles, she battles Chronic Kidney Disease stage 3a, and during a recent check-up, she learned that her condition is gradually worsening. Her kidney journey began at a young age, but she only received an official diagnosis in 2017. Growing up, she spent many days in and out of the hospital, and being a daddy's girl, she always sought comfort from her father. Through every drip and blood draw, no one could calm her unless her dad was right there holding her hand. She comes from a long line of pastors, with grandfathers on both sides of the family guiding their path, as well as her father. Her parents encouraged her to pray and trust God to work in her life regarding her health. When she lost her dad and received her diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2017, it felt as if her support had been taken away. With her father no longer around, she wondered who would pray for her. It seemed like the blessing of healing she received at the age of 11 had vanished with him. However, her amazing mother helped her stay grounded through it all, keeping her faith intact, and since 2017, God has continued to support her

#8 - Crossing the Ocean of Grief

Sandy Lotz-Weiner is a Life and Grief Coach, the Owner of Inspired Life Coaching, and the Author of the book "Crossing the Ocean of Grief." She is also a speaker and podcaster. Sandy is a widow, a bereaved daughter, and an immigrant from South Africa. Her experiences with the topic of loss and grief stem from her personal life's journey as well as her ongoing desire to learn, heal, and grow throughout her life. Sandy lost her dad to cancer when she was 23. In 2003, she immigrated to the USA with her late husband, Tony, and they settled in beautiful Monterey, CA, to pursue her profession as a pharmacist. In April 2017, Tony passed away suddenly, and 10 months later, in Dec 2017, she lost her Mom after a long, slow decline to dementia. After going on her grief journey, Sandy felt called to study with David Kessler, a Death and Grief expert, to become a Grief Coach and Educator. This coincided with the unexpected loss of her pharmacy job at the tail end of COVID in 22. Sandy's desire to support other people going through loss, combined with her job loss, provided her with the perfect opportunity to start her own coaching business and to write and publish her first book, " Crossing the Ocean of Grief (Amazon), in Oct 2023. In November of 2024, Sandy and her sister Maya started collaborating and launched their first 6 Episode podcast series, "Crossing the Ocean of Grief," on Spotify. Sandy believes that no one should have to go through loss and grief alone. She believes in the healing value of sharing your story, that we heal in the community, and that no loss is too small or too old to be grieved fully. For it is only once we have grieved fully that we can create the next INSPIRED chapter of our lives. And live fully again....... Giveaways: FREE TO ALL: • My Tip sheet with 9 Tips for Building Resilience during Adversity (Email me with the word "Resilience" in the subject line) • Grief Café monthly meeting (Email with Grief Café in the subject line)  2 SPECIAL OFFERS for those who are ready to work with me: • A Copy of my book: "Crossing the Ocean of Grief," how to save yourself from the depths of despair after losing someone you love. It is a short read for those who are looking for encouragement and support, and also tips on how to build your life raft. 1. First 3 people who book a 30-minute coaching call with me. Special price: $50 bought before the end of June 2025 email: 30min subject line                                                                                   2. First 6 people who book 6 x 1 hour coaching sessions Special price: 50% off if bought in June, $297 email: 50% off subject line FREE Monthly Event: Grief Café June 16th, 5.30pm to 7pm PST via Zoom, Email me to RSVP Instagram: @inspiredlifesandy https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/inspiredwellbeing [https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/inspiredwellbeing] Contact information: 831 7470937 URL for your website: https://www.sandylotzweiner.com [https://www.sandylotzweiner.com/] Social media information: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and more. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredlifesandy/ [https://www.instagram.com/inspiredlifesandy/] or @inspiredlifesandy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredlifesandy [https://www.facebook.com/inspiredlifesandy] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-lotz-weiner [http://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-lotz-weiner] Spotify: Podcast series Crossing the Ocean of Grief, link on my website and Instagram Café, free group support meets via Zoom on 3rd Monday of the month at 5.3fromm to 7pm PST  Email Sandy to RSVP and receive the link Your email address: inspiredlifesandy@gmail.com

#7 - Against All Odds

Russ is just a humble man who serves Jesus.  His journey began with a remarkable 7-year hospital stay for an operation that had never been performed before, starting when he was just 6 ½ weeks old. He triumphantly was discharged from the hospital at the age of 7 years old, with monthly checkups to follow.  Inspired by Gym, he embraced bodybuilding and received encouragement to audition for the Original Chippendales in Los Angeles. His aunt, a constant source of wisdom in his life, would say, "Keep your eyes on Jesus," as Russ prepared for each performance, filling him with strength and purpose. Her father's work at MGM Studios in Hollywood inspired Russ to embrace the world of acting. He was cast in a TV series called "Spence for Hire," appearing in three episodes.  Relocating out West, he had the honor of living on the ranch of the late actor David Carradine, known for the iconic series "Kung Fu."  For 20 years, he poured his heart into hairstyling and volunteered at hospice care for five years, uplifting terminally ill patients through his craft. After moving to Florida he co-starred and made special guest appearances. His experience extended, to working on the crew for studio pictures in Hollywood and contributing to the inspiring book "Male Models of Hollywood."  He participated in both short films and full feature films, sharing his journey with the press, including the Evening News in Washington, D.C.  He proudly took part in the inauguration of President Reagan, a testament to his dedication and passion. About 10 years ago his Father Passed away, and his Mother passed 5 years later. He remembers how his late mother was very abusive toward him. When he was growing up and about 12 years old, she would constantly lock him into his room, and that is where he began to inflate himself as well as start acting just to survive. Before she passed, he forgave her. #moviestars #fbreelsfypシ゚viralfbreelsfypシ゚viral #givemehopewithjohanna #hopewithjohanna #GoodVibesOnly2025 #parentloss #podcasting #filmmaking #actorlife #fbreelsfyp #grateful #BelieveInGod #believe #behindthescenes #boldbravetv

#6 - Thriving Through Grief!!

In 1996, at just 13 years old, Jilian Tant embarked on a profound journey as an immigrant, moving with her family of five from South Africa to Wilson, North Carolina. After 12 years of determination and resilience, she became a naturalized citizen in 2008. For a time, Jilian enjoyed a stable and loving life through her teenage years and into her twenties.  However, the following decade brought unimaginable challenges as she faced a series of tragic losses. At the age of 33, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Darrell. Three years later, at 36, she lost her father, a pillar in her life, and just two days before her 40th birthday, she faced the devastating loss of her life partner, Allen.  Despite these profound losses, Jilian's spirit remains unbroken. She is committed to honoring the memories of the three most important men in her life by striving to live fully and find joy in the world around her. She immerses herself in her passion for photography, capturing moments that reflect her journey toward peace and fulfillment, demonstrating an inspiring resilience in the face of grief. Social media information: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook,  @jiliantant on Instagram givemehopewithjohanna #hopewithjohanna #fypviral #GoodVibesOnly2025 #bestchallenge #HealingThroughGrief #griefhealing #grief #connectwithlovedones #photochallenge #photooftheday #photography #fbreelsfypシ゚viralfbreelsfypシ゚viral #believeinyourself #Godisgood