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. 

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 do something to change the system, but I didn’t know what that looked like at the time. Now, 15 years later, I know that God is bringing that dream to life. He has placed it on my heart to create a branch of Hope Children’s Home right here in Pennsylvania. This Christian-based nonprofit ministry originally began in Florida and has already made an incredible impact, with two other locations in New Mexico and Honduras. For over 55 years, Hope Children’s Home has provided a safe, loving, faith-filled environment for children in need, many of whom come from broken and difficult circumstances. Their mission is clear: to keep children out of the foster care system, prevent siblings from being separated, and offer a safe space where families can heal and grow together.

Children come to Hope voluntarily, placed by family members who are working to rebuild their lives. While the children are cared for in this nurturing environment, the goal is always to reunite them with their families whenever possible. Unlike many systems, children at Hope do not “age out” when they turn 18. Instead, they are supported through college, given opportunities to intern, and welcomed back for Christmas and summer breaks, ensuring they always have a home to return to. While the children at Hope are not currently adoptable, the ministry is working through its newest branch, Bundles of Hope, to develop an adoption agency. This initiative focuses on supporting pregnant mothers, empowering them to choose life, and equipping them with the resources they need to reunite with their children.

In addition to this vision, I’ve also been actively involved in my community, advocating for families in the Lehigh Valley who have faced unjust treatment. I’ve worked to support and protect families impacted by a local doctor who has been known to remove children without cause—a situation that has brought heartbreak to many. My passion for keeping families safe and whole is deeply personal, and it drives everything I do. I’m excited to continue pursuing this mission and to see how God moves in these efforts. Together, we can build a place where children and families are met with love, grace, and a chance to thrive.

My podcast, Worthy of Your Comeback, is where I take you deeper into my story—how I overcame impossible odds, how God worked in my life, and how I’m using those experiences to bring hope to others.

I'm so glad you're here. I pray that my story reminds you of this: You are not defined by your past. God has a comeback story written just for you, and I'm here to cheer you on as you step into it. 

Let's do this, together. With faith. With hope. And always with a heart wide open.