WOW! I cannot believe you’re here!
Thank you for stopping by to see what The Vessel Collection is all about. It truly means so much.
There’s a solid chance we already know each other, but just in case—hey, I’m Lauren!
I’m a wife to my amazing husband James, and a momma to three beautiful girls—Emory, Ava and Katherine. I’m also a proud chicken mom, because why not add a little chaos to the backyard? Our life is a mix of homeschooling, hospital visits, “home-made” frozen pizzas, spontaneous dance parties, and lots of noise.
Our oldest daughter, Emory, has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and Trisomy X, and she’s truly the heartbeat of our home. She’s a miracle in every sense of the word, and her presence has taught us more about God, resilience, and joy than we could’ve imagined. Her younger sisters, Ava and Katherine, are both strong and tender in their own ways—each with gifts that only God can supply.
Our family story is one of deep valleys and unexpected beauty, and it’s from that place that The Vessel Collection was born.
So, What Is The Vessel Collection?
The Vessel Collection is a space for anyone walking through something hard—whether that’s grief, illness, special needs parenting, disappointment, or simply life not looking the way you planned. It’s a place to be reminded that God still uses broken things for beautiful purposes.
The Collection is made up of a few branches:
- The Vessel Journal – This blog – Honest words and encouragement from my own journey.
- The Vessel Live – Speaking and events that bring the message to life.
- And yes… books are coming! Stories and resources to go deeper in your walk with God through suffering.
I’m also the co-host of The Boobie Banter Podcast, where we talk openly about breast cancer and the stories that come with it. Because part of my hard journey has included a diagnosis, a double mastectomy, and a deep dive into what it means to trust God with your body, identity, and future.
A Vessel Mindset
Now that we’re acquainted, I want to share the heartbeat behind it all—something I call A Vessel Mindset.
It’s an idea God dropped into my spirit in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of my life. It didn’t arrive all at once, but gently—through Scripture, tears, desperate prayers, and quiet moments of reflection.
The word “vessel” kept coming up. I’d see it in 2 Timothy 2:21, where Paul talks about being “a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful to the Master.” I’d notice the pitchers, bowls, and jars around my home—each unique, each serving a purpose. And it hit me:
Rather than asking, “Why me, God?” I began asking, “How and will you use me, God?”
That simple but powerful shift is the core of a Vessel Mindset.
A vessel doesn’t complain about what it holds—it just makes itself available to the Master. Whether holding flowers, water, cotton balls or just sitting beautifully on a shelf, it’s ready to be used.
A victim mindset says, “Why do I have to carry this?”
A vessel mindset says, “Use me however You need, Lord.”
Trust me, I haven’t always lived this way. I’ve complained. I’ve resisted. But over and over, I’ve watched God take the broken pieces of my life and use them—not just for my growth, but for His glory.
That’s what this space is about:
Living surrendered even in the bondage of suffering and trials.
Living poured out even in the brokenness of rejection, loneliness and heartache.
Living available even when its hard and goes against our nature.
So welcome, friend—whether you’re hurting, healing, hopeful, or hanging on by a thread.
I know what you may be thinking because I have heard it so many times, “But, my suffering isn’t as bad as what you have gone through.”
WHOA FRIEND – Let me stop you right there:
Suffering is suffering. It all matters. And God can use every bit of it.
Let’s meet here every couple of weeks. Bring your reheated coffee, your to-do list, or your tears. I’ll bring honesty and encouragement if you promise to bring your real self, too.
Deal?
Prayer
Lord,
Use my life for Your glory.
Fill me, pour me out, shape me as You will.
Even when it’s hard, help me trust that You are working.
Make me a vessel—ready, willing, and surrendered.
Amen.
The Vessel Collection 
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