Emily C.

Emily speaks to us about living in true freedom, her love for photography, and what God is looking for in a disciple.

Emily C.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Galatians 4:21-31. I’m studying it for the Biblical Interpretation class I’m taking, and I’ve been so amazed by the depth of it. It talks about how we are meant to live free as children of God and not as slaves to the world.

“Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written,

‘Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than those of the one who has a husband.’
Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? ‘Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.’ So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.”

“[W]e are meant to live free as children of God and not as slaves to the world.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Loving others. I think I can always grow in this, but I’m really working on being intentional with it.

Profession: I’m a freelance photographer, dance teacher, student, and church intern.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I love Jesus, coffee, movies, traveling, and laughing until I cry.

When did you first encounter God? I gave my life to the Lord at 5, and followed Him all my life. I had a life-changing encounter with the love of God, though, when I was 19 in my college dorm room. Since then, I have encountered Him in ways I could have never imagined.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? The people surrounding me. I have great Christian friends, godly leaders, and elders in the church who encourage me.

Just read/currently reading: Practicing Greatness, which is about being a good spiritual leader, and of course I’m reading the Bible.

Top three essentials: Jesus, God (the Father), and the Holy Spirit.

How did God speak to you recently? God has been speaking many things to me recently! He has been speaking to me about walking in freedom and letting go of control. He has been teaching me how to be thankful for the season I’m in, even if it seems difficult. Last but not least, He has been showing me how blessed I am.

Hobby: Photography.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Read your Bible, spend time in prayer and worship, and surround yourself with people who challenge you in your faith.

Favorite person in scripture? Jesus! Besides him, I love Paul, Deborah, Esther, Jonathan and Mary Magdelene.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? Good question, I want them to learn that God uses anyone for His glory. You don’t need a college degree, credentials, or years of experience for Him to use you, just a willing and obedient heart.

“You don’t need a college degree, credentials, or years of experience for Him to use you, just a willing and obedient heart.”

Favorite season? Summer.

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We go to Cannon Beach in Oregon, every summer.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I think one thing I wonder about is healing. Why everyone is not healed when we pray for them. It doesn’t waver my faith, but I do wonder.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Persecution of Christians in other countries.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Devotion, coffee, and chapel.

What is on your nightstand? A lamp, Captivating book, water bottle, and my first Bible.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is a relationship with Christ.

For more Emily:

Insta: @bloomandbless
@emilyvioletphotography

Until next time, keep witnessing!
XOXO