Dr. Joell Kennedy Parker, of Southland Dental Care, is one of the newest members of our 40 Over 40 team, but no stranger to our studio. We've had the pleasure of watching her children grow up in front our lens. Our 40 Over 40 team consists of women over the age of 40 from all walks of life and career paths, and each on their own unique journey of empowerment as they celebrate their age.
As a business owner, Joell found success working in a field she's passionate about. And she has big plans to expand and grow her practice. But it's her personal trials that have really shaped her as she stepped into her 40s.
You never know what challenges lie ahead, and Joell found herself at the end of a long road in her 40s. The marriage she had built fell into ruin. She made a decision really early on that she was not going to battle in the court of public opinion, and instead stay focused on what God was trying to do in her life. She couldn’t fix everything, but she could work on fixing what felt broken inside of herself. The words that had made her feel un-loveable and undesirable had to be erased by the Truth. Her faith in God grew as she listened with intention and felt him impress upon her heart that she was a brave, bold, and beautiful lion. She feels the Lion of Judah lives in her and gave her strength to forgive and grow into a new woman who can hold her head high. A lion does not lose sleep over the opinion of sheep.
Being part of the 40 Over 40 project gave her permission to celebrate her new self and fully embrace feeling beautiful, sexy and glamorous. In her own words, she said, "I was surprised that I loved the photos so much. Although the photo session was tons of fun, I honestly did not expect to like the photos when I sat down to view the proofs. The woman I saw in those pictures didn't look like the person that I saw and criticized in the mirror most days. I think I'm starting to see what others have been seeing when they look at me, and this experience has changed the way I see myself. I'm not perfect, of course, and there are some wrinkles and folds that haven't always been there; but they are simply signs of the strength it has taken to rise and carry all that goes along with being a successful woman, mom and boss."
We asked Joell what advice she'd give her younger self. She said, "Stop worrying about what everyone thinks about you and start seeing yourself the way God does! You don't have to be perfect because HE is perfect. Be BOLD and know your worth because you are the daughter of a King! Goodness gracious, girl, have fun!"
You might be surprised to hear that the people she was most excited to share her new portraits with, were her three children. As a mom, trying to do it all, she often feels like she's just tired and winging it. These portraits show them that she is so much more; a beautiful woman making a her mark on the world, with the roar of a lion.
Do you have something to celebrate? Have you met a goal personally or professionally? Do you need to be reminded of your worth and value? Join our 40 Over 40 team! Each member will be featured in our upcoming magazine, and will be invited to attend our celebration and networking gala. If you want to join us, or you know a woman who should, visit us HERE for all of the details.
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