FRIEND FRIDAY | NICOLE CLARK
- Terra Wagner
- Jun 24, 2017
- 4 min read
Everyone, you must meet Nicole! I met her around Christmas time at an ornament exchange and we became FAST friends. She is kind, warm, and when she encourages you - you feel as if you can conquer the world!! True story.
She inspires me so much that during a meeting with her to talk about ministry in's and out's, l left with the idea brewing for Friend Fridays!
Enjoy reading a bit about Nicole, her story, and the vision God has given her for her ministry!
Peace, Acceptance and Forgiveness are just a few words I have finally learned after almost 14 years of tears, heartbreak and anger.
Somehow, I had the privilege of being a backup dancer in my early twenties. One of my favorite memories I can remember quite vividly. It was my 22nd birthday and on a stage in Las Vegas, with my friends around me, the crowd wishing me a happy birthday. I got to travel the world, met some amazing people/celebrities and most importantly got to do something I loved so much. I was making a ton of money and living life like there was no tomorrow. It was the absolute best times and years of my life.
Unfortunately, I was in my early twenties and we all know that those times are fun but they are not smart. And just like that, one bad decision lead to many more and I veered so far off to the left... I was off course. I was not dancing, lost my best friends, ruined my career and tarnished my reputation. I had nothing left but to move back home and I’m sure you can image what an adjustment that was.
I lived a very sad life for a while. I was so angry, bitter, jealous and stuck in my feelings. I could not move, let alone move forward with my life. I spent years trying to fill that void I felt from being on tour. Friends, men, material things, alcohol, food but the most detrimental was my jobs. I would jump from job to job, feeling unfulfilled, hoping and wishing something great would come along. Not noticing I had everything I needed and wanted.
I am most thankful for God not giving up on me, continuing to guide me, and test me until I passed. He has taken me to a place where I am completely satisfied in Him. My old relationships may not be reconciled but I recently had the courage to ask for forgiveness for my wrongdoings. Not to mention I now have the most remarkable friends and women surrounding me and helping stay on track.
I might not have the highest paying job but it is right where I need to be. I don’t get to dance and travel the world but I get to share my life with an amazing husband and a beautiful daughter.
After all these years I finally understand that my purpose was to follow my dreams. I set a goal and accomplished it. A valuable lesson I can teach my daughter. It’s a beautiful thing to be at peace with my past. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I wish it didn’t take as long as it did but it was all a part of my journey to get to this destination.
This new year, my word is HOPE. Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer”. No matter what your circumstance, no matter what you are going through, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay close to God, be in His word, surround yourself with like-minded people and always have hope. Your pain has a purpose and if you move through that storm, you will be stronger, wiser and prepared for the next task at hand. It is okay to be still and slow down.
Read more about Nicole's Ministry, Twelve 12, below...
Twelve 12 is a non-profit women’s ministry was created to support women who are struggling to conceive, with infertility or barren. Including anyone who has suffered a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion.
Inspired by Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer”. Twelve 12 Ministries will focus on biblical teachings to help any woman through their tough season.
For the past 3 years I have been struggling with infertility and healing from a miscarriage. After months of hope, prayers, tears, surgeries, supplements, and remedies, conceiving our 2nd child was not in God’s plan.
If I did not have Jesus in my life, a community to surround me, and the truth of the bible, I would not have made it through. This is my story; and through my pain and hurt God helped me break free. The strength I was given from this trial is now my way to help others who are struggling with the same issue.
Taking a look back through my journey, all of my experiences have prepared me for this moment. Working jobs in leadership, management, retail, dance, fitness, choreography, sales, consulting and television have given me everything I need to succeed. I truly consider these jobs as my business school. Learning the ins and outs, especially all the dos and don’ts of running a business. I am dedicated to forming a “rock star” environment that cares about their employees and wants to see them thrive and grow. Focused on creating a company to pour into the community to share the gospel and help uplift others.
