The Story Behind the Line

Almost three years ago a story was about to break and I was to have a supporting role I never saw coming. The plot line twisted and turned through life’s obstacles and many setbacks as Daryn battled stage four cancer. The character development put my stomach in knots most days and sleepless nights. It would be a role that shifted everything for all actors that had been casted, although this wasn’t acting it was real life.

Birthed from the depths of brokenness and heartache three little words spoke hope over our cast. Three little words set gravity into play and reset our perspective. Three little words transferred hope and reframed our mindset. Three little words set a movement into motion and it would change everything.

One frigid January morning friends stopped by for a visit between doctors appointments and care regimens. We exchanged laughs, stories and encouraging words. Daryn showed signs of fatigue so I walked our company to the door. As my friend Pam stepped outside onto our front porch she turned to us and said, “Oh, I was praying for you the other day and I am supposed to tell you to start Win the Day Productions.”. It was so casual yet matter-of-fact. I closed the door behind them as they walked down our front steps. I turned to look at Daryn and our minds erupted with ideas.

The next three months our story climaxed and plot twisted in ways we never expected yet woven through the scene changes a new story line was being written. Daryn and I dreamt about what ‘Win the Day Productions’ could be. We wrote a mission statement, built a website and started a business plan. It was going to be our ‘lemons turned into lemonade’ moment once this nightmare was over but the story ended and this dream was put on the shelf.

Five months ago another chapter came to an abrupt end. The business Daryn and I had built together for 10 years that supported our family was dissolved. It was shocking, jarring yet also freeing. My heart had been shifting and stirring for a while but I didn’t know what direction to lean. The news broke about my income being cut 95% with a mandatory pay plan restructure and days blurred together as I processed the news. 

I finally had a chance to take a breath days later after spending hours and hours communicating the fallout to team members and fielding questions from others. I had started to pray and barely muttered, “Ok God, now what?!”, when I heard God blurt out like a patient friend waiting for a break in the conversation. “Win the Day Productions. It’s time.” My heart started racing. I had completely forgotten about the dream God had set in motion years ago that never took off.

Win the Day Pro is still forming but one element has always held steady, an apparel line. I have fumbled and tripped my way through steep learning curves but three little words, some creativity and a whole lot of gratitude and Win the Day apparel has come to life. A story that was meant for destruction provided a new way. Brokenness that was meant to destroy birthed an outlet and opportunity.

When you purchase a WTD apparel item you are not only supporting my family, you are supporting a mission, a community and a legacy. You are joining our extended family that pursues 24 hours at a time with great perspective and joy. You are helping walk out a dream. Those three little words that brand these clothes tell a story that deserves to be told.

Thank you for cheering me on, walking this out and leaning into what’s next with me because this story is far from over.

Shop the collection at www.winthedaypro.com/shop.