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Sue Falcone’s book “The Lighthouse of Hope: A Day-by-Day Journey to Fear Free Living” has been described as “a touching and honest account of inspiring daily devotionals on how God helped one brave soul face and overcome her mountain of fears.”

Because of her journey, Falcone wants others to know that, with God’s help and guidance, one’s life can be transformed. She has been able to accomplish this in her own life.

Falcone describes herself as having once been one of the most fearful people alive. Illegitimate and born in crisis, she spent many years avoiding her fears, which included fears of acceptance and success.

In her early years she made poor choices, such as trying to gain peace and security through a performance-driven lifestyle and the emotional comfort of food. She based her self-worth and acceptance on financial rewards.

About 10 years ago, Falcone said she finally hit rock bottom. As she faced early retirement, she was heavily overweight at 300 pounds and deeply in debt.

Finally, through God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness, Falcone said she was able to change from the inside-out.

“I may have experienced more dramatic challenges than others,” Falcone said, “But I have learned these challenges do not have to defeat us.”

Falcone said she would not be where she is now as a person, wife, mother and grandmother had God not shown her how to change. Her transformation may best be described as a spiritual awakening as she fervently sought God’s will for her life and deliverance from fear.

Eventually, Falcone became aware of her gifts of speaking, teaching, encouragement, inspiration and humor combined with a desire to help other people.

After working many years in the business world, Falcone formed her own international training company in 1998.

“I well remember the day I received the news that my wonderful company was not going to make it,” Falcone said. “I was devastated. I had no back-up plan and didn’t know what to do. All I could do was cry — and cry out to God for help.”

Before this life crisis, Falcone could not remember ever asking God or anyone for help. “Since I didn’t think life could be any worse, I took the risk to ask God for help,” she said.

Falcone said she is glad she did because a sense of peace came over her. She began reading and studying the Bible, memorizing Scriptures and trusting in God’s leading. Falcone soon found that God had a plan and a purpose for her.

“After over 50 years of bad choices, many broken relationships, weight problems, financial worries, being performance driven to the point of working 100 hours a week and wanting everything to be perfect, I gave in to God,” Falcone said.

A change took place as she realized she had the gift of health and had been blessed with many other gifts and talents.

Through God’s inspiration, Falcone was shown how to keep excessive weight off and was given the strength and desire to mend broken relationships with her children and adoptive mom.

With 40 years of business experience, Falcone felt equipped to speak, inspire, teach and motivate people in the business arena on topics such as these: how to live your dream; how to generate leads; how to increase retail sales; how to make time for everything; overcoming the fear of speaking; learning how to give great customer service; how to build and grow a business; how to be financially sound; and how to have a vision, plans and goals and how to achieve them.

Falcone said she loves doing motivational workshops, seminars, business conferences and training for small businesses and direct sales, network groups, community events and being a keynote speaker.

For faith-based audiences, Falcone offers topics such as: sharing my story of facing and overcoming fear God’s way; how to face the challenges of life and not be defeated; and living a godly life in spite of circumstances.

Falcone enjoys speaking at weekend retreats, mother-daughter events, recovery groups, community groups and small study groups.
Falcone’s book “The Lighthouse of Hope: A Day-by-Day Journey to Fear Free Living” was born out of a challenge by a pastor who said, “There must be at least 366 times in the Bible where God says, 'Fear not.’” Falcone accepted his challenge and found the 366 passages that are the basis for her daily devotional guide.

As her life has been transformed, Falcone wants others to know that with God’s help, almost anything is possible.

To book an event with “Simply Sue — Touching Lives and Changing Hearts,” visit www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com or contact her at suepremier@bellsouth.net or 375-1218.

To nominate a person in Guilford County who has or is making a difference in the lives of others, contact Peggy Longmire at rlongmire@triad.rr.com or 288-9040.