Cayla C.

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 excited to introduce you to Cayla C.

Cayla spoke to us about accountability and community, and how she wants to raise awareness about the perils of the sex industry that have affected many of her peers.

Cayla C.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (Corinthians 4:16-18)

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I’m trying to stay focused on God’s plan. I’ve had so many changes happen recently, and so many new doors have been opened. I’m learning each day to rest fully in Him, and watch God do what once seemed impossible.

Profession: Psychology student.

A one sentence bio of yourself: A fiery woman, trying to stay at the feet of Jesus.

When did you first encounter God: I became a Christian at 18 years old, but I don’t think I understood the weight of that until later. About six months later, I remember God showing me how little of myself I had given up. I was still identifying with the heaviness of my past. I prayed and cried for the entire night. That started a season of my life that consisted of me sitting by myself for hours praying, worshiping, and reading, every night, for months. I was searching for God and was willing to lay down everything to find Him. I felt so swept up in the love of God. Those months began my true relationship with the Lord. It takes just one encounter with God’s love to completely change everything.

“It takes just one encounter with God’s love to completely change everything.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season: Accountability and community. I’m very thankful to have relationships with people who check up on me, either periodically or more often, give me spiritual resources and tips, and pray for me. They are great helpers on keeping me on my path and helping me to grow spiritually.

Just read/currently reading: Undaunted, by Christine Caine.

Top three essentials: My phone, a journal, and a good lipstick.

How did God speak to you recently: Some huge answers to prayer! Also, through some people I’ve recently met. I’ve recently began going to some new Bible studies. A few specific women have really been amazing, and God has been using them to shed some light on my sin that I was unable to see.

Hobby: I’m an avid crocheter , reader, podcast listener, and lover of cooking.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

The first is to stay in the Word and to be constantly using it in application. It’s easy for me to make it a thing to check off my list, but it’s so much more than that. The Word is still moving through us and our world, and it cuts right through us, and its words leaves us bare. It shows us our sin and what our heart is truly like. (Hebrews 4: 12-13) It can sometimes be very uncomfortable, but it is our tool for pursuing righteousness.

“It can sometimes be very uncomfortable, but it is our tool for pursuing righteousness.”

The second would be to stay in contact with God. Prayer is such a huge gift. It’s so amazing that we can speak to our Creator at literally any moment of the day and that He cares so much about what we are saying. Along with prayer, trying to keep in contact with God throughout your day. Wake up and align your heart and thoughts with Him. Speak to God about the little and big thoughts and experiences you have. He desires to hear from you.

The third is to surround yourself with people of faith, especially those who are more advanced in your faith than you. Allow these people to call out your sin, speak into your life, and love you. Then do the same for those around you who are newer in their faith than you.

“He desires to hear from you.”

Favorite person in scripture: Paul.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you: I want people to see a little glimpse of God’s grace. I try to live a life of speaking with a kind heart, helping others in little and big ways, responding with forgiveness, and just being present to others. Nothing I’ll ever do will ever come close to God’s grace, but I do want others to see how God’s grace changes the heart; even if it’s only through a helping hand.

Favorite season: Fall.

Favorite holiday: Christmas! It’s the only time I get to see my older sister and all of my nieces!

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Unless there’s something I don’t realize is special to my family, we aren’t really tradition type people. Every year is filled with new things.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven: I don’t think I’ll be worried about questions at that point. Once I get to heaven, I’ll be so overwhelmed with the joy of being with God, reunited with loved ones, and meeting everyone else there in heaven as well.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The horrendousness of the sex industry. I lost the majority of my high school friends to the sex industry. In the past year, one of them was murdered and the other was severely mutilated beyond recognition– all because they got on the wrong side of the wrong people in the system. The abuse, trauma, and terror put into the women involved often goes unnoticed.

“I lost the majority of my high school friends to the sex industry.”

In today’s world, being a porn star, exotic dancer, and/or a prostitute is glamorized. It’s very important to me that more young women who may be at risk at being in or are in the sex industry are educated on the truth– the truth of the horrors, but also the truth that they can get out and that there is grace.

“…[T]hey can get out and [that] there is grace.”

Much like the woman caught in adultery, I know they can often feel like they have metaphorically been thrown on the ground, with dirt in their mouths, being jeered at with hatred and ready to be stoned. Jesus doesn’t condemn her or them. He has so much grace and love for these women. They aren’t given a name in the media or often given recognition for the crimes against them because of their own. I know that there’s a God who knows their name and has a deep love for them. I want the world to give them more real opportunities to get out of the situation they are stuck in.

“I know that there’s a God who knows their name and has a deep love for them.”

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I have my coffee and sometimes breakfast, while I read a few chapters of my bible. Then, I get ready for the day and drive to school to get some work done before class, or on non-class days, I’ll already have been at work for a couple of hours.

What is on your nightstand? I don’t have a nightstand, but I have a desk that usually doubles as a nightstand! I keep my glasses, contacts, bible, journal, and water there next to me.

For more Cayla:

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Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO