Introducing Floras Magazine, an online magazine for women to share their mental illnesses

Good morning, friends and readers,

I am sharing some very exciting news that has been on my heart for years, but I’m finally having the grit to start it. I have finally launched my first Christian online magazine for women, Floras Magazine.

Why Floras? Well, after having volunteered for half a year at a women's rehabilitation center before becoming a full-time English teacher, and suffering under my own struggles, I've realized there are so many stories of triumph for them to remain silent.  

Flora derives from Latin, and is used to describe the plant life occurring during a specific season, time, or region. A "native flora" refers to a native and indigenous flora of a specific area.  

Therefore, I decided to name my online magazine "Floras" in the hopes that women from any region, tribe, or land, could share their stories of hope and triumph of how God blossomed them into who they have become now, or, are still on the journey of becoming. 

Only our gracious God can turn our depression, mental struggles, and illnesses into stories of blossoming into someone beautiful and full of purpose.

To submit your story, please see the below guidelines. Your story will be published on my website under Floras Magazine tab.

Please keep in mind, my Spring Issue is featuring stories of those who have struggled under mental illnesses, in any capacity. Your story needs to be heard.

I look forward to reading your work.

About the Editor: 

Samantha Cabrera writes about keeping the faith amidst difficult seasons for various publications, including Christian Woman Magazine in Australia, Faithlife Women as a former contributor for Logos Bible, and ChristianMingle.com as a regular contributor for five years. She has been published in Thryve’s print magazine for women, along with The Good Women Project. She has over 200 articles published in print and online in various Christian publications. Samantha holds an MFA in Writing from Lindenwood University and a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Samantha is an English teacher at a private Christian school in Waco, TX. 

As a doctor’s wife who tends to women’s medical needs, Samantha has always desired to tend to women’s emotional needs. After having committed half a year to serving as a volunteer at Grace House, a Christian rehabilitation home for women, before she received her teaching job, Samantha has witnessed women in mental brokenness and how much they desire to be freed from their depression and substance abuse. After her own life struggles, she has lived out the message of hope and believing in God to change her from her old ways and she is fully committed to helping others do the same.