Ministry

Because of the circumstances surrounding Braylee’s murder, her story was reported locally, throughout the state of Oklahoma, and in the national news.  The reporting of her murder thrust our family into the public eye. As her mother, I wanted the focus of Braylee’s story to be about her life and how she lived it, not how it was brutally taken from her. 

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After her death, the word of God just flooded my mind. The following verse is one that kept coming back to me, “And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

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It is so difficult to see good or even imagine good through the devastating grief of losing a child. But my faith in God reminds me there is good, and there is a purpose for the pain.  God has been with me and my family through every step we have had to take to keep moving forward.  We have felt God’s love through our friends and family, our community, and complete strangers. The love and support that was shown my family is beyond measure, and I will forever be grateful.

It is my honor to share Braylee’s story. It is my purpose to share God’s faithfulness through this journey of grief, heartbreak, and forgiveness. What I thought would destroy my family has only made it stronger. My husband, JB, and I have been serving the Lord together for the past 20 years and have served in many different ministries.  We attend Ray of Hope Church south of Duncan, OK.  JB currently serves as a sound technician for the worship team and is a member of the security team.  I am currently a member of the worship team, and I am involved in women’s ministry.

God has given JB and me the opportunity to share our story.  It’s been an honor to speak at several women’s conferences the past few years and will continue to do so as God leads. Braylee’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I found it written on several of her personal items after her death.  A reminder from my precious daughter of her love for God and a reminder to her mother that my God is my strength.