Growing Gritty Faith
Gritty Faith Magazine tells the stories of the fighters, the survivors, the dream chasers and the determined warriors.
Project Description
In Gritty Faith Magazine, we tell the stories of the fighters, the survivors, the dream chasers, and the determined warriors.
It all started with my sister Angie. In 2017, Ang fought an abrupt battle of terminal cancer. Four months and ten days after she was diagnosed, she went home to heaven at the age of 26. While she fought, Ang held tightly to the phrase, faith over fear.
Gritty Faith Magazine was born, because Ang taught me and an entire community, how to live with faith over fear. During her hardest season, she showed how to blindly trust God to keep moving forward through the hardest trenches. Her deep belief in choosing faith over fear has become the pulse of my own heart, a reminder of how to live each day with both purpose and grit.
Living with faith over fear is the core of everything within Purpose + Grit, the home of Gritty Faith Magazine. From the stories being told, to the prayer art I create, to the way we hold each other up. Today, almost five years after her death, the mantra Angie held onto has become the steady collective heartbeat of the beautiful souls in this community.
faith.over.fear.faith.over.fear.faith.over.fear.faith.over.fear.faith.over.fear
Do you hear it thumping?
The day Angie went home to heaven, I had a vision of her stepping through the pearly gates and becoming overwhelmed with the magnitude of how God used her life. Now, I know it didn’t end there… God is still using her life for good, 5 years later.
Angie’s 31st birthday is today, April 5. In the almost 5 years since her death, her message has reached thousands of people through her book, through the stories told in Gritty Faith Magazine, and through the work done within Purpose + Grit. I cannot think of a better birthday present than to expand that reach even further.
That’s why today, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign through IFW to reach even more people with Gritty Faith Magazine and to further amplify the voices of those who share their work here.
After seeing the impact Angie's story had, Gritty Faith Magazine was created to make space for other people to share their own personal stories of living with faith over fear.
In Gritty Faith we tell the stories of the fighters, the survivors, the dream chasers, and the determined warriors... the people living with faith over fear. We make space for the hardest conversations so that people can borrow the evidence of others until they can find their own proof that God is good. Through authentic connections, we show how to find His Golden Thread in every story.
There are two goals with this campaign:
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Grow our readership to all 50 states by July 20, 2022, the 5-year anniversary of Angie walking home to heaven.
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Raise much needed capital for the publishing of Gritty Faith Magazine and the development of Gritty Faith Collective, our new collaborative mentorship program that creates outlets and resources for our contributors to amplify the impact of their stories by providing them training and opportunities to take the next right step.
Funds raised through this crowdfunding campaign will help us to:
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Expand the reach of Gritty Faith Magazine to all 50 states.
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Continue to offer a free digital issue of Gritty Faith to meet people wherever they are at.
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Continue to give free access to anyone who wishes to share their story within Gritty Faith Magazine.
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Gain much needed capital to grow our support team that creates and manages Purpose + Grit, the home of Gritty Faith Magazine.
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Create expanded outlets and resources for our contributors to amplify the impact of their stories through Gritty Faith Collective our collaborative mentorship program opening on June 1, 2022.
The first issue of Gritty Faith was launched in November 2019, just before the pandemic hit. Gritty Faith has survived the last 2 ½ years because of all of the people who believe in this mission as strongly as I do.
You know the world needs these powerful stories from the trenches, the testimonies of how God is working today.
You know people need a safe space where they can wrestle with the hardest things.
You know people need a community of believers who will meet them where they are at and shine light, without shame, pressure, or judgment - just light and love to help them find the next right step.
And you know our Gritty Faith contributors are regular people just like you and I that need support and encouragement to keep bravely sharing the stories the world so badly needs.
You know Gritty Faith was born for such a time as this. Help us help it grow. Your support in whatever size or shape it comes, matters so very much to this mission. Thank you for shining your light through the trenches.
Jessy Paulson, Founder of Gritty Faith Magazine and Prayer Artist behind the designs you find at Purpose + Grit
You want to see what we are all about? Read the current and past issues of Gritty Faith Magazine here.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long has Gritty Faith existed?
The first issue of Gritty Faith magazine was published in November of 2019. We originally were on a bi-monthly publishing cycle. In 2022, we moved to a quarterly publishing cycle. We are currently on Volume 15 of the magazine (releasing May 1, 2022) and have featured over 150 voices to date.
Who do you feature in Gritty Faith?
We tell the stories of the fighters, the survivors, the dream chasers, and the determined warriors... the people living with faith over fear. We do not shy away from hard topics and conversations, and we work to give a voice to those in the trenches of the hardest things. We know that when we are in the most difficult seasons, we often need to borrow the evidence of others until we can find our own proof of God's goodness. Anyone who has a story on their heart about how God got them through their toughest moments is welcome to make a submission to share in this space.
Are you affiliated with a specific denomination or church?
No. We are a Christian magazine that is working to spread love and light. We are not affiliated with a specific denomination or church.
How can I read Gritty Faith?
Gritty Faith is available in a free digital download (including all past issues!) as well as a paid physical version. You can also become an annual subscriber. Here is the link to discover more.
How can I request to be featured in Gritty Faith?
We are always looking for people who want to share their story within this space. You can apply to be featured at this link.
Is your organization a non-profit 501(c)3?
No, Purpose + Grit, the home of Gritty Faith is a for-profit organization with a mission to help people make meaningful connections. This is done through the prayer art products, workshops, and retreats held by Jessy Paulson, the owner of Purpose + Grit and through the stories told within Gritty Faith Magazine, published by Purpose + Grit.
How often is Gritty Faith published?
Gritty Faith Magazine is published quarterly.
What is Gritty Faith Collective?
Gritty Faith Collective is our new collaborative mentoring program for regular contributors to Gritty Faith Magazine. Many of our regular contributors have a desire on their heart to share their story in an impactful way on a larger scale but they do not know how. This may mean publishing a book, a blog, a podcast, speaking at an event, teaching a workshop, or even launching a business.
These people have tremendous stories that they are ready and willing to share to make a positive imprint on the world. Through Gritty Faith Collective, we will help them discover the next right step to amplify their story, so it reaches those who need it most.
The Gritty Faith Collective launches June 1, 2022. In it, we are providing additional publishing opportunities, resources, and expert training for our contributors, so their words begin making an impact immediately and they are fully supported as they find the next right step to share their story in powerful ways. You can discover more at www.purposegrit.com
Private Wonder.fully Wrecked Retreat for up to 6 women at your location.*
Wonder.fully Wrecked is a women's day retreat by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist that combines CREATIVITY + CONNECTION.
In this day retreat, we will be making creative connections by using art as a form of prayer. This retreat combines journaling, multimedia, and painting with meditative practices to help you uncover new ways to live a life full of wonder, even when it feels wrecked by tough circumstances.
During our time, we will combine Jessy's signature Painted Prayer Workshop with a unique wreck-this-journal concept for a truly one-of-a-kind creative experience.
*Location must be within 3 hours of Alcester, SD. If location is further away, milage and hotel accommodations will be added at an additional charge.
Private Wonder.fully Wrecked Retreat for up to 20 women at your location.
Wonder.fully Wrecked is a women's day retreat by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist that combines CREATIVITY + CONNECTION. In this day retreat, we will be making creative connections by using art as a form of prayer. This retreat combines journaling, multimedia, and painting with meditative practices to help you uncover new ways to live a life full of wonder, even when it feels wrecked by tough circumstances.
During our time, we will combine Jessy's signature Painted Prayer Workshop with a unique wreck-this-journal concept for a truly one-of-a-kind creative experience.
*Location must be within 3 hours of Alcester, SD. If location is further away, milage and hotel accommodations apply at an additional charge.
You contribution in this amount covers the entire cost of publication for one issue of Gritty Faith. This contribution frees up resources so we can grow our impact and reach further.
You will be given credit and featured within the first pages of the magazine. (If desired, you can also remain anonymous.)
Each issue of Gritty Faith costs about $10,000 to publish. This is funded through subscriptions, advertising sponsorships, and through sheer miracles of God. He always shows up (usually through the actions of regular people just like you and me who know the power of this mission and will do anything they can to see it continue.)
Each issue of Gritty Faith is available in a free digital format to help these stories reach as wide as God intends as well as in the paid physical format for those who prefer to hold it in their hands.
Make a donation in an amount towards this campaign. Your support matters. Thank you for believing in this mission.
Real Ones signed artwork print by j.hazel.paulson, Prayer Artist (5x7").
Full year subscription to Gritty Faith Extended Golden Edition (our physical magazine delivered to your mailbox) plus a Real Ones signed artwork print (5x7”).
Commissioned Artwork 16x20” by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist.
For my commissioned artwork, I take the words, stories, colors, and feelings that you share with me to the canvas in prayer. Every single piece of art is led by prompts that come up while I paint. What unfolds is heartfelt and holy, a sacred representation of art used to fill the gap when words just aren't there.
If you are looking for abstract, heartfelt, and a bit of a surprise, infused with prayer and meaning, a commissioned piece is for you.
Private Painted Prayer Workshop for up to 40 people at your location.
Workshop will be taught by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist.
Perfect for team building, churches, and women’s groups, retreat breakout sessions, or youth groups. In this two-hour workshop, we dive into how to use art as a form of prayer through abstract painting and authentic conversation.
*Valid for locations within 3 hours of Alcester, SD. For locations further, milage and hotel accommodations will be added.
Please contact Jessy at [email protected] with inquiries and available dates. Must be held in 2022.
Rewards
Private Wonder.fully Wrecked Retreat for up to 6 women at your location.*
Wonder.fully Wrecked is a women's day retreat by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist that combines CREATIVITY + CONNECTION.
In this day retreat, we will be making creative connections by using art as a form of prayer. This retreat combines journaling, multimedia, and painting with meditative practices to help you uncover new ways to live a life full of wonder, even when it feels wrecked by tough circumstances.
During our time, we will combine Jessy's signature Painted Prayer Workshop with a unique wreck-this-journal concept for a truly one-of-a-kind creative experience.
*Location must be within 3 hours of Alcester, SD. If location is further away, milage and hotel accommodations will be added at an additional charge.
Private Wonder.fully Wrecked Retreat for up to 20 women at your location.
Wonder.fully Wrecked is a women's day retreat by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist that combines CREATIVITY + CONNECTION. In this day retreat, we will be making creative connections by using art as a form of prayer. This retreat combines journaling, multimedia, and painting with meditative practices to help you uncover new ways to live a life full of wonder, even when it feels wrecked by tough circumstances.
During our time, we will combine Jessy's signature Painted Prayer Workshop with a unique wreck-this-journal concept for a truly one-of-a-kind creative experience.
*Location must be within 3 hours of Alcester, SD. If location is further away, milage and hotel accommodations apply at an additional charge.
You contribution in this amount covers the entire cost of publication for one issue of Gritty Faith. This contribution frees up resources so we can grow our impact and reach further.
You will be given credit and featured within the first pages of the magazine. (If desired, you can also remain anonymous.)
Each issue of Gritty Faith costs about $10,000 to publish. This is funded through subscriptions, advertising sponsorships, and through sheer miracles of God. He always shows up (usually through the actions of regular people just like you and me who know the power of this mission and will do anything they can to see it continue.)
Each issue of Gritty Faith is available in a free digital format to help these stories reach as wide as God intends as well as in the paid physical format for those who prefer to hold it in their hands.
Make a donation in an amount towards this campaign. Your support matters. Thank you for believing in this mission.
Real Ones signed artwork print by j.hazel.paulson, Prayer Artist (5x7").
Full year subscription to Gritty Faith Extended Golden Edition (our physical magazine delivered to your mailbox) plus a Real Ones signed artwork print (5x7”).
Commissioned Artwork 16x20” by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist.
For my commissioned artwork, I take the words, stories, colors, and feelings that you share with me to the canvas in prayer. Every single piece of art is led by prompts that come up while I paint. What unfolds is heartfelt and holy, a sacred representation of art used to fill the gap when words just aren't there.
If you are looking for abstract, heartfelt, and a bit of a surprise, infused with prayer and meaning, a commissioned piece is for you.
Private Painted Prayer Workshop for up to 40 people at your location.
Workshop will be taught by Jessy Paulson, Prayer Artist.
Perfect for team building, churches, and women’s groups, retreat breakout sessions, or youth groups. In this two-hour workshop, we dive into how to use art as a form of prayer through abstract painting and authentic conversation.
*Valid for locations within 3 hours of Alcester, SD. For locations further, milage and hotel accommodations will be added.
Please contact Jessy at [email protected] with inquiries and available dates. Must be held in 2022.