We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Roper and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amber, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After surviving a random attack and sexual assault from a stranger while jogging on my neighborhood trail, I was diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder and didn’t leave my house for three months. I was in a deep, dark state of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The pain felt unbearable at times. Being raised in a God-fearing household, I knew down in my soul that I could find hope in His word. However, getting to the point where I understood and thirsted for God’s word felt unattainable. My Bible collected dust at times. Until one day, God lovingly spoke to me. He sparked my creativity and inspired me to rewrite scripture with my own name in it. Suddenly, I was reading love letters written by the hands of God and I began to feel a change. I began to experience a healing so deep in my soul, I knew this couldn’t just be for me. I knew somehow I needed to help others to experience this intimate and personal connection I had formed with God. Thus, the Finding Hope Devotional was born. This personalized devotional is one’s very own collection of love letters written to them by God. Made up solely of scripture, this made-to-order devotional inserts one’s name and gender appropriate pronouns to create a unique Bible experience tailored just for them. Divided by chapter, my devotional compiles scriptures fit to multiple themes throughout the pages—each a love letter packed with encouragement, power, and strength for any situation one could encounter.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is that I have not let what I’ve been through define me. After enduring such a painful event, I did not become a victim, I became a survivor. I did not run from my pain, I led it to the Light and was healed. It took time, therapy, community, and determination but my healing was worth it. I did not give up and I am here to help inspire other trauma survivors to not give up on their own healing journeys. Showing up for yourself is not an easy task. There were definitely days I stayed in bed, was forced to eat, and did not believe I had anything left to live for. I was violated in a way that I felt was irredeemable. But God. My God is the Redeemer of lost time, broken dreams, and a hurting heart. He saved me. And throughout all of this, I learned how He loves and cares for us even when bad things happen to good people. He never said the weapons would not be formed against us, however, He said the weapons would not succeed in harming us or stopping His plan for our lives. I was once hopeless and now I have hope again. Now I live to help others find the hope and healing I’ve found through personalized scripture.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in Colorado Springs would have to be Palmer Park. I go there with my service dog to watch the sunsets and God, are they glorious! That’s my favorite place for a mindfulness walk. My favorite place to dine is Border Burger Bar in Manitou Springs and let me tell you, they have the best veggie burgers! My place of worship and where I have found the most supportive community in the Springs is New Life Church.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my parents and sister. They have always been full supporters of my gifts and ideas and I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without their consistent prayers and encouragement.
Website: amberroper.com
Instagram: instagram.com/amberropermusic
Twitter: twitter.com/amberropermusic
Facebook: facebook.com/amberropermusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmberRoper