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Vangie Garza Neil, aka Santafewriter

​Hello and thank you for stopping by!

I was born in San Antonio, Texas - the home of the Alamo. Though life began with challenges, it was always

filled with love. My mother, a remarkable woman, raised six of us alone, working several jobs to keep food on

the table. We had little, but we always had a home - wherever she made it. She went to be with the Lord when

I was just fourteen.

After her passing, my sister Nancy took us in caring for five younger siblings while raising her own two children,

then battling cancer. Her strength, grace, and faith shaped everything I am. We lost her when I was twenty-six,

but her example still lives in me. 

I've been blessed with three daughters - Michelle, Nicole and Erin. The first two live in Texas with their families,

while my youngest, Erin, waits for me in Heaven with her grandmother, my sister, a brother, and loved ones

we've lost along the way. Through every joy and heartbreak, I've seen how God turns pain into purpose. I am 

now married to my wonderful husband, Leonard, who has brought more love into my life with his five children. Together, we share a beautiful

family - sixteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Life is full, and my heart overflows with gratitude. Thank you, Jesus!

My mother, sister, and my Savior taught me kindness, perseverance, and the heart of what true faith really is. For much of my life, my faith was 

built on routine rather than relationship. I believed in God, went to church, and tried to live a good life, but I didn't yet understand what it meant

to truly know Him - to walk with Jesus daily and experience His grace and peace personally. Over time, I discovered something life-changing: Jesus didn't just want my rituals; He wanted my heart. That's when I went from religion to a relationship, and everything changed.

Looking back, I see His hand in every season of my life, even when I didn't recognize it. I never imagined the goodness of God had for me.

For the first time in my life, I surrendered to Him. The faith of my mother and sister, along with the stories of women I have met along life's journey, have inspired both my life and my writing. 

Now, at seventy-two, I write with one audience in mind - my Lord. I hope my stories encourage you to become a Maverick for yourself and for

Him: to live boldly, walk in faith, and know that Jesus will never leave you.

If you want to know Him personally or if you need prayer, please reach out. You can also join our Sisters to Sisters Prayer Ministry on Facebook - a community of women praying with you and for one another. 

God bless you!

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Do you ever feel like you have to be everything to everyone? Your story is yours, but here are a few prompts to help you get started:
  • Describe a time in your life when you felt you had to carry a "man-sized" burden all by yourself. What was happening? 
  • ​What was the specific moment when things began to change? Did you pray? Did someone else help you? Did you change your mindset?                                         
  • What would you say to a younger woman going through that exact same situation today?​ 
How can we do better next time?

Share your story. Email us at santafewriter@att.net. On subject line please write: Wom-Man. Please complete the release form. (Note: release form must be completed to be considered for the book.) Should you decide to include a photo to accompany your story, please email a jpg image to santafewriter.net. As a reminder, please be sure to write the following in the subject line: For Wom-Man Story.

Thanks for submitting!

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