How it all began...

From Stephanie

Hear the heart and story of Above the Wildflowers' Founder...

Have you ever struggled with your sense of identity? I truly believe it’s a common struggle! As a middle child, I focused intensely on academic achievements, and my identity became intertwined with my grades, my accolades, and the praises I received from others. I was driven by performance, and any misstep felt like a monumental failure. My desire to honor my family as a first-generation Dominican-American pushed me to aim for a college degree as the first in my family to achieve this milestone. Yet, despite my accomplishments and relentless efforts, I found myself feeling unfulfilled. I always had a concept and faith in mind about God however I genuinely didn't let Him have control over my life. I have a story about how the good Lord sought after me, and I look forward to sharing it with you one day to reveal all the intricate details, but for now, here’s the short version: In 2017, while witnessing one of my friends’ baptisms, the Lord revealed Himself to me unexpectedly and powerfully, leading me to say Yes to Him without hesitation!

Remember when I inquired about your identity? Here’s the good news I want to share: since choosing to follow Jesus, my understanding of my identity has become crystal clear. There’s no longer a sense of pursuit because I have been found by God and am secure in Him (Philippians 3:7-9) I no longer seek the temporary treasures of this world, but rather those of heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). God's word has assured me that I was created ON purpose, FOR a purpose when I was intricately woven in my mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-14), and He knew me before the beginning of creation (Ephesians 1:4). Learning about God's redemptive work on the cross has shown me what true love really means, often moving me to tears, and I’ve discovered that He is a God who is gentle (Matthew 11:29), gracious, patient (2 Peter 3:9), peaceful (Philippians 4:7), forgiving (Daniel 9:9), and overflowing with love (1 John 4:16)! You, too, are incredibly cherished by the Creator of this universe! 

Fast forward to the present day, and God has ignited in my heart a desire to help women explore their relationship with their heavenly Father and connect with Christ-centered women. Starting with a Bible study session with 1 person, the Lord later inspired me with a vision and a name for a women’s retreat. After its inception, He led me to the passage in Luke 12:27-28, which inspired the ministry name, Above the Wildflowers — because the truth is, if God cares for the sparrows and adorns the grass in the fields, how much more will He provide for you! 

Walking the straight and narrow path isn't for the faint of heart, but oh, how worthwhile it is! It becomes even sweeter when surrounded by those who uplift, support, and love you while you navigate your journey with God through every season He bestows upon you.

My prayer is that you recognize how precious you are to God, and that an abundant life is not found in chasing accolades or fleeting pleasures, but in loving God, nurturing a relationship with Him, loving others, and aligning with His will so that you may truly fulfill the purposes He has designed for your life. 

xoxo In His Love, Stephanie