Brenda H.

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.

I am so exited to introduce you to Brenda H. On Modern Witnesses, she shares about what it means to feel God’s presence and where we can find Him, worshiping despite feelings and the Mexican-American plight.

Brenda H.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” 1 John 4:12 (NLT)

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Sharing more love with others.

Profession: Student; praying for a new job.

A one sentence bio of yourself: Twenty-year-old girl, in love with: Jesus, dogs, and books.

When did you first encounter God? I grew up in a different religion, but I encountered God’s love for me at a very young age. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s garden, around the age of five, wondering how someone could love me so much that they created me and died for me.

“I remember sitting in my grandmother’s garden, around the age of five, wondering how someone could love me so much that they created me and died for me.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Continuing to pray, worship, and go to church– even when I don’t feel like it.

Just read/currently reading: Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel.

Top three essentials: Books, music, and movies.

How did God speak to you recently? I was stargazing with my sister and a family friend the other night, and we started talking about life and the struggles we are going through, and in the end, God opened my eyes to see that we don’t have to be at a church alter to feel Him; the presence surrounding us that night was so light and sweet, it can only be described as His pure love.

“…God opened my eyes to see that we don’t have to be at a church alter to feel Him…”

Hobby? Reading, planning picnics, and watching Studio Ghibli films.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Talk to God about anything and everything; this is the easiest way to connect to way

Read your Bible. There is always something new to learn when reading your Bible; it is what gives you strength and wisdom to continue in this life.

Worship, even when you don’t want to; pray, read your Bible, sing, go to church– these are all things that glorify God and help connect you to Him. Often, life gets us down, and we do not feel like doing these [things], but please do them, despite your feelings. You get stronger every time you do.

“You get stronger every time you do.”

Favorite person in scripture? Jabez. There are only two verses in the bible about him, but there is so much to learn. My favorite book about him is The Prayer of Jabez: For Teens.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? How much love He has for you.

Favorite season? Fall

Favorite holiday? New Year’s Day

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Preparing for our Thanksgiving dinner. That day, we wake up super early to cook all day, but time goes by so fast because we have such a blast, since everyone is in the kitchen doing one thing or another.

“That day, we wake up super early to cook all day…”

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? “Where are all my dogs that died?”

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The struggles that Mexican-American kids go through. Each kid has a unique story; stories of family sacrifices, so future generations will live a better life.

“… stories of family sacrifices, so future generations will live a better life.”

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Sleep; thank the Lord I get to sleep in.

What is on your nightstand? Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, aloe vera gel, rose water, headphones, my journal, and my lip balm.

For more Brenda H.:

Email: brenherrera3@gmail.com

Tumblr: h-i-s-girl.tumblr.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO