My Story

From the time I was a little girl, I loved to create. Drawing, painting, imagining, and bringing beauty to life always came naturally to me. Art was one of the first gifts God placed inside of me — but as life unfolded, I slowly pushed that part of myself aside.

For years, I buried that passion under higher priorities and the demands of everyday life. Marriage, motherhood, career, responsibilities, illness, bad decisions, trauma, hardships, serving others, and simply surviving became the focus. Somewhere along the way, I also began believing the lie that I was not worthy enough, talented enough, or important enough to truly pursue the gifts God had given me. Like many women, I spent years pouring into everyone else while unintentionally neglecting something God had deeply written into my heart.

I have been married to my amazing high school sweetheart, Rino — the love of my life — for 23 years, and we have been together for 27 years! Thank you, Jesus!  Together we have two incredible boys, Anthony and James, and two beautiful twin daughters waiting for us in Heaven. Through every season of life, Rino has continually encouraged me, championed me, loved me, been by my side and reminded me not to bury the gifts God placed inside of me.

One of the most defining seasons of my life came shortly after the birth of my oldest son, Anthony, when I was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors told me I had less than six months to live. What followed was nothing short of a God story, an angel story, that both my husband and I both experienced together. Today, by the grace of God, I am eight years cancer free and thirteen years beyond the (not my) diagnosis. You can hear more about my testimony Here.

That journey changed everything...

Yet even after witnessing God move so powerfully in my life, I still continued to push aside the artistic gifts He had placed within me. I had heard someone once say that the gifts you are naturally drawn to as a child are often the very gifts God wants you to lean into as an adult. For me, that was art. But for years, I convinced myself there was never enough time. I prioritized work, motherhood, ministry, mentoring, and serving others — all beautiful things — while quietly neglecting a part of my soul that God intended to be alive.

For a long time, I felt something was missing, but I could never fully explain why.

Then God opened a door I never expected.

At my church home, Citipointe Church Loveland, CO, where my husband and I have faithfully served for many years, I learned about a prophetic painting Life Group that met twice a month, led by the beautiful Debra Rodello. I serve on the Women’s Leadership Team, ministry prayer and deliverance team, and lead Life Groups — but this was different. Something inside me immediately came alive when I heard about it.

I joined the group, and from the very first class, I felt filled in a way I had not felt in over twenty years. And Debra saw something in me as well and encouraged me. I am so thankful for her love, support and hearing Holy Spirit.

It was like remembering a part of myself that had been buried for so long.

Not long after, I was asked by Debra to paint live during a church service. It was during a baptism service in front of hundreds of people, both in person and online. I stood barefoot on that stage, vulnerable and completely surrendered, asking God to lead every brushstroke — to speak through the painting and touch hearts through His presence.

That day changed me.

While worshiping and painting before the Lord, I felt chains break off of me — fear of performance, fear of acceptance, fear of opinions, feelings of unworthiness, and the pressure of perfection. In that moment, God reminded me that art was never about performance. It was about obedience. About worship. About allowing Him to move through the gifts He placed inside of me.

Since that day, I have felt the Holy Spirit continually leading me forward on this journey — to paint for Him, for His Kingdom, for truth, hope, healing, and love. My prayer is that through my art and testimony, others are encouraged to step out of fear, break free from what has held them back, and walk boldly into the purpose God has called them to.

God has bigger plans for us than we could ever imagine. Sometimes all He asks is that we quiet the noise, listen for His voice, and take one obedient step forward in faith.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I pray you leave here reminded of your value, your purpose, and just how deeply loved you are by God. I pray you are encouraged to walk out of fear and into freedom — to go barefoot with the Lord, trust His leading, and use the gifts He placed inside of you to shine His light into the world.

My prayer is that you truly feel the Holy Spirit through each painting He leads through me — His love, presence, truth, peace, and light. I pray you are encouraged to break through fear, doubt, shame, and anything holding you back from the purpose God has for your life, and that you are reminded that He is always with you, guiding every step forward.

God bless,
Ileha Parsegian