My friend, and many of yours, Tammy Crowley, just received the 2009 “Woman of the Year” award from the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am so proud of this overcoming woman of God! Tammy is a single mom and successful businesswoman. She is owner of Crowley’s LifeStyle Fitness Center in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, a certified personal trainer, mother of Paula and Marcie, leader of workshops at the Wellspring Women’s Conference for many years (!!!), and a precious sister in the Lord. (She is also engaged to marry Kenny Deloatch on May 2!)

The award was presented to Tammy for her work in the Roanoke Valley. It was presented in a special ceremony on February 28 at the Chamber’s annual Women’s Conference. The award caught Tammy completely by surprise. “I felt like I was going to pass out,” Tammy said, laughing at her reaction when she heard her name called. “I thought that somebody else would get it. I was really humbled and honored.”

Tammy received $500 to use as she sees fit as part of her award. She has decided to donate the money to a missionary family serving in Vana Watu, an island near Australia. Tammy has a long-time commitment to missions — she and her daughters have gone on many short-term mission trips  — so it is not surprising that she would donate her award to advance the Kingdom of God in the world. Another part of her award is in the form of a $250 scholarship donated in her name to Halifax Community College and to Chowan University in her honor. Anyone can add to those scholarships if they desire.

Tammy not only runs a business but she also does a lot of work in her community and around the state of North Carolina helping women understand fitness and health issues. Much of her work with women is offered free of charge out of her heart to see women develop and maintain healthy lifestyles and eating habits. She studies constantly and shares everything she learns freely and transparently, always willing to encourage others out of her own life experiences as well as from the wealth of knowledge she has learned.

Accepting her award, Tammy gave glory and thanks to God, just as she does in all of her life. She thanked God for all the blessings He has poured out on her life and gave Him the glory for enabling her to do all the things she does to help people. Those of you who know Tammy, know how unselfishly she gives of herself to others and how in love she is with Jesus. Congratulations, Tammy Crowley! We are all so proud of you!