To the editor:

After receiving the amazing honor of Woman of the Year from our Vicksburg Post, I was quickly reminded of how blessed I am to have had so many amazing people intertwined throughout my entire life. 

After reading and hearing so many congratulatory wishes, I reflected on the importance of having such strong support. I was born into a loving and caring family who made it their mission to inspire me to use my God given gifts to touch the lives of others, while modeling the very behavior they hoped to inspire in me. I have an amazing husband whom I am very lucky to have in my life. I have three fabulous young ladies whom I’m proud to call my daughters. 

I have a Church family that is small in numbers but extremely powerful in prayer, love, and support. I am surrounded by friends who have taken the time to mentor, support and love me not only through the good times, but also through the most difficult times in my life. The honor I received last week was amazing, but the opportunity to reflect upon the relationships God has placed in my life was THE most incredible part of receiving such an honor. 

Although very grateful, I am equally humbled by receiving such an honor. I know that God has provided me one of the most rewarding experiences — serving as Executive Director of United Way of West Central Mississippi and having the opportunity to share the story of so many amazing community leaders who are LIVING UNITED. 

I am also blessed to challenge others to make a difference in our community by starting with those who are in the greatest need, as not everyone is blessed with such an amazing support system.  The difference you make can start with a simple smile; you never know how something that small can make a huge difference in the hearts of both the receiver and the giver.   

Take a brief moment to inspire hope in others through small interactions that do have the power to truly change a life, as these interactions do lead to more meaningful and powerful interactions. 

Sincerely,

Michele Connelly

Executive Director

United Way of West Central Mississippi