Hey there, friend! I'm Amanda Butler. I'm a survivor, a storyteller, and your cheerleader for all things hope-filled. Welcome to Worthy of Your Comeback, where faith and resilience collide in the best way possible. 

The Night That Changed Everything

In my journey of overcoming unimaginable challenges, there was a pivotal moment that became a turning point for me. That moment was inspired by Danny Gokey, a Christian singer and songwriter whose story of resilience and faith resonated powerfully with my own struggles. Known for his uplifting music and powerful testimony, Danny gained national recognition as a finalist on American Idol and has since become a leading voice in Christian music, with hits like "Tell Your Heart to Beat Again, "Haven't Seen It Yet," and "Hope in Front of Me." His music often reflects his journey through grief, healing and trusting God's plan--something that deeply inspired me. 

After all, Danny had faced unimaginable pain himself, with the loss of his first wife, yet found hope and purpose on the other side. It was at one of Danny's concerts that my husband and I first hear "Tell Your Heart to Beat again." The lyrics spoke straight to my heart, reminding me that no matter how rough life gets, God can bring healing, hope, and renewal. That song became an anthem of my healing journey.

Later, my dear friend Morgan-who knew how much Danny's music had impacted my life-reached out to his team. Through her kindness, we were given tickets and backstage passes to meet Danny in person at another one of his concerts. At that time, I was around 90% wheelchair bound, recovering from a stroke, and facing a future filled with uncertainty. Meeting Danny was a moment I'll never forget. He didn't just encourage me to share my story--he reminded me that with God, all things are possible. He encouraged me to keep sharing my story to inspire others with hope, and to show the doctors who labeled me that miracles happen, and anything is possible. That encounter gave me the strength to believe again and the determination to face each day with hope. 

My journey hasn't been without its challenges. I've faced childhood sexual abuse, teen mental and emotional abuse, teen pregnancy, getting married young, homelessness, and the unimaginable heartbreak of my son being unjustly removed by Child "Protective" Services. My children and I live with Mitochondrial Disease, a rare and complex chronic illness that has tested us in ways I never imagined. Living with Mito has also brought us a host of other medical challenges, including POTS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, pulmonary problems, bleeding disorders, Mast Cell Disease and more. Most recently, my family and I overcame a toxic mold situation that was causing a lot of our health issues. It's been a battle, but through every struggle, God has been faithful, carrying us through and turning our pain into purpose. 

One of the hardest seasons of my life was dealing with church displacement. Facing discrimination due to my medical challenges and watching my family be hurt by those we trusted in the church was both heartbreaking and deeply discouraging. While we never stopped believing in God, for a time, it felt like we lost our spiritual footing and drifted away from staying rooted in His word. But God, in His love, reminded us that the church isn't the problem--it's the people within it and the misunderstandings that come from a lack of grace and compassion. That realization brought me back to the heart of my faith and helped me find a new church family that reflects His truth. love and acceptance. Now I'm passionate about helping others navigate similar struggles, showing them that God's love never wavers, even when people fall short. 

On this platform, I'm opening up about the hard stuff because I believe our stories matter. They remind us that we're not alone, that healing is possible, and that there's hope waiting on the other side of even the darkest days. 

Here's what you can expect here:

• Honest, raw storytelling: I'm not afraid to share the messy parts of my journey, because I know that's where God's grace shines the brightest.
• Faith-filled encouragement: Whether you're overcoming trauma, navigating tough seasons, or searching for hope, you'll find it here. 
• A community of hope: Together we're learning to see ourselves the way God sees us--worthy, loved and unstoppable.

After my son was taken, I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to be a voice for others, to bring hope and help to families facing unimaginable challenges. Even though I didn't know how God would use that pain at the time, He has shown me that every hardship we face can be turned into a purpose greater than we ever imagined. Now, I am committed to walking alongside families and individuals who feel like they've lost their way- offering encouragement, practical support, and a reminder that every story can find redemption, no matter how shattered it may seem.

My journey has been filled with challenges I never expected, but it's also been marked by a faith that refuses to quit. I believe that no matter how dark the road may seem, there is always hope waiting on the other side. My mission now is to inspire others by sharing my story in every way I can through words that uplift, stories that heal, and opportunities to connect with others on their journeys. I want to help others see that they are not alone, and that God's love is always bigger than our circumstances. 

In addition to this vision, I’ve also been actively involved in my community, advocating for families who have faced injustice, supporting those affected with medical challenges, and working to keep families strong and whole. My passion for keeping families safe and together is deeply personal, and it drives everything I do. I'm excited to keep sharing my story and using my experiences to bring hope to others.

My husband and I have been blessed to serve with Hope Children's Home in Florida-a faith-based home that creates a safe, loving environment for children who come from difficult circumstances. This incredible ministry focuses on caring for the whole child-physically, emotionally, and spiritually helping them heal and thrive. Their heart is always to restore families, never to separate them, and to give each child hope for a brighter future. We're so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this amazing community, and we can't wait to continue supporting the important work they do.

Through it all, I remain committed to helping others see that every challenge can lead to purpose, every broken place can be a platform for hope, and every heart is worthy of a comeback.

Let's rise together, dreaming big, believing in God's promises, and keeping our hearts open to all He has in store. 🌟💫