Feature
Fresh Perspectives
When we’re open to change, we invite new possibilities into our lives. Jen Dixon, Clay Crosse, and Stephen Lewis have all hit the reset button and renewed their lives in amazing ways.
- Heather Luxemburg & Kate McDonald
- Fred Lopez
Jen Dixon’s journey toward
“grayte” expectations.
In the quiet moments of Thanksgiving morning in 2019, Jen Dixon found herself standing before the mirror, contemplating the perpetual cycle of dyeing her hair. It was in that introspective pause, amidst the chaos of holiday preparations, that the idea of embracing her natural gray hair began to take root. “What if I stopped coloring my hair?” she remembers.
In between cooking dishes, she scanned Pinterest in search of women embracing silver and gray in their 40s. “I discovered pin after pin of amazing photos of beautiful, confident women. Then and there, I decided that I was going gray. And I have never looked back!”
Her decision wasn’t just about the dye; it spurred a desire to redefine beauty on her own terms. As Jen’s journey unfolded, her first hurdle to overcome was the chorus of opinions from those around her. “You’re too young to be gray!” “I wish I had your courage.” “You will look ten years older.” “You don’t have the skin tone for it.” “Good for you… I could just never do it.” Reactions varied, with a supportive husband and hesitant teenagers.
The initial months were undoubtedly the most challenging. “The demarcation line between the dyed and the natural was glaring, and I felt like a hot mess 24/7. Yet, I pressed on, armed with the knowledge that this journey was not a sprint but a marathon,” she says. Quarantine offered a silver lining during months six through ten, providing a cocoon to shield herself during the awkward stages.
“It’s true what they say—your confidence improves as you age! With this change, I realized that authenticity is a powerful form of beauty. I wasn’t just embracing the gray; I was embracing myself. Plus, I figured if I didn’t like it, I could always start dying my hair again. However, I ended up loving it—especially the silver streak in the front,” Jen says.
As her hair transformed, so did Jen’s life. The decision to let go of hair dye was just the beginning. Cleaning up her beauty routine, incorporating natural products, and prioritizing her health became integral to her new lifestyle. “Collagen gummies played a pivotal role in nourishing not only my hair but also my nails, sparking a cascade of positive changes. I’ve also incorporated yoga, acupuncture, and supplements into my daily life.
“Plus, new hair called for a wardrobe change. I used to revel in warmer colors like yellows and browns, but they now clashed with the subtle silver tones that adorned my hair. Over time, I began to purchase more jewel tones such as blues, greens and purples,” she shares.
Still, the beauty industry and media often promote youth as the ideal standard of beauty, creating an expectation that aging should be concealed. By choosing to embrace her gray hair, Jen challenged these norms.
“I believe it’s important to redefine beauty by celebrating the grace and wisdom that come with age. Who says that only 60 and 70-year-old women have gray hair? I was 46 when I made my decision, and now that it’s complete, I feel more like myself than ever before. I feel genuine. Going gray was a journey of self-discovery and self-love. Through the process, I’ve learned to appreciate and love myself for who I am—gray hair and all. The journey turned out to be a profound inner transformation. I’ve discovered strengths and qualities that I didn’t fully recognize before. I’ve become more in tune with my values and my unique beauty.”
Looking back, Jen has come to understand that gray hair is simply another color—a badge of honor, not an indicator of aging. She’s learned to embrace her mistakes, stop comparing herself to others and recognize her strengths.
“I’m not perfect by any means, but I accept myself and the moments I’m in. The journey was liberating, offering a sense of freedom from societal expectations. It allowed me to be braver in my choices, not just with my appearance but in all aspects of life. When I look in the mirror now, I see the beauty in my natural gray hair and appreciate the uniqueness! True confidence comes from within and isn’t solely based on external appearances.”
For those looking to embrace the gray, Jen’s advice is to take the leap! You may encounter societal pressures and self-doubt along the way, but stay true to yourself. And be patient with the process, as it may take time to fully adjust.
She pauses to reflect, with a warm smile. “And here’s the thing: Just because I went gray doesn’t mean I have ‘let go’; it means I am embracing the next chapter of my life with grace and confidence. It has been 4 years since I ditched the hair dye, and I’ve never felt more beautiful.”
From heartland to harmony, Clay Crosse is orchestrating connections through worship.
In the heart of downtown, a new rhythm is emerging, bringing with it a vibrant melody of experiences. At the forefront of this symphony is Clay Crosse, a seasoned and devoted Christian musical artist who has recently taken on the role of worship pastor at the historic First Baptist Church of Winter Garden. With just a couple of months under his belt in this new capacity, Clay is already weaving harmonies with the community.
With the cadence of his words and the warmth of his demeanor, Clay is more than a worship pastor; he is a musical storyteller whose notes and lyrics echo the essence of faith, community, and his love for others. His journey as an artist has been a testament to the power of music in fostering connections and spiritual enrichment. Now, Clay brings to Winter Garden a wealth of experience and a passion for creating transformative worship experiences that resonate far beyond the church pews.
The transition from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Winter Garden has been nothing short of seamless for Clay and his wife, Renee, guided by the warm embrace of the church community. “The most fulfilling part has been the people—loving, generous, and welcoming,” Clay shares. “I needed something fresh, a new home, a new experience.”
The call to Winter Garden came unexpectedly, initiated by an inquiry just three months prior. Clay felt compelled to explore this prospect, eventually leading him to Senior Pastor Tim Grosshans and the welcoming community. “It just felt right in the pocket,” he says, expressing gratitude for the smooth transition and the positive exit from his former position. After a decade in his previous church, Clay sees this as a new season in his life and an exciting new opportunity.
Clay’s musical journey, marked by four GMA Dove Awards and impactful Christian music, stems from his upbringing in a musically inclined family. He says, “I was always drawn to music, but one day, it just exploded. I got a record deal and went on the road full time. Yeah, there were awards over the years, but the most significant one was the ‘Best New Artist of the Year’ in 1994.”
Reflecting on his success in the music industry, Clay acknowledges the blessings and surprises of his musical career. “It was a dream come true—it still amazes me that it even happened.”
Over the years, his focus has shifted from mainstream success to local ministry, aiming to use his musical gifts to encourage and remind others of their faith. “The core of it is my faith in Christ,” he emphasizes. “When you’re young, you can get caught up—being on stage and singing can create a self-centeredness. But you have to remember why you’re up there in the first place. Now, I know that God desires that I use my musical gifts to encourage people and to remind them of Him.” His understanding of the transformative power of music evolved over the years, from the initial allure of being on stage to recognizing it as a tool for God to work through. “It’s a good job. I don’t have to do it; I get to do it, and I’m thankful for it,” Clay remarks.
Beyond the church walls, Clay values his family deeply. With 33 years of marriage and grown children, he shares that the move to Winter Garden wasn’t without challenges. “The shift was initially difficult—we were leaving something we knew we loved and going into something that we believed we would love. It was bittersweet. But any new environment can be growing soil, an opportunity to plant something new. And it can wake you up, get you out of the same routines.”
Clay also expresses his intention to explore creativity further, both in music and other artistic endeavors like folk art, as he settles into the artistic community he perceives in Winter Garden. “I hope to write more music, paint some art, and really revel in the creativity and passion God has given to me.”
As he steps into the role of worship pastor, Clay aims to foster a culture of worship marked by celebration, energy, and engagement. “Whatever newness I bring, I want it to be genuine,” he emphasizes, recognizing the authenticity that resonates with people. He aspires to lead a team that not only sings but believes in the lyrics they convey. “God has done so much for us. We should sing the songs with the same enthusiasm that people have when they go to their favorite football team game. It’s giving attention where attention is due.”
From the hanging moss on the trees to the local coffee shops, Clay and Renee are gradually finding their tempo in this new setting, enjoying the discovery of their new home. “I want to stay on a path of excitement and appreciation for what’s in front of me,” Clay remarks.
With a heart full of gratitude and a commitment to genuine worship and community engagement, Clay Crosse is poised to lead First Baptist Church into a new era of heartfelt worship and connection. Looking ahead, Clay is excited about the prospect of making new friends, impacting the community, and continuously learning. Retirement may be on the horizon for some, but for Clay, the melody of excitement and appreciation for the opportunities in front of him is just beginning. “I didn’t move down here to retire. I came to explore, to expand, to experience. I’m thankful for the newness of it all.”
Stephen Lewis’s fresh spin on family, fatherhood, and leading the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.
The newly appointed President of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce traded his frequent flier miles for the Chamber’s gold member pin, and the opportunity to be home with his family.
You get the feeling that Stephen Lewis has never met a stranger, the way he enters a room with a broad smile, charming confidence, and gregarious personality. Then again, the newly appointed West Orange Chamber of Commerce President is genuinely thrilled about his new position. Yet not for the reasons one might think — networking opportunities or career advancement. Rather, Stephen’s impetus in taking the job is far more noble: being a dad.
“In my previous job, I traveled at least three times a month. I was able to see 45 States, accruing around 840k air miles, which was an experience I could never replicate. With my two kids, a 4 and 7-year-old getting older, leaving them and my wife was harder and harder,” Stephen reflects. “It was harder to parent over the phone, I missed them.”
Now Stephen is home all the time, helping raise his family, connect with his wife, and create endless fresh memories. When asked if it’s been fun being home, Stephen chuckles, “You can ask my wife what she thinks about it, but I think everyone enjoys me being home more. My kids have only known me traveling so I have loved being with them every day.”
With work just a 10-minute communite from his home in Windermere,he and his family have ample time to explore the local area, without having to leave for a business trip the next day.
“When my wife and I found our dream home, we knew immediately we were staying for life,” he recalls with a smile, “My kids immediately started playing in the front yard under the oak trees — I knew it was home for all of us.”
After work, the Lewis family loves to take their boat out on The Butler Chain, visit food truck nights, and head to Winter Garden to see friends at Crooked Can or have a date night at The Tasting Room where they love to indulge in the Mushroom Torte.
Stephen beams as he talks about his four-year-old’s favorite ride, Slinky Dog Dash, and how his daughter loves Animal Kingdom (for the sheer purpose of seeing a giraffe)—all moments he gets to experience more often having a job so close to home.
I have loved being with them every day. "
“We never plan to meet up with friends when we go out; it happens naturally. Everyone knows each other, and we all love our community. It’s like a place you see in a movie. And honestly, it’s immensely gratifying to see your children fall in love with your community. Our kids have friends and are making connections that last a lifetime. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
For Stephen, living, working, and raising a family in Orange County is a dream. Of course, he truly delights in serving his community, and take immense pride in West Orange’s unwavering commitment to preserving the small-town charm combined with the convenience of city life. “We have all the conveniences of big-name department stores, hospitals, and events — with the added benefit of the small town, mom-and-pop shops that keep us unique. It’s unlike any other place I’ve ever lived, truly.”
Now, Stephen’s day job is making sure that this Hallmark movie community not only stays moving in the right direction but also upholds the qualities that make Orange County the perfect place for the next generation to call home. And closest to his heart is the generation he’s helping raise.
Through the joys and challenges, this father’s impact will surely echo through generations, leaving an enduring legacy at home and beyond.
