Hello, everyone! My name is Yvonne Sanson. Called to Christian Life Coaching ministry, I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about Bible courses and Christian Life Coaching classes online, Click Here).
My Roots
I began life and grew up in northeastern Ohio. My family migrated up from West Virginia and Kentucky coal mines to find work in the northern industry. They hoped to make a better life for their children. I came from true dirt poor, hard-working Appalachian bloodlines.
My great grandpa was an old-time gospel preacher and singer. He played guitar and traveled over the hills and in hollers to preach the gospel to all who would listen. He taught my Grandma how to play the mandolin and guitar! Grandma loved singing with him as they visited churches all around praising the Lord. They raised their children to love the Lord and hold the Bible’s teachings above all things.
Our Music Gift
The music gift was ever present in my family and I can not recall one relative who couldn’t sing, do harmonies, play many instruments, and write songs. My father was a musician. He played in some world-famous gospel and bluegrass bands over his entire life. My daddy was in Savanna Beach, Georgia, playing a show, with a well-known band the evening I was born in Ohio. I inherited these musical abilities. At least, that’s what I thought until God put it on my heart that these were gifts given to me by Him.
I learned to sing at age 4, singing with my dad and mom at a Freewill Baptist Church. The sweat would pour down the old man’s red face. He would walk hard up and down the aisle of the church. He held his Bible while preaching to the lost, hurting, and broken ones. We all were! I remember thinking that this should be kinda scary, but I wasn’t scared. Somehow, in my 4-year-old mind, I knew what he was saying was so important that he had to yell it at the top of his lungs. There were tent revivals, traveling to churches, music, and faith!
Changes and Challenges
My mother and father divorced my senior year of high school. My only full-blooded sister was 12 years old. It was hard on us all. Broken relationships, remarriages, and adding step brothers and sisters were all new and challenging.
Then, I married a local and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 19. I was saved, prayed over many times, and felt the call of the Lord on my life with music. So, I followed!
Excited for my new life, new adventures, and an unstoppable determination, I hit Nashville wide open! Shy, naïve, and yet, strong-willed and independent, I took the music industry on head first. Yet, at first, I always kept God as my center. Then, things got crazy! I started stumbling and being enticed to move in directions I knew I shouldn’t. My husband’s and my relationship was sinking.
More Changes
However, before divorcing, we decided to move to north Alabama. We had been visiting a church there that we loved! Our pastor from Ohio was a great influence. He had connections to the Contemporary Christian music industry and guided us through prayer. He also introduced us to other Christian musicians that lived in the area. These folks took us in and mentored us.
We bought a home and attended the church we felt called to. So, we lived with a Godly group of people who understood how to guide and grow us. We were trying to be upstanding Christians. We were trying to salvage our marriage. I was also trying to save a dream of a successful music career.
Getting in the Way of God’s Plan
Still knowing God made a way, our faith was strong, but we were weak. One night, I was reading my Bible and praying to the Lord to help me. My favorite song was Stand Still and Let God Move. The words were ringing loud in my head. I knew what I had to do. But the devil jumped all over me and told me I was standing still while everyone around me was getting the prize. They were getting what I wanted! They were doing something and I was standing still!
I’ll never forget that night! I pushed the Bible across my floor and said, “I’m tired of standing still, Lord! You brought me this far, and nothing is changing.” Nothing was changing because I now know that I was the one who needed to change.
My testimony is one for all walks of life. It’s for all to hear who have struggled thinking God has forsaken them. It is for all to know that God has the best life for us. We are the ones that get in the way of His plan and purpose! In the way of His calling upon our lives. The devil is real! I’ve seen him, and I let him lie to me. I didn’t even realize I was doing this!
My Life
I am remarried to a wonderful man. He is now retired from law enforcement. For over 20 years, I’ve been a self-employed teacher of guitar, vocals, and songwriting. I co-wrote a song with some Muscle Shoals Alabama writers and country music artist Randy Travis called “America Will Always Stand.” It was written about the 9-11 tragedies. All proceeds went to help the American Red Cross and the victim’s families.
Finding CLI: Christian Life Coaching Ministry
My eyes welled up with tears when I watched the first video here at Christian Leaders Institute. It was with Henry Reyenga as he told his story about being in New York when the towers fell. That was my confirmation that I was at the right place! Amen!
I mentored 1000s of children, teens, and adults of all ages. I love this kind of communication and fellowship. When I teach, I not only teach a skill, but I listen to the broken and minister to them.
I am excited to further my calling at CLI and am on fire to share the gospel and the love of Christ! I never lost my faith, because God never let go of me! The Holy Spirit was always at work in me! Praise God! I never dropped my Bible, but I have blown the dust off of it many times!
God bless all of you who are reading this. May you find your higher calling in the kingdom of God! I pray you will find peace, understanding, and the strength to know that Jesus is our only way and hope! There’s no greater understanding than the Word of God and loving others.
I plan to go into Christian Life Coaching and Ministry. Thank you, CLI, for seeing a need, having a vision, and answering God’s call! God’s Blessing upon you!
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Parts 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course. Then you can enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
