Media Gallery
Healing in the Middle of Real Life
Aspire | September 19, 2026
There is something meaningful about a table like this. A Bible is open. Pencils are moving. Someone is writing. Someone else is drawing. Hands that moments earlier were listening and reflecting are now creating something of their own.
Each month, Mending The Scarred meets with the women at Aspire, walking with them through the same Inner Healing themes being explored in our monthly gatherings. The conversations can touch tender places—identity, fear, abandonment, forgiveness, restoration—but the women come ready to listen, reflect, and receive.
And then something changes. The teaching gives way to a quieter kind of togetherness. Paper, pencils, colors, and creativity fill the table. For a little while, there is room to breathe, to laugh, to concentrate on something beautiful, and to enjoy simply being together.
These photographs do not show faces, and they are not meant to. They show something just as meaningful: hands reaching for a pencil, turning a page, opening Scripture, and creating.
For women walking through difficult circumstances, these ordinary moments can carry extraordinary meaning. Healing does not always look like a breakthrough. Sometimes it looks like sitting around a table, learning something new about yourself, listening for what God may be saying, and discovering that there is still room for creativity and joy. At Aspire, the journey toward healing continues through meaningful conversations, shared learning, and the simple joy of being together.
Maybe You Were Never Meant to Carry It Alone
Inner Healing Gatherings | Orlando Chapter | 2026
Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as sitting in a room with women who understand. A conversation. A shared experience. A moment of realizing that you don’t have to explain every part of your story for someone to understand the weight you’ve been carrying.
There is something meaningful about being able to listen, share, laugh, reflect, and sometimes simply sit quietly with others who are walking their own healing journey. Little by little, what once felt like something you had to carry alone can begin to feel different.
We’re deeply grateful for the facilitators who make room for these moments and walk alongside women as they discover that healing can happen in the company of others.
Victory Over Affliction
March 28, 2026 | 9:00am - 4:00pm | San Pedro Spiritual Development Center
Something deeply meaningful happened this past Saturday in Winter Park.
At our annual retreat—this year centered on Victory Over Affliction—women gathered not just to listen, but to encounter God in a deeply personal way. Thoughtfully organized by our Jacksonville Chapter Co-Directors, Liza O’Connor and Bonne Evans, this day reflected a deep care for every woman who walked through the doors. Women traveled over two hours from Jacksonville to be part of this day, joining leaders and participants from all four Mending The Scarred chapters—each one hungry for growth, healing, and truth.
Through powerful, honest testimonies, our speakers didn’t just share words… they shared lived transformation. What they had walked through, they now poured out—making truth feel tangible, practical, and possible.
Upper left: Some of our retreat attendees, lingering a little longer to share a smile and capture a final moment together. Upper right: Our Founder & Executive Director, Carmen Alonso. Bottom row (left to right): Our cherished guest speakers—Dr. Lillian Moyet, Evangelist Rose Shabaya, and motivational speaker Duchess McKnight.
There was encouragement. There was breakthrough. There was a quiet undoing of old ways of thinking—and the beginning of something new. Though this photos capture many beautiful faces, it doesn’t hold the full story. Moments like these can’t be contained in a picture.
This event is featured in our May 2026 newsletter.
Christmas Luncheon 2025
December 20, 2025 | Centro Internacional de la Familia, Chapel Room, Orlando, Fl
This Saturday, our hearts were full as we gathered for a beautiful Christmas luncheon. Together, we paused to remember and honor the birth of our King, Jesus, during a moving candlelight ceremony that reminded us of His light shining into the world.
Laughter filled the room as we shared delicious food, meaningful fellowship, and joyful games—moments that felt both deeply meaningful and fun. It was a true gift to be surrounded by an incredible group of women who love, encourage, and stand with one another, all while keeping our eyes fixed on the Holy One who stepped into our darkness to redeem us.
He is the reason we celebrate this season—yesterday, today, and always.
Serving Hope Together: An Afternoon of Care and Connection
November 22, 2025 | Orlando, FL
Mending The Scarred volunteers delivered and shared a complete meal at a high-security shelter that provides safety for women and their children escaping domestic violence. With homemade dishes, desserts, drinks, and thoughtfully arranged gift bags, our team hoped to offer comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they are not alone.
We were met with warm smiles, quiet strength, and heartfelt gratitude. While we came to serve, we also left encouraged—strengthened in friendship and united in purpose.
Moments like this remind us that healing grows in community, and that every act of kindness creates space for hope to take root.
Led to Lead: Strengthening the Servant’s Heart
June 6 - 8, 2025 | Davenport, Champions Gate
In the quiet beauty of a peaceful private home, our leaders gathered for a weekend retreat designed to offer rest, vision, and meaningful connection. This time away was more than a pause—it was a purposeful reset. We’re excited to share some moments captured during our time together—photos that reflect the warmth, joy, and deep connection forged in that space. A full recap of this unforgettable gathering was featured in our July newsletter—don’t miss it!
More Than Just Hats: A Gathering of Minds and Hearts
May 17, 2025 | Orlando, FL
On May 17th, the Orlando English-speaking group came together for a heartfelt fellowship: “Hats Off for a Tea and Talk: Understanding the Fight for Our Thoughts.”
Ladies arrived in colorful, uniquely adorned hats—each a symbol of creativity and intentionality. Just as we choose how to decorate a hat, we are called to be mindful of the thoughts we allow to shape our lives.
Through small group discussions, we explored how our thought lives impact our emotions, actions, and spiritual walk. The conversations were honest and healing, anchored in Scripture and community.
The warmth in the room came not just from the tea, but from the unity of women committed to renewing their minds daily. We left inspired, uplifted, and perhaps with a fresh appreciation for both a good hat and godly thoughts.
This gathering was featured in our June 2025 newsletter, released on the first of the month.
Celebrating Growth & Purpose: S.H.A.P.E. Class Graduation
April 19, 2025 | Orlando, FL
Today, we celebrate YOU—our incredible graduates of the S.H.A.P.E. class! You have taken bold steps toward healing, growth, and purpose, and we couldn’t be prouder. Through faith, community, and courage, you’ve embraced your unique journey and unraveled the knots of the past to step into a future filled with hope.
This is just the beginning! Keep shining, keep growing, and know that you are never alone. Congratulations on this milestone—we can’t wait to see all that God has in store for you!
Photo Above: Smiles, joy, and a sense of accomplishment filled the room as we celebrated our S.H.A.P.E. class graduates! Pictured from left to right are Rebecca, Nina, Zuleika, Julissa, Mirthia, and Ivette—each one beaming after 14 weeks of growth and discovery. Standing with them is our wonderful teacher, Ahisha, who led the journey with heart and purpose.
On the Right: We’re incredibly thankful for our amazing teaching helpers—Rebecca, Lydia, Lisette, Doreen, and Niurka, and Mildred (both not pictured)—who each brought their own spark and wisdom to the S.H.A.P.E. journey! A special nod to Rebecca, who returned to complete the class and even taught a session this year!
One of the best things about our S.H.A.P.E. class is that it’s held online via Zoom—bringing together students from all over, no matter the distance! It’s a beautiful way to connect across miles, though it also means that some of our amazing graduates couldn’t be with us in person today. Still, their presence was felt and their achievement celebrated just the same!
