4.1 Faith. The Power to Create Internal Resilience with Vilma Sagebin, Carol Allen, and Elizabeth Takasaki

A Heart to Heart Conversation About Faith

 

“I think that my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ, has really anchored me and given me hope amidst a lot of heartache and in navigating different relationships.” - Carolina Allen

 

“I'm really grateful that I can go to the Lord in prayer, and that I am loved unconditionally. You know, I think that that feeling of unconditional love sets me up for hope in the future.” - Carolina Allen

 

“When I think about faith in Jesus Christ, for me, it is a conviction. It is a trust that doesn't matter what comes in the future is going to be the best for me and for my family.” - Vilma Sagebin

 

“I felt better about myself, but it was because I understood who Jesus Christ is and what he was able to accomplish with me. It was faith, and like Vilma said, trust in Him that He’ll get me there. It's not about me. It's about him. It's about what he's able to do, not what I'm able to do. That made a huge difference in my life.” - Elizabeth Ann Takasaki

 

“When my heart is filled with love, and I can let that pour out in service to others and my family,  I’m happier and I feel more fulfilled, and it’s easier to do again.” - Carolina Allen

 

Carolina Allen is the founder and leader of Big Ocean Women, the international maternal feminist organization representing perspectives of faith, family, and motherhood throughout civil society. Carolina holds a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Utah with an emphasis in cultural religions and philosophy of science. Her inspirational and philosophical work has been presented at various international U.N. conferences. She is a native of Brazil, and a fluent trilingual. She and her husband Kawika are parents to 7 children. She is an avid soccer fan and had a brief career as a semi-professional player.

 

Ann Takasaki and her husband, Roman are Japanese Americans with three adopted children, also Japanese Americans. This Japanese heritage is not the most important piece of Ann's identity, but it is valued and preserved. Ann also values faith, immediate and extended family relationships, and friendships. Big Ocean Women provides meaningful and important experiences for all of these. Ann strives to give her time to God's work, and sees Big Ocean Women as an important vehicle to do that work.