By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – As Edie Hand spoke to a captivated audience about the trials and tribulations she faced in her life and the power of prayer and grit, she recognized what sustains her in the hard seasons.

“I’ve had a lot of problems and I’ve lived a lot of lives,” Hand said. “But I am blessed and I’m a blessed woman as a whole… The pearls of hope are what keep me going.”

The remarks came at the American Village, which celebrated the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 1 by holding a breakfast at Liberty Hall beginning at 8 a.m.

The breakfast featured Hand as the keynote speaker, the author of “Women of True Grit” a book focused on the first-person narratives of 60-plus women who utilized grit to transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

Hand is a businesswoman, international speaker and author, media personality, filmmaker and mother. She has authored or co-authored more than 25 books. Her reach in the entertainment industry is prolific, having starred in national commercials and daytime television soaps, hosted national TV programs and developed several radio shows and vignettes across the country.

Hand was previously the CEO of Hand ‘N Hand Advertising, a full-service ad company in Birmingham and Daphne, Alabama for more than 30 years. She has recently partnered with her son, Linc, to form Hand ‘N Hand Entertainment to continue her passion for writing for film, television, radio and podcasts. Hand is also a cousin of Elvis Presley, the famous King of Rock and Roll.

The American Village’s National Day of Prayer Breakfast was sponsored by the Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel and cosponsored by the American Village Citizenship Trust. The following people and entities served as Table Sponsors for the event:

• Alabaster City Schools
• Richard Anderson
• Birmingham Christian Family Magazine
• Anne Bishop
• City of Montevallo
• Montevallo Chamber of Commerce/Montevallo Main Street
• Shelby County Newsmedia
• Terracon

The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by Congress and held on the first Thursday of May. Americans are asked to turn to God in prayer and meditation. Col. Alan B. Miller, the president and CEO of the American Village Citizenship Trust, introduced the event.

“We gather today in unity, gratitude and prayer, reflecting on the strength and guidance that prayer brings to our lives and communities,” Miller said. “While hope may not be a course of action, prayer certainly is. It is not just some empty gesture… You can always open your heart and your voice to a God who loves and cares about you.”

Following Miller’s remarks and an invocation from the Honorable W. Keith Watkins, the chair of American Village’s Board of Trustees, Gracie Harris, Miss North Alabama’s Teen, performed an original song.

Patsy Riley, the former first lady of Alabama and wife of former governor Bob Riley, introduced Hand as the event’s keynote speaker.

“To me her ministry is encouraging people to stay focused, to stay committed and be the encourager when sometimes you’re the one that needs to be encouraged,” Riley said. “We’re encouraged when we encourage others. It is my honor and my privilege to introduce to you my friend and the amazing Edie Hand.”

Hand weaved several scriptural and personal anecdotes into her address, including losing her three brothers early in life.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are, you will go through hard things,” Hand said. “Little did I know that in my young years with (my brothers), I was growing old… I wait quietly before God, for my hope in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. And I promise you, I’ve been where I didn’t know if I could make it.”

After Hand’s powerful address, the breakfast closed with a rendition of “God Bless America.” Hand also held a book-signing for “Women of True Grit” after the program.

For more information on the American Village, visit Americanvillage.org.