On August 3, 1997, Sis. Stephanie Hughes' life was forever changed when she was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison. What appeared to be the end of her story became the beginning of God's redemptive work in her life.Over the last 27 years, God has taken Sis. Stephanie on a remarkable journey of deliverance, healing, discovery, and restoration. Today, she is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a devoted mother of two children, and grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies with a focus on Women's Trauma and Addiction Psychiatry, equipping her to better serve women who have found the courage to look toward Christ in their darkest moments. Sis. Stephanie is the founder of Bee Close to Him, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women impacted by incarceration, addiction, trauma, and life-controlling issues. Through mentorship, recovery support, faith-based programming, and community partnerships, the organization seeks to help women rebuild their lives and walk in lasting freedom.She is also the founder of Bee Close to Him Publishing, a publishing ministry created to share testimonies, discipleship resources, and Christian educational materials. All proceeds from the publishing house are directed toward supporting women connected with the Princess Within ministry as they transition from incarceration back into their communities.Sis. Stephanie recently relocated to Ashland, Kentucky, where she attends Community Faith Outreach Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor and Sis. Easterling. She has had the privilege of ministering at the Overcome Conference, The Church and Mental Health Summit, and as a member of the National Princess Within Prison Conference Team. Through these opportunities, she ministers to women walking the same road she once traveled.She also serves as a representative of Princess Within at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women, conducting monthly services and Bible studies where many women have experienced revival, healing, and renewed hope through Jesus Christ. If you would like to hear more of Sis. Stephanie's testimony, you can find her story featured on Episode 10 of The Pillar Diaries on Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify.
