A Military Wife's Biography - Shannon Magly

Sorry for the break in the biography series! We have been on a little hiatus, but we are back! Here is our next weekly installment. We hope you enjoy getting to know Shannon. Don't forget to go back and read all the biographies by clicking here.

Shannon Magly

My name is Shannon Magly & am married to Chris. We both just celebrated our 26th birthday on Saturday. Yep, ya read right… we have the same birthday and yes… the same year. Then, this Friday, we will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. (I know, he got off really easy with having to remember dates :)) We are expecting our first child in October and are overjoyed.


What was your life like growing up?

It’s funny, I asked my mom just recently what I was like when I was little and what I liked to do- since we’re expecting a baby, I thought this might help give me some clues as to what our child might be like. She responded with, “You talked to yourself a lot!” This made me burst out laughing, because I don’t remember this at all- and you’d think… if I was having a conversation with myself as often as she said I did… I’d remember. What I do remember growing up is laughing a lot with my mom; going on road trips; spending a ton of time with my grandmother doing crafts, baking and floral arrangements; and asking my mom for a baby brother.

You see, I’m an only child. I grew up in Orlando, FL; on the same street for the majority of my life. I say street, because we actually moved “next door” twice and finally ended up where my mom still lives today. I grew up with a single mom, which formed our incredibly close relationship. There were many times when my mom needed my help, so I was not like most kids growing up. I was aware of our monetary situation, was responsible for starting dinner and other chores around the house and just found that I had to have a different perspective then most kids my age.

I came to resent this trait in high school. I would come home and complain to my mom about being the “mom” of the group and how I was always the responsible one. I was the person friends turned to when they had problems, I was always the designated driver and I was the one who talked everyone into the “good clean fun” on Friday and Saturday nights because I didn‘t like where their ideas were going. Translation- I found myself to be very boring at times. I envied my school mates for choosing to have “fun” and not worry about the consequences. I found that when I did that, it came back to bite me in the butt. (Thank you very much A.H for mono my senior year; which I might add, was the first time I had ever just randomly kissed a guy …and last… hey, I learned my lesson).

I didn’t know then but have since learned, that what I resented about myself was actually how God designed me to be and was a gift.



How did you come to know the Lord?

There has never been a doubt in my mind that God exists. I mean all you have to do is look around and see the incredible beauty around us! Growing up, I was taught to say my prayers before I went to bed and to pray over my meal, but we rarely went to church. It wasn’t until I was 16 that I started to attend church regularly and truly feel connected. I was baptized in November 2001, I was 17. I remember how remarkable I felt that day, it seemed as though the music was louder, the lights were twinkling and I felt electrified!

Since that time I have been through countless trials and tribulations that have tested my faith but through God’s grace I have persevered. I am a better person because of it, my marriage is stronger and I have a passion in my heart for God that is so intense that I want to share it with anyone who will listen!



What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like long walks on the beach, candle light dinners…but seriously, being a Florida girl I truly miss the beach! I really don’t feel at home unless I’m by the water and let’s face it folks- the Cumberland isn’t cuttin' it. I love to go on road trips, travel, read, and just be outside. I love to workout- some of my favorites are: INSANITY, kickboxing, weight training, bike riding, hiking and swimming. I desperately miss playing softball (shout-out to the Lucky Charms- miss you guys!) and volleyball! I love to go dancing with my husband, he makes me feel like a giddy little girl when he spins me around and I can‘t help but laugh! Most importantly I try to love life and live it to the fullest with the incredible people God has placed beside me!!

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Thanks, Shannon!! Come back next Tuesday for another bio from The Lantern Leadership!