Armor of Light
Coming In November!
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Words are a powerful thing—
they can shatter a soul or soften the sting.
They spark the wars, they call the truce,
They lift us high or tighten the noose.
They stir our laughter, summon our tears,
echo through days, and whisper through years.
And when this fleeting life drifts by,
it’s words that linger, never die.
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-Brittany Ridgeway
To the Masculine Woman:
You are still just as beautiful as the "soft" woman.
You can still be loved with all the scars you obtained
from the hurt that you didn't ask for.
The battle between men wanting a soft woman
and not knowing what it takes to be a strong woman
is beyond what makes a real man a man.
To hell with pleasing a man that doesn't have anything more to offer than broken promises and lies.
Men are scared of the masculine woman
because she doesn't need him yet wants him—
knowing that if he left tomorrow,
she would still be able to handle everything alone.
The masculine woman was once a girl
that was unprotected, unloved, and unheard.
She has now grown into a woman
that views the world from a different lens.
She is reserved. She is kind. She looks mean.
She helps. She knows how to love.
She craves the peace. She heals in the isolation.
She knows who she is.
She doesn't need the validation.
She is at one within herself.
She is me.
I love me and always will.
The right man won't want to change you,
but will embrace you for who you are.
Together, you and he
will face every challenge
and conquer it.
- Katt Eddy
Marquett Ridgeway is a Dallas born mother of two beautiful daughters. She sincerely hopes that you will be able to relate to her story, but is also hoping you have never gone through these things yourself. For many years, she has been a single mom but now finds herself in an empty nest and is hoping to get out of her comfort zone and find out what her passions are. One day, she hopes to travel and is considering the idea of maybe getting back out there and trying to find that special someone.
Never underestimate yourself. You are stronger and more resilient than you can imagine. She hopes that you can find encouragement in her story. Just know that God is in the details and you are not alone. Currently she lives and works in Longview and if you would like to reach out to her, you can find her on Facebook. Just remember, you got this! And you are enough! Let’s stand together and take care of each other.
Tina Suzette Perkins was born and raised in Oklahoma and Texas. Tina was divorced with three beautiful and awesome daughters, two grandchildren and one that will be here before this book is published. Tina is currently working as a Psych and Case Coordinator.
Tina has numerous hats: Daughter, sister, Mom, Knives’ etc. Wick’s, and Clothing store Manager, Children’s Church director, Church Choir, Women’s ministry and College Ministry, Office Manager, Photographer, Model, Mechanic, Finance Officer, Pilot, EMT, Unit Clerk, Nurse, Liaison, her own lawyer, and really can’t remember everything!
Tina loves to be with other people, never meets a stranger, has often been called the social butterfly or (Moth). She loves being the center of attention, is definitely an extravert, loves being with others and helping others the best that she can.
Peggy Riggs is a southern girl at heart. Born and raised in Longview, TX, her spontaneity and impulsiveness have led her to live in several places across the country. While attending Texas Tech, she was recruited to do an internship at Disney World in Orlando. Following her internship, she decided to continue her studies at the University of Central Florida where she graduated with a BS in Marketing. After college, short stints in Milwaukee, Houston, Dallas, Abilene and Austin eventually took their toll on her East Texas heart and she returned to Longview. At a young age (mid-20s) it was evident Peggy was dealing with alcoholism. After a decade of drinking, she became sober on March 12, 2003. In the coming years, Peggy started using her lived experience to help others overcome their alcoholism, addiction and mental health issues. Although she holds a degree in Marketing, the past 15 + years have been spent working in the fields of mental health and substance use. She currently manages a medical detox program at a local hospital. In 2015, Peggy married her best friend and soul mate on a beach in Galveston. Together her and Dustin chose to not have children for various reasons, but are proud parents to a black cat, two Dobermans, an Australian Shepherd and a Yorkie. She spends her spare time as President of the local ETRI group (East Texas Recovery Initiatives) and volunteers with the Tyler ROSC and NAMI, among other things. Peggy credits her family and close friends with helping her to successfully achieve over 22 years without alcohol. Her passions include tattoos, cruising, shopping, spending time with friends and family and working. At the end of the day, she lives by the mantra ‘sometimes good things fall apart so better things can come together’. This is her first opportunity to write for the book. She hopes her chapter helps to inspire others in a positive way and lead those suffering from addiction to happiness and peace. Most importantly, she wants each person to know they matter in this world and can achieve whatever they dream. Her chapter is dedicated to both her Pa-Paw and Paw-paw who passed away in 2023. She prays most that she is making them proud.
The new up and coming author Starla Sherman, proud mother of four amazing kids along with the addition of my Niece & Nephew. Georgia roots with streams of Florida and Texas flowing through Me. Journaling has always been an outlet for Me so to have the opportunity to be apart of writing a book is something I’m definitely looking forward to. I’ve had the opportunity to share with some people the trauma that I’ve experienced in my childhood as well as my adulthood and some have had the opportunity to watch it and watch me grow. Beating the odds in my life still surprises me but my kids have always been my safety net even when I didn’t know what I was doing I just knew I never wanted them to experience the things that I did. Having the opportunity to share with others how I’ve overcome not feeling worthy, addiction, not know how to love myself or love others, how seeking God, going through therapy and becoming sober have made me walk in a freedom that I use to only dream about. Learning to take life one day at a time and allowing the right people in. I can’t wait to share it all with you and I look forward for everyone to learn me more through my writing.
