To the Women Who Nurture Wings...

Dear Nurturer,

One sunshiny day, I found a butterfly lying lifeless on the ground and began to wonder about its life. Did it die too soon? Did it ever fly freely, spread joy, or help create new life? Or did outside forces cause it to give up before it could become all it was meant to be?

You see, somewhere between elementary school and middle school, I lost magnificence. Statistics prove that many other girls lose their true identity and self worth during preteen years which can lead to ongoing defeat. As I reflected, I knew one thing for certain—I did not want my story, or the stories of the generations connected to me, to end that way. Unlike the dead butterfly before me, I wanted to be sure I lived on purpose and my granddaughter lived by design too. I was determined to grow true wings and continue creating life while there was still time.

That’s when I decided to call my second-grade granddaughter, Kennedy, and ask if she would co-author a book with me about a struggling butterfly. She screamed, “YES!” We decided to call it The Diary of a Broken Butterfly, and she immediately began planning the book signing. I believed this book would not only elevate my own journey, but also support Kennedy to emerge from elementary school into a powerful and confident life at middle school and beyond.

But Kennedy felt the story was bigger than the two of us. Speaking on behalf of daughters everywhere, she stretched out her arms in butterfly fashion and declared that more voices were needed to reach and empower young girls. Even at her young age, she understood the importance of this message and its role in combating the statistics and negative influences. Her passion was contagious, and it became clear that The Diary was meant to reach far beyond our family to empower young girls before they leave elementary school and beyond.

Now that The Diary of a Broken Butterfly is officially published, our prayer is that it inspires daughters, mothers and grandmothers everywhere to grow true wings, creates lasting, intergenerational exchanges and helps the next generation soar.

As you read, we invite you to pause, reflect, write in your journal and share this transformational story with the daughters in your life. Also, please visit Magnify This Diary at the back of the book for more flying secrets. You will find that this book has a secret weapon in Mr. Sunflower (Jesus) that is powerful enough to empower a life at any age!

Love Always, Marlene

Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31