(in)courage began more than four years ago as a God-sized dream in the hearts of Stephanie Bryant and me {Holley}. We watched this little space on the web grow in ways we never thought possible and welcome in women from all around the world. When God asked Stephanie and me to move on to other adventures, he provided Lisa-Jo Baker to step in for the next season. Since then (in)courage has launched the (in)RL conference, partnered with the Bloom book club, begun (in)courager groups and much more.

And as (in)courage keeps growing, God just keeps bringing along the people needed to turn vision into reality. Today I get to share with you about the newest member of the (in)courage team, Crystal Stine. She’ll be joining us as Editorial and Marketing Manager. That’s a fancy way of saying she’ll be watching over the words around here, helping the team, and continuing to connect with you in lots of wonderful ways.

Many of you probably already know Crystal because she’s been a part of this community for quite some time. She’s one of the most encouraging women I know, has a smile that lights up a room, and is great at cheering women on in whatever God is calling them to do. I’ve gotten a front-row seat to watching God prepare Crystal for this position before either one of us even knew it would exist. I’m thrilled that all of you are going to get the chance to engage with her in new ways, too.

Thanks again for being part of (in)courage. This space belongs to you and we’re here to love on you!

And now I’ll hand it over to Crystal and let her share her heart with you about this new adventure…

****************I remember sitting in my home, surrounded by girlfriends as we watched the first (in)RL together. We paused the video to chat about the dreams God was putting on our hearts – to be mothers, to grow as wives, to spend more time with Him – and I said, “One day I’m going to work for (in)courage.” I had no idea why I said it, or why God asked me to share it with those women, at that time.

I remember writing a blog post about cheering for others when it’s not your turn during a season when I was feeling particularly overlooked and under-appreciated. My heart so desperately wanted to be chosen, to be picked first and yet, God had me waiting. Not just waiting, but learning how to encourage someone else when they received what I wanted, and I didn’t understand why it just couldn’t be my turn.

I remember the day I lost the only career I’d ever known. The job I cherished because of the title, not because it held my heart. As God revealed all the idols I had created in that position and humbled me to share my story with Holley and the God-Sized Dream Team, the community I’d been pouring into surrounded me with encouragement.

This job? God has been preparing the way – for years. Those friends I shared with during (in)RL have been my strongest dream supporters and prayer warriors. All the overlooked times weren’t God saying, “no” – just, “Not this one, not now. Save room.” And what I thought I’d lost with that former life and career? The loss opened the door for gifts beyond anything I could have hoped or imagined.

These words, in this space? They’re precious to me. The women who write here, the community who embraces one another in comments, encourages, loves, and prays here? You are part of my story, of God’s work in my life. It is nothing less than pure joy to join (in)courage as my full-time home, with this wonderful team.

With much gratitude, love & chocolate,

Crystal

Crystal is a writer, speaker, freelance editor, occasional song-writer, and lover of words and coffee. She also proudly wears the hats of wife to her high-school sweetheart, Matt, and mama to their toddler, Madison. Crystal is passionate about building authentic community – online and in real life – and has a heart for encouraging women. You can find her writing at crystalstine.me, MothersofDaughters.com, and she been featured at incourage.me, HolleyGerth.com, Allume.com, and HowTheyBlog.com. She would love to connect with you on Twitter at @crystalstine.

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