The Courage to Pursue My Passion

by Ashley Kelsey

As a senior in high school, trying to figure my future out, I was no stranger to stress. Surrounding adults were often curious to know what I was going to do with my life. Quite frequently I would force a smile and respond as coolly as possible to their inquisitions with an “I don’t know”. 

Discussing your future can be exciting when you have it all figured out but it is certainly overwhelming when you don’t. The lack of direction in my future was depressing. I cried often in frustration and it was horribly draining.

In my final year of high school I just began filling out college applications because that’s what everyone else was doing. Once I finally paused among the chaos and stress of the hoards of applications and scholarship essays, God spoke. He told me to stop my college application process and I realized that I hadn’t been seeking Him in my endeavors of future planning. I saw that I was just following the crowd and wasn’t bothering to ask my Creator what His plans were for me.

I needed to stop and take a minute to consider the passions that God had placed in my heart and where He wanted to take me with them. It took a serious push to give me the courage to pursue my passions. My parents basically sat me down and had an intervention. They recognized the lack of fire in my eyes and the unrest in my spirit and wanted better for me. They saw me aligning my steps to coincide with what’s acceptable to society. Thank God they stopped me! I needed their encouragement to be brave enough to step out, regardless of societal norms or other’s approval.

{It’s important to state that I certainly am not against attending college. Who knows, I could likely end up there one day! My issue was not with the institution of college but rather with my lack of consideration of God’s plan for my life.}

I was creating a false security in a diploma when I serve a God who is not limited by a piece of paper or earthly credentials. I completely stopped my college application process and began to focus all my attention on what God wanted me to do next. After I finally released my control to God, He began to uncover and nurture a strong facet of creativity in me. I learned more and more about myself and unleashed my strong pull toward the beauty industry. My stress level decreased dramatically and I found joy in discovering what I am passionate about.

Though I was on the right track, I still encountered difficulty. I found that as I shared my plans, some would criticize my unconventional journey beyond high school. I listened to many speeches about why my change in plans was foolish. I know that every piece of advice I received was given in love but still it was not helpful. I had to decide to be brave enough to pursue my passions despite the opposition or disapproval of others. I also had to place value on the passions of my heart regardless of what anyone else thought. My draw toward beauty and fashion is valuable and God can and already has used it for His kingdom!

Even though it was scary and I needed a bit of a push, I jumped! It was so worth it! I was mindlessly following what everyone else said I should do but I found so much more joy in waiting for my Heavenly Father to reveal what He specially crafted me to do.  He continues to uncover bit by bit where He wants me to go next and when I become doubtful or impatient I meditate on His truths. God is Sovereign, He is Good, and He has plans to prosper me and give me hope and a future! I don’t know all that God has in store for me, and I certainly don’t have it all figured out, but I have found a much sweeter way of living by trusting God to guide me to His perfect plan.

Meet the author:

Ashley Kelsey is a Keller High School graduate class of 2014. God told her not to go right into college so she has been pursuing her passions outside of school. She recently has started her own business of closet organizing and styling and when she isn't doing that, she's helping nanny for a precious family. Ashley loves connecting with women and helping them to see their own unique beauty. She thrives on helping others see themselves the way God sees them.

Lead Where You Are

by Karen Harmon

For some, the word “leader” can bring feelings of purpose and confidence. For others, it can bring feelings of intimidation and inadequacy. As followers of Jesus, we are called to LEAD others to Christ, which means we are called to lead in all our spheres of influence. How can we lead effectively in every role and season of our lives?

Be confident of your identity in Christ.

(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-17; Colossians 3:10-14)

Our identity should not be rooted in WHAT we DO but in WHO He created us to BE.  In 2007, I became a stay-at-home mom. Everything I knew about leadership and purpose changed. Previously, I was working full-time as a physical therapist and serving regularly on the worship team. I could lead patients and support staff in my career. I could lead people into the presence of the Lord as a worship leader; but I had no idea what leadership meant in this new role. With no paying job or ministry that I loved, I completely lost my identity and learned a valuable lesson. I cannot be the effective leader God has called me to be without first knowing who I am in Christ. In order to find my Christ-given identity, I had to let go of my past expectations and failures and embrace the present. I had to believe in the potential God placed inside of me by releasing fear, comparisons, and ideals. I had to trust and be confident in God and in myself. I had to dig into the Word of God and seek His face like never before. Knowing our identity in Christ is the foundation of our leadership identity. Our leadership identity may look different at times depending on vocation, but our identity in Christ is a constant regardless of vocation.

Be bold with your passion, purpose, and vision.

(Jeremiah 29:11-13; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:23-24)

Unlocking your passion will lead to your purpose which will clarify your vision. We are all uniquely created with different interests and talents, and have had various life experiences. Use these things to help ignite passion. Are you being a wise steward of the one life that God has given you? I love the example of Esther in the Bible. I call her the “unsuspecting leader.” According to Scripture, her primary role before she became queen was taking part in daily beauty treatments for a whole year, so she would be ready when it was her time with the king. To me, that does not seem like Leadership Training 101, and Esther didn’t seem like she possessed naturally strong leadership abilities (as evidenced by the frequent pep talks from Mordecai). However, she became the queen, risked her life to go before the king unannounced, and saved the Jews from death. Sometimes, it just takes a small, brave step forward to discover what you’re capable of doing. Your vision may be to start a small group, open a new business or non-profit, go back to school, start a blog, or simply be more attentive to those you encounter. Whatever it is, combining your passion, purpose, and vision, will help define your leadership identity. Once you have a vision, writing down action steps will help you chart your course with more direction and boldness. This can include listing priorities, creating goals, and organizing a support system. One of the biggest lies that Christian women believe is that we should ignore our God-given abilities, talents, and callings for the sake of a primary role. In order to further God’s work here on earth, it is vital we walk in ALL God created us to be.

Be intentional with your influence.  

(Matthew 20:26; I Thessalonians 5:11; II Timothy 4:2)

The greatest leaders serve unselfishly, lead by example, and develop other leaders. Jesus’ life is the ultimate leadership guide. Draw out the potential and purpose in those around you, and let them shine. Nothing means more to people than when someone takes the time to see them, validate them, and encourage them. Sometimes a little push or a word of encouragement will go a long way. Your most important ministry may not be off a platform to thousands, but in daily life to a few. You have influence, with or without a leadership title.

I often tell my kids, “You may be the only Jesus that somebody ever meets.” Be intentional with how you interact with others. Look for opportunities to show the love of Christ, and pour into people. Be a loud encourager and a gentle corrector when needed. No matter your current roles…whether you are young, old, single, married, a mother, work outside or in the home…you have greatness inside of you, given by God, to influence others. You have purpose in all aspects of your life. You are equipped with certain abilities, talents, dreams, and resources to positively impact the world around you. Walk boldly in who God created you to be…a leader!

Meet the author:  

Karen Harmon is a wife, homeschooling mom, and physical therapist who actively serves her church in worship, life groups, and media. She is passionate about encouraging women to fully and intentionally live and lead in all their many roles. You can follow her on Instagram @KarenHarmon360

If Mirrors Could Speak

by Hannah Morris

“Mommy, it looks like there is a baby in your tummy. Mommy, your booty is soooo big. Mommy, when you walk your booty goes like this (hand motion for jiggle)!” 

These were my 4-year-old daughter, Willow’s comments to me while I was getting dressed one morning. Don’t you just love kid’s honesty? They call it like they see it, literally.  

I immediately had several options on how to respond. I could: 

1.  Start sobbing  
2.  Justify my belly because I ate a big breakfast, and as for that“jiggly” booty; well, you gotta shake what yo’ momma gave ya, right?  
3.  Laugh it off since she is only four. 

I went with the third option, but if this conversation had happened a few years ago, you would have probably found me in a corner crying.  

I consider myself a physically healthy person, but it took me a long time to become healthy in the way I see myself. Go stand in front of a mirror. What do you see? 

I am pretty sure that most of you will say that although you see some good things in that reflection,the majority of your focus will be on your weaknesses. Do you immediately see your stretch marks or wrinkles,your cellulite or big tummy?

For me, it didn’t matter if I was 9 months pregnant feeling like the baby was literally about to fall out, or if I was skinny and toned. I always seemed to focus on my imperfections. It was like the Fun House mirrors they have at the State Fair; you know, the ones that distort your reflection? They make you look short and wide or tall and thin? We all know which reflection we would rather see! 

That distorted view was how I used to see myself. My husband would tell me that I looked good, but I always responded with “thanks, but I need to work on…”.  I was my worst critic. 

Then God did something in my heart a few years ago that completely changed the way I see myself.  I saw a video of a woman who went out on the streets and asked other women to describe their body in one word. Here are some of their answers: 

• imperfect 
• very average 
• frumpy 
• stubby
• overweight 
• several of them even said disgusting   

At the end of the video she asked one question,“How am I going to teach my daughter to love her body if her Mom can’t do the same?”  

That question changed everything for me. I want my daughter to love her body and see her beauty, inside and out. I have to model that for her. I never look at Willow and see her imperfections; she is absolutely beautiful in every way. The Bible says that we are made in God’s image, and if that is true then we are all beautiful, because He IS beauty.  

1 Peter 3:3-4 says,“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 

I can honestly say the most beautiful people I know are the ones that truly exemplify the heart of God, because your heart shines through to the outside. The Scripture doesn’t say that it is wrong to wear jewelry, makeup, or fix your hair,but it says that true beauty comes from the heart. Incorruptible beauty is a gentle and quiet spirit and is precious in the sight of God. It is a beauty that lasts forever.  

I asked my kid’s to give me one word that describes what makes me beautiful to them. Grady said “kindness” and Willow said “precious”.Then I asked them the same question to describe Willow and they said “funny-ness” (that is in a 7-year-old’s vocabulary) and“cuteness”. I wasn’t sure what they would say, but I really thought their word would describe a physical attribute. Instead, they saw the heart shining through and THAT was beauty to them.  

If a seven and four year old can get it, I think it’s time that the rest of us understand this truth too.  

Real beauty comes from the inside; it shines brighter and makes more of a lasting impact in others lives than any physical attribute we possess. Focusing on the condition of our heart and allowing that beauty to shine;THAT is what true beauty is. 

So when I see my imperfections now it is so much easier to look past them and focus more on the condition and beauty of my heart. It allows me to have a healthy view of myself and I can find joy in the reflection I see in the mirror.  

If your mirror could speak to you today,what would it say? 

Meet the author:

Hannah Morris is a stay-at-home mom taking care of her two kids, Grady and Willow. She recently celebrated her 11 year anniversary with her husband, Josh. She believes that the greatest calling on earth is to do exactly as Christ commanded, which is to love God and love others. She's passionate about seeing this fulfilled in her life and the lives of others around her

Are you Type A OR Type B?

by Kendra Hunt

We are living in a time that glorifies very specific things about women. The barrage of media confirms its love of women that are constantly working. They have perfect houses, magazine styled nurseries, perfectly dressed children, picture perfect dinners, no dishes in the sink, fruit cut and prepped at all times on the counter, and on and on. Many would call women driven to do all of these things Type A personalities.

Thank God for these women that set the standard high, but can I just say that Type B women make the world a balanced place. You know us! We could wear athletic clothes to every event and not feel bad about it. We can enjoy a hearty bowl of cereal for dinner (no pictures please). We are perfectly fine sitting down with our kids while the kitchen cries out for some love in the form of a good cleaning. Yep, that's us.

As a Type B girl, I adore my fellow Type A girls. They keep me accountable for things that may not ever cross my mind otherwise. They push me to put a little more time and effort into areas that don't play a part in my normal day. They remind me that the details matter. Type A girls are original the pinners on Pinterest! Amazing!

Knowing that God made us all different is important, but even more important is loving those differences. We must learn to appreciate and use the differences we see in each other. I once had a friend tell me that she loved for me to visit because I truly never noticed the 'messes.' And she was right. My focus tends to be on fun and less on function.  While I have many times in life that I wish I were Type A (and I know my husband has wished it too), I have learned the value in how I am wired. Even in my relaxed nature, I have a purpose.

Here is what I have learned about my Type B personality: I need outside motivation. I need those Type A ladies. I need time in the Word. I need fun little quotes. I need goals!! I cannot depend on my personal drive to get things done. There is no shame in loving the Type B that God created me to be!

As a girlfriend – embrace those ladies that have completely opposite personalities. You need them and they need you! It is a match made in heaven. Literally!

All my single ladies – Don't count out that guy because he is not your “Type.” There is strength in your differences. Yes there may initially be conflict in your differences, but as you both grow it will become something beautiful for you to operate together! Like peanut butter and jelly! Like salt and pepper! Like milk and cookies! Like bread and butter! I am sorry I don't have any healthy pairs that are better together.

The Bible says we are wonderfully made! Whether you are Type A or Type B, God made you exactly how He designed. He loves everything about you, quirks and all. Know who you are! Know your strengths and don't give up on those things that are categorized as weaknesses. Fill your world with people that will challenge you, whether you need to learn to stop and smell the roses or you need to learn to throw away the roses that died 2 weeks ago in that vase on your table. God loves them all!

Meet the Author:

Kendra's boys say that she spends her time making dinner and wrestling them for hugs. Kendra spends the rest of her time as a full-time mom, a full-time pastor's wife, a part-time accountant, a ladies group leader, a PTA board member, and the director of the mentoring program for Gateway's NFW campus. She recently wrote the book, “Encouragement Between Loads of Laundry” and while Kendra doesn't even enjoy making dinner, she is proud that it is first on her boys' list! The rest are just details!