By: Lennard James
In a world where the voices of young people often go unheard, Joy Marie Dillard is choosing to speak up—and speak boldly—for her generation. A spirited teenager with a heart full of purpose, Joy is the author behind “Dear God, It’s Me Again: A Pretty Girl’s Prayer Journal,” a beautifully crafted devotional journal aimed at uplifting, inspiring, and guiding young women in their spiritual journeys.
A proud member of Citadel of Deliverance in Memphis, Tennessee, Joy is not your average teen. Her life is a vibrant mix of lipstick and love for Jesus; track meets and tearful moments of prayer. While many her age are navigating school and social media, Joy has committed herself to something deeper building a personal and powerful relationship with God.
Her journey as a young author is deeply rooted in the spiritual legacy of her family. Joy is the daughter of Bishop Linwood Dillard and Lady Stephanie Dillard, leaders in both faith and family. Watching her mother walk in strength and grace while penning her own spiritual reflections in “Pretty Girls Pray” left an indelible mark on Joy’s heart. Inspired by those handwritten prayers and the example of faith her parents have set, Joy took a leap of faith herself, creating a journal that invites other young women into a deeper walk with God.
“Dear God, It’s Me Again” isn’t just a book—it’s a movement. It is a safe space where young women can come just as they are, with their questions, fears, dreams, and doubts. Joy’s journal encourages teens and women of all ages to pour their hearts out to God, reminding them that they are heard, seen, and deeply loved. Through daily prompts, heartfelt prayers, and scriptures that resonate with real-life struggles, the journal becomes more than pages—it becomes a friend, a guide, and a mirror of God’s grace.
What makes Joy’s voice, so refreshing is her authenticity. She doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and she doesn’t write from a place of perfection. Instead, she writes from a place of honesty and growth—openly sharing her own prayers, her love for God, and the ups and downs of walking by faith as a young woman in today’s world. Whether she’s talking about confidence, friendships, school pressure, or finding your purpose, Joy connects with her readers in a way that feels like a conversation with your best friend—if your best friend also knew how to point you back to the Word of God.
But Joy’s message reaches beyond teenage girls. Women of all ages will find something special in her words. Her journal is a reminder that true beauty doesn’t come from flawless skin or perfect photos—it comes from a heart that seeks after God. It’s a message passed down from her mother, now echoed by Joy: “Pretty girls pray.” And in this journal, Joy proves that pretty girls don’t just pray—they lead, they inspire, and they walk boldly in their purpose.
As Joy continues to grow in faith and favor, her prayer is that this journal will not only bless those who use it but spark a new wave of devotion, reflection, and transformation among young women everywhere. She’s a living example of what happens when faith meets creativity, when legacy meets purpose, and when a teenager says yes to God.
In “Dear God, It’s Me Again,” Joy Marie Dillard doesn’t just write—she ministers. She reminds each reader that prayer is powerful, that our voices matter, and that even as teens, we can make a difference for the Kingdom. Her life, her journal, and her joy are all proof that it’s never too early—or too late—to start the conversation with God.
Because sometimes the most powerful prayer starts simply with: “Dear God, it’s me again.” Now available on Amazon.
