About Darlene:

If you were to ask people to describe Darlene Gomes, you would probably hear words like enthusiastic, passionate, exciting, or fun; however, if you were to ask me to describe myself, I would simply have to say, “an amazingly blessed child of my Heavenly Father.”

The Lord put me in the home of a wonderful Christian mom and dad who prayed specifically for one little girl, and the Lord answered their prayers. My parents, Keith and Carol Murphy, showed me by example what it means to be a real Christian. They sacrificed for me to attend a Christian elementary and high school and then provided the opportunity for me to go to Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. I was at Pensacola for six years, during which time I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Speech and then my Master’s degree in Dramatic Productions.

Shortly after I left for college, my mom was diagnosed with MS, and the Lord saw fit to take her home in 2001. During her illness, I watched my father’s love for her grow stronger as he became her primary caregiver. As I said on my wedding day, “It has been said that a child gets their view of God from their father. Thank you, Dad, for giving me a wonderful picture of my Heavenly Father.” Less than three years after my mom passed away, my Dad’s work on earth must have been finished, as the Lord suddenly called him home. Having no brothers or sisters, I learned the truth behind David’s words: “When my father and my mother forsake me [leave me], then the LORD will take me up.” (Psalm 27:10)

The Lord also knew that I would need someone here on earth to “take me up,” and in His perfect timing, he had led me to my wonderful husband, Steve Gomes. Steve and I were married in 1999, so my mom and dad had the opportunity to get to know him, and they definitely gave their approval; however, they weren’t around long enough to see just what an exceptional and godly man the Lord had provided for me. Steve works in automotive active safety, serves as a deacon in our church, and loves me – probably the most challenging of his responsibilities! After twenty-four years of marriage, we still enjoy “date nights,” getaway weekends, and, most importantly, each other's company.

The apostle Paul said basically, if you’re going to get married – get married, but if you’re not – give your time in the service of the Lord. I am beginning to believe that this principle holds true for children. If you’re going to have children – have children and they become your major ministry, but if you’re not – give your time in the service of the Lord. Because we do not have any children, the Lord has opened overwhelming opportunities for both of us to serve Him in so many ways. I was a classroom teacher for thirty-four years, and after completing my Doctoral degree in education, the Lord opened the opportunities for me to work as an educational consultant as well as a podcaster, author, and speaker.

The opportunities I have had to speak at various ladies' functions have simply been bonus blessings from the Lord! I love the chance to encourage and challenge ladies, to make them laugh, cry, and realize that we are all AMAZINGLY BLESSED!