Disclaimer: My story discusses suicide and mental health topics, which may be distressing to some. If you are in crisis or need help, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (in the U.S.) or contact your local emergency services. You are not alone—help is available.

Born into challenging circumstances, Penny faced immense loss early on, losing her mother at age 12 and her father at 18. As an at-risk youth, she confronted addiction, domestic violence, and a period of homelessness, yet she persevered against the odds, driven by a desire to create a better life.

At 22, Penny hit rock bottom, and her life took a profound turn when she accepted Christ. At the time, Penny was an atheist, but a divine encounter during a suicide attempt made her an instant believer in a God who was real and very personal. This encounter set her on a path of purpose and compassion, igniting a desire to serve others. Determined to rise above her circumstances, she ultimately graduated from Fresno Pacific University, marking a major milestone in her journey. She embarked on missions work in orphanages in Mexico and Romania, attended Bible college, and later ran a city-wide youth program through the Gospel Rescue Mission that impacted hundreds of inner-city children and youth.

This deep commitment to ministry extended into her professional pursuits, where Penny worked in education administration and teaching, eventually leading her into executive management positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurial business pursuits. However, her drive for performance often led her into cycles of burnout and personal neglect, setting the stage for future health challenges, including a three-year bout with Lyme disease.

In her quest for healing, Penny redirected her career path, diving into graduate-level studies in functional health and nutrition, where she discovered a new passion for wellness. Together with her husband, her best friend of now 26+ years, she immersed herself in fitness and health, teaching community health classes at local churches and inspiring others to prioritize their well-being. Penny then ventured into racing, running her first marathon, and competing in an IronMan-length challenge. Her professional success continued when she began working for a renowned biohacker and health influencer. Yet, despite her achievements, Penny found herself back in a cycle of chronic illness that culminated in a major health crisis at age 49, facing episodic amnesia and confronting the emotional toll her life had taken.

This crisis became a turning point. During this season, Penny committed to a profound healing journey, uncovering the deep, suppressed traumas that had been masked by busyness and the pursuit of success. Through God’s transforming love, she began to work through past losses, broken friendships, and deep emotional wounds that had manifested in physical and emotional struggles. This journey was marked by God’s care, guiding her through soul-deep healing and bringing peace and resilience that made her 50th year a season of renewal and restoration.

Today, Penny has turned her pain into purpose. Alongside her husband, she has devoted herself to full-time ministry, serving others and helping them achieve their best lives personally and professionally. Penny is the founder of Abide for Life, a teaching ministry to support believers in their walk with Yeshua (Jesus). She now consults and coaches businesses and ministries with start-up operations, writes books, and speaks to audiences about the power of faith, physical and emotional healing, and transformation. Penny is the also host of the Abide with Penny Joy podcast with a mission to help believers abide in Christ in all areas of life.
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Penny Joy’s journey is proof of God’s power to heal the body and transform the heart, mind, and soul. Her story is a testament to the beauty that can come from even the most challenging seasons. Penny is committed to empowering others to walk in divine health and embrace God’s unique calling and purpose for their lives.