Lisa S. Owens

I attribute my success to the strong foundation of my faith and the discipline instilled through military training. Faith has served as the cornerstone of my character, providing clarity, resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose in the face of challenges. It has guided my decisions, shaped my values, and sustained me through both personal and professional obstacles. Complementing this foundation, military training equipped me with discipline, structure, and perseverance. It fostered the ability to adapt under pressure, remain focused in dynamic environments, and lead with integrity and determination. The combination of faith and disciplined training has created a unique balance of vision and execution, enabling me to approach challenges with both conviction and practicality. Together, these guiding principles have not only shaped my journey but have also allowed me to pursue excellence with resilience, purpose, and a commitment to serving others.

The best career advice I received as a young soldier remained with me throughout my professional journey: always prepare for two promotions ahead of your current job level. This mindset taught me the importance of forward-thinking—never becoming complacent with where I was, but instead of cultivating the knowledge, skills, and readiness to step into greater responsibility when the opportunity arose. It wasn’t just about anticipating the next role, but about positioning myself to excel beyond it. In addition, I was reminded to be on time, pay attention to detail, and take responsibility for my own actions. Punctuality demonstrated respect for others and reliability as a leader. Attention to detail ensured excellence in execution, showing that even the smallest tasks mattered in the larger mission. Taking responsibility for my actions reinforced integrity, accountability, and trustworthiness—qualities that others could depend on.

I would encourage young women to consider the military as a pathway to growth and opportunity. Beyond the honor of serving one’s country, the military provides a strong foundation of structure and discipline that can shape character and build resilience for a lifetime. It teaches responsibility, time management, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that are valuable not only in a military career but in every area of life. In addition, military service offers a broader perspective on life and culture. By working alongside people from diverse backgrounds and experiencing different parts of the world, young women gain a deeper appreciation for diversity, adaptability, and global awareness. These experiences broaden horizons and create a sense of confidence in navigating various environments. The military also provides tangible benefits, particularly in education. Programs such as tuition assistance and the GI Bill make higher education more accessible, reducing financial burdens and opening doors to future career opportunities. This combination of discipline, cultural exposure, and educational support makes the military a unique and empowering option for young women who want to prepare themselves for success in life.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—on the journey to success is connecting with the right people. Not everyone who enters your path will share your values, vision, or work ethic, and discerning who truly aligns with your goals can be difficult. Choosing the wrong partnerships can slow progress, while finding the right ones can propel you forward. When you link with the right people, doors open that you could not have unlocked alone. The right relationships provide encouragement, accountability, and perspective, helping you navigate obstacles with confidence. Success is not achieved in isolation; it is strengthened and accelerated by walking alongside those who inspire, challenge, and support you.

My core values—faith, family, and community—shape everything I do. The mountaintops, the trials, and all the in-betweens have pressed on my heart to share what I’ve learned and what true love really means. My desire is for women to see their God-given worth. I think of Hosea, commanded by God to love Gomer unconditionally—a living picture of how deeply God loves us even when we wander. I wrote my book after asking God why I kept falling short. In His grace, He led me to put the journey on paper. I’m available to share about the book at churches and book clubs, and I love bringing a Word that uplifts and challenges us to rise toward the character of the virtuous woman. If you’re interested, you can reach me at surrenderall4@gmail.com . I also host a Women’s Bible Study twice a month, and I’d be honored for you to join. Simply email me at the address above, and I’ll send you the Zoom link. Let’s grow together in the Word of God.