Allison W.

I know some pretty amazing women. These women are driven, filled with faith, and I feel there is so much we can learn from each one and her personal journey. These church ladies break all molds and reflect God beautifully in so many different ways.

Today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Allison. She is an aspiring elementary music teacher, a Netflixer and black coffee fan. On Modern Witnesses, she shares about how everything has a purpose, her love for the classics, and her super fun Christmas traditions.

Allison W.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: This is my life verse, and it’s a constant comfort during my “dark and twisty days,” as I’ve come to call them. It’s Romans 8:37-39: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Being a constant example of Jesus’s love and overcoming a bitter soul and hardened heart.

Profession: Currently a college student, but I’m aspiring to be an elementary music teacher.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m a young Christian woman, musician, and educator whose goal is to leave the world better than I found it.

When did you first encounter God? The first encounter I remember was when I was in seventh grade, and it was such an overwhelming moment. I was at Camp Summersalt, and the camp pastor asked the question, “Is the noose still around your neck?” Immediately, I felt God’s grip on my heart. I grew up in church and knew who Jesus was and the story of salvation, but on this night, I finally knew what salvation meant for me. I went down to the alter and accepted Jesus, feeling a rush of relief immediately. It was honestly an experience I will never forget.

“Is the noose still around your neck?”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? I’ve gotten back into prayer journaling and reflecting on my devotions every morning. It gives me a chance to meditate on what I’ve read, and express the thoughts and feelings that I have (I often become overwhelmed with what I’m feeling and don’t know how to process it or explain it).

Just read/currently reading: I’m currently reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (I’ve grown to really appreciate the classics), and Reflections from the Parlor by Jean Burden (a great spiritual guide). I also read a devotional app every morning called First Fifteen. It’s a great spiritual refresher and helps me refocus spiritually.

Top three essentials: Chapstick, good music, and black coffee

How did God speak to you recently? This morning, my morning devotion was a great reminder that God loves me constantly, no matter my failures. I am redeemed through His amazing grace and mercy, and I don’t have to live as a prisoner to sin anymore. I can have hope and joy because of His love. “For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.” (Psalm 130:7)

Hobby? I love Netflixing, blogging, crafting, and reading.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Pray sincerely, love constantly, and seek God consistently.

Favorite person in scripture? Esther. I’ve always admired her bravery and strength. I also love how determined she was to protect her people, no matter what might happen to her, and how she constantly sought God in everything that she did.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? This all has a purpose. There is a brighter, better ending than the suffering we see so often in the world. Jesus has already won the battle for us; we aren’t in this alone.

“This all has a purpose.”

Favorite season? Fall! I love the colors, comfy sweaters, and hot drinks (tea, cocoa, or coffee).

Favorite holiday? Christmas!! It’s such a family oriented holiday, and I love being able to take a week a just think about everything I’ve been blessed with and focus on the good things in the world. I also love giving to those who have given so much to me.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Christmas is my family’s favorite holiday, so every year on Christmas Eve, we watch A Nativity Story, read the Christmas story from the Bible, and read the Night Before Christmas. This normally follows a day full of food, family, and a 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven: What was the purpose of all of this: creation, redemption….all of it?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Mental illness, and how having a mental illness is valid and is nothing to be ashamed of.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I’ve been trying to get into the habit of looking for the good things in life, so each morning, I try to think of one thing I’m thankful for, write it down on a sticky note, and put it in a jar. I’m also adamant about having one cup of black coffee every single morning.

“I try to think of one thing I’m thankful for, write it down on a sticky note, and put it in a jar.”

What is on your nightstand? My glasses case, a brick from outside my freshman-year dorm, a picture of me and my two best friends (Will and Trevor), a picture of me and some brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi (a band fraternity I am in), a small copy of the King James Version Bible, and a copy of Jane Eyre.

For more Allison W.:

Twitter and Instagram: @allisonwhis

Tumbler: http://restless-faith.tumblr.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO