The women selected to have their portraits painted and their stories shared in this book reflect thousands of other women who have all been transformed by the Lord during their time at The Lovelady Center. Each woman featured has shown a tremendous amount of resilience, faith, hope, courage, and love throughout her journey. It hasn’t been easy, and some of them have stumbled along their way. The commitment to recovery is ongoing. My hope is that through these portraits painted by the well-known artists, you will see the hope and determination in their eyes and, in reading the women’s stories, you will be inspired by their courage and perseverance to fulfill God’s purpose for them. I encourage you to take your time in reading their stories; they are powerful and certain to touch your heart.

There is life at The Lovelady Center. You don’t just see it—you feel it. And when we crank up the music to worship, the place lights up like a Fourth of July fireworks show with joyful faces and lifted voices. Except this is no show. They absolutely love to sing songs of worship. These are people with genuinely changed lives who simply enjoy celebrating the freedom and hope that they have discovered in knowing Christ. I highly recommend Portraits of Hope, where you can read many of the remarkable stories of their changed lives.

Portraits of Hope showcases the artwork of some of the finest artists working today. Accompanied by the story of the individual portrayed, each portrait is an inspiring representation of determination, courage, and resilience.

It can be hard to become something you’ve never seen or imagined for yourself until someone draws it for you. And most of these women had only known themselves as losers. My favorite portrait, by artist Daniel Gerhartz, is of a smiling, fuchsia-clad Shay Bell Curry. She’s wearing hoop earrings and extending her right hand in a peace sign. Instantly I thought, I need to know this woman. But Curry, who died of complications from liver cancer, didn’t get to write her own story. Instead, her mentor, and founder of the Center, Brenda Lovelady Spahn, wrote it for her.

I’ve been blessed in my career as a screenwriter to work with some of the most talented artists in the industry on some of the most inspiring stories imaginable—from my time with Michael Landon as head writer on Highway to Heaven to working with Denzel Washington on The Hurricane or with Kevin Costner on Wyatt Earp. But no project has meant more to me than writing the screenplay for the upcoming motion picture The Loveladies. That is why I am so proud to be able to endorse this new edition of Portraits of Hope. Some of the most talented and celebrated portrait artists in the country have collaborated on some of the most inspiring true life stories you will ever hear. In the two decades since The Lovelady Center came into existence, despair has been met with love, hopelessness has been met with faith, and the lies we tell ourselves to justify the bad choices we’ve made have been met with truth. You will see all of those things in the beautiful faces of the women whose stories make up this keepsake book.

The expanded edition of Portraits of Hope is a deeply moving tribute to brave women who have triumphed despite immense challenges. Portraits painted in diverse artistic styles and heartfelt stories create a vivid tapestry of faith and courage. This book not only honors the individuals portrayed but also inspires readers with its profound messages of strength and perseverance. Portraits of Hope is a poignant reminder of the power of art, the beauty of resilience, and the unwavering spirit of hope.

Just as The Lovelady Center is a remarkable vision that began with one woman, so is this stunning book, Portraits of Hope. Beverly McNeil has connected her love of art with the country’s best portrait artists to create a transformational passion project that can help others. Every artist has given of themselves and their talent, to truly see each woman in unique and beautiful ways. Most importantly, it reminds us to recognize and celebrate the beauty within us all. Open this book to the stories and portraits on these pages for a daily reminder of amazing grace.