Millie McCorkle (Seeds of Joy)

Hey y’all, my name is Millie McCorkle. I am a 9th grader at Schley County High School and am involved in several clubs and activities, including FBLA, Senior Beta,

STEM Club, competition and sideline cheer, and currently serve on Senior Board for Southwest 4-H. I am so honored for the opportunity to share a part of my story and hopefully give guidance to anyone who is reading. It was a time when my faith was tested, but joy was chosen in the middle of deep pain. My prayer is that this story points you closer to God, just as it has done for me.

About two years ago, my life changed forever. My cousin, Mary Joy Moosman, who was 17 years old, passed away in a car accident just days before her high school graduation. She was someone so deeply loved and admired by everyone that knew her. Mary Joy had a light and joy about her that is hard to describe. It wasn’t just something you could see, but something you could truly feel. She loved others so well, gave so selflessly, and carried a joy that reflected Christ in everything she did. 

Some of my favorite memories of her are all of the cheer competitions we would see each other at, our fun talks, thoughtful little gifts, and the tight hugs she gave every single time we saw each other. One Christmas, she gave my cousin Charlie and I a picture frame. Inside was a photo of the three of us together at a cheer competition—different schools, different uniforms, but so much love and joy. That picture now sits on my vanity, a daily reminder of her life, her love, and God’s goodness even in the smallest moments in life. It truly feels like God knew that one day, that picture would mean so much more.

Even though Mary Joy is no longer here physically, her presence is still felt in so many ways. Losing her has been one of the hardest things our family has ever been through. But in the middle of the grief, something so amazing began. The Mary Joy Moosman Foundation was created as a way to continue to spread her joy, give back to others and the community, and share God’s love with others. Through this foundation, lives have been touched in so many ways by simply choosing kindness, love, and light. What was once overwhelming grief has been transformed and turned into something that points people back to God’s grace, mercy, and serenity.

Over the past several months, I have felt a strong pull that God was calling me for something more. Something with a deeper purpose focused on spreading joy and love to others and inspiring them to do the same. This led me to the start of “Seeds of Joy,” a platform focused on serving others and sharing encouragement. Through simple acts of kindness, uplifting messages, and conversations on my podcast, it has been incredible to see how even the smallest things can impact someone’s life. It’s a reminder that when God places something on your heart, it’s there for a reason. In saying that, if you have an idea, work hard for it to become your reality! To learn more about my platform, please follow my Instagram page (@seedsofjoy9) and go give the podcast a listen which streams on Spotify!

Through this journey, I have learned so much about grief, faith, and perspective. Grief doesn’t just bring sadness; it changes the way you see everything. Little moments I once took for granted no longer felt small. Time feels more valuable and precious. The truth that tomorrow is not promised becomes very real. Because of that, I have a deeper focus and never undervalue what truly matters in my life: God, my amazing family, small moments, my country, new opportunities, and living each day with intention.

Not long after Mary Joy’s passing, there was a clear pull toward baptism. Walking down the aisle of my church was a moment filled with hope and joy, but also a deep understanding that life is so very fragile and meant to be lived fully for Jesus. Since then, there have been many moments of uncertainty, anxiety, confusion, and questions, but through everything, God has been so present in guiding every step that I take.

There are two songs that really helped me through my struggles which are You Make Everything Beautiful by For King and Country. And Flowers by Samantha Ebert, I remember hearing both of them and feeling overcome by so much peace, happiness, joy, and feeling like everything would be alright. The lyrics in both songs resonated so well with me and everything that was happening and going on. In the middle of confusion and heartbreak, their lyrics brought clarity and reminded me that God is still working, and moving mountains in my life, even in the pain. They helped shift my perspective from asking “why” to trusting that He can bring beauty from even the hardest situations. Listening to those songs filled my heart with a deep sense of comfort and understanding, and reminded me that I was never walking through that season alone. One of the lyrics in the first song listed says this:

 Grant me serenity to accept things

 The things I cannot change 

Grant me the courage, Lord, to change what I can 

Wisdom to know the difference 

In my weakness You can shine 

In Your strength I can fly and

And You make everything, everything beautiful 

You make everything, everything new 

You make everything, everything beautiful 

In its time, in Your time 

It's beautiful

These few verses perfectly described everything I was facing at that time so well. I highly encourage you to listen to both songs if you are going through a hard time, or even if you’re not, and see what you think and feel. It felt like a quiet reassurance that even through grief, God’s plan is still good, and His presence is always near. 

For anyone walking through loss or a difficult season, my advice and encouragement is this: keep moving forward, even when it feels so very tough. God sees everything. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Even when it doesn’t make sense, He is still working.

When the call first came about the accident, there was so much confusion and a deep desire to be right there at the hospital. In moments like that, it’s hard to understand why things happen the way they do it. But even in the unknown, God was still present in my life, and He still is today.

Mary Joy’s life continues to inspire so many people to live with joy, love others deeply, and walk closely with Christ. And through every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every step forward in faith, her legacy lives on. To learn more about our story and our movement please visit our foundation page- lovelikemaryjoy.com. Thank you very much for reading and learning more about me and my story. I pray this inspired you to become closer with the Lord, or has helped you through whatever you’re going through right now. Have an amazing day filled with Joy!