AOP: You grew up in Opelika as one of ten homeschooled children. What are some of your favorite memories from growing up in such a large family?
Renee: Some of my favorite memories include eating dinner as a family every night and then going outside and catching fireflies or playing hide & seek after dinner. I also really enjoyed playing sports at a co-op on the same team with some of my siblings as we got older.
AOP: Your journey has taken you from Alabama to Kansas City, then to Daytona Beach, and back home again. How have those experiences shaped the way you parent?
Renee: One of the biggest things that moving around frequently in adulthood has taught me is that the dynamic of families can look so different. Being from Opelika, I saw a lot of amazing stay-at-home moms and thought that was the only option.
I have learned so much about different cultures and family dynamics…that whatever we do, if we submit it to the Lord, can be a great option and a great opportunity for growth in our children and in ourselves.
AOP: You and Jonathan share a passion for serving in the local church through worship and prayer ministry. How has faith influenced your family’s day-to-day life?
Renee: Raising our children in the presence of Jesus is one thing that we agreed we would strive to do. We try to start the day with prayer and have lots of open conversations with Willow about Jesus. We love worship music and usually have it playing in our home and cars. We also memorize scripture together as part of our bedtime routine.
AOP: As a hairstylist apprentice, wife, mom, and soon-to-be mom of two, how do you balance the many roles you juggle?
Renee: Coffee, a whole lot of prayer, and a supportive husband. In all seriousness, I think we have an expectation as parents that our job is to have it all together. I find myself often struggling with the roles I have in life, and coming to the end of myself. It keeps me at the feet of Jesus, depending on him to sustain my family and me.
AOP: Willow will soon begin preschool. What are you most excited—and perhaps a little nervous—about as she starts this new chapter?
Renee: I’m so excited for Willow to start school in a new environment and make new friends. She loves learning and meeting new people, so this school year should be fun!
I think I’m just nervous for longer days of school, and we will miss her being brought up in the faith-based program, but we are excited to see the way she grows in a new space.
AOP: With a new baby boy arriving in December, how are you preparing Willow to become a big sister?
Renee: We are trying to spend a lot of intentional time with her and simultaneously reminding her that soon we will be a family of four, and savoring these moments together. We truly believe that the way we speak about and frame things for her beforehand will play such a huge part in how she adjusts. She is already so excited to be a big sister and knows she can come to us when she is struggling with the transition.
AOP: Your husband is in the process of launching a coffee roasting business. What has it been like pursuing dreams and building a family together?
Renee: I think it’s so easy to kind of lose yourself when you become a parent and get busy with the daily routines of life. Continuing to dream things up has kept us very connected to our sense of self and also to each other. And we truly believe that teaching our kids to dream and work hard for something they want is important!
AOP: Looking back on your motherhood journey so far, what encouragement would you offer to other moms in the Auburn-Opelika area?
Renee: The days are long but the years are so short! Find a few friends who will support and pray for you. Do the same for them.
Rapid Fire:
Motherhood in one word: Growth
Coffee order: Cappuccino
Family tradition: Family Movie Night Fridays
Favorite worship song: Give me Jesus- Abbie Gamboa
Excited for this fall: Thanksgiving
Renee Word is an Opelika native who grew up as one of ten homeschooled children. After moving to Kansas City for a church internship, she met her husband, Jonathan, and the two married in early 2020 before serving together in a church in Daytona Beach. The coupled returned to Renee’s hometown in 2022 to put down roots, where they are raising their 4-year-old daughter, Willow, and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby boy this December. Renee is a hairstylist apprentice, Jonathan works at a local coffee shop while preparing to launch his own coffee roasting business, and together they are passionate about serving their local church through worship and prayer ministry while investing in their family and community.
Author: Staff
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