| BWS Stories - Contest Winners Contest Winners - Elegance in Action - RUNNER UP
Barbara Hollace is a freelance writer, speaker, and trainer.
In her youth, she started writing poetry and greeting cards. In mid-life, her
repertoire has expanded to both fiction and non-fiction projects. Recent
publications including her work are “Faith, Hope and Healing,” by Dr. Bernie
Siegel, and “A Cup of Comfort for Military Families.”Writing is her passion; the greater the challenge, the
greater the joy. She is currently working on her four book novel series.
Elegance in Action - RUNNER UP
Elegance: the word itself elicits
the image of something special. It is a style that turns heads as a woman captures
your attention. Picture a woman wearing a tiara, not born of royal blood, but
of royal birth. She is unique, a treasure to behold.
Elegance can be dressed up with
extravagant purchases but is just as easily recognized in classic simplicity.
An elegant woman is not defined by the years she has lived, but by the river of
tears traversed and life’s mountains conquered, which accentuate her beauty.
Elegance does not materialize in a
single moment. Just like a diamond in the rough, a glimmer of brilliance shines
through my tarnished exterior. Life softens my sharp edges, and like a
lighthouse, my story emits hope for the weary traveler.
As my 50th birthday
approaches, I enter a new Age of Elegance tempered with wisdom producing a
deeper and longer lasting beauty.
The need to impress or live a life,
other than the one God ordained for me, is no longer my desire. With great
assurance, I live this dream-filled pursuit of excellence.
Freedom at fifty is the freedom to
pursue passion and purity. To let my inner beauty shine through this age worn
body that desires good health over professed beauty product miracles.
I’ve traded the rat race for the
human race. My heart’s desire is to leave my mark on this world, not as a
fashion model, but as a mentor and friend to the next generation.
My story includes bumps and bruises,
tears and fears, triumphs and testimonies. I am a woman. I am a survivor.
Let me show you what I have learned
that you need not walk alone in the desert or get lost in the wilderness, for
my words of encouragement will be with you.
The mirror of my soul illuminates
truth and reflects the depth of my desire. Coming out on top is no longer a
necessity. Finishing the race with my best effort is worth the journey.
Like a vortex, my world expands and
contracts simultaneously. I dare to do greater things and take the risks that I
feared in my youth. I no longer am afraid to attempt crossing the swelling
river, for on the other side lies my destiny.
As I reach for my dreams and pursue
my passion, I connect with women all over the world and we join hands, like
points of light, forming a pattern that spells L-I-F-E.
Stepping into the foyer of this new
Age of Elegance, I forge onward to the throne of glory. Donning my unique
mantle of success, I embrace the destiny that’s been waiting for me since
birth.
Join me in the upper room where
elegance reigns and accomplishments are celebrated by all.
Finally, I have arrived.
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