Ashley A.

Ashley speaks to us about sustainability, labor laws and protecting our brothers and sisters, and some good advice for when you hit the genealogies in Scripture.

Ashley A.
Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Hebrews 10:23, which says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Learning to give more grace.

Profession: I’m a university student, currently majoring in journalism and minoring in politics.

A one sentence bio of yourself: Most likely to make everything political and Biblical (but always more Biblical than political.)

When did you first encounter God? Around when I was in middle school. I went to camp, and I remember during an alter call at the end of service– I had never been as convinced that I wasn’t alone.

“I had never been as convinced that I wasn’t alone.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? My friends. It’s amazing, but they’re really the family you choose. Having your closest group of friends be other Christians who really lift you up and encourage you daily is priceless. I love them all more than words can say.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I just finished reading The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls, and it has certainly taught me to be thankful for everything, and to be especially thankful that I have a God who will carry me through every trial. And as for the Bible, in 2017 read the ENTIRE Bible, using Nick Gumbel’s Bible in One Year plan on the Bible App, which was so dope. Now, I’m starting over again, but going slower, so I’m nearly done Genesis now. Also, pro tip: when reading genealogies, consult a commentary, they help you get more out of it (and not just skip over them – please tell me I’m not the only one who has done that…)

“Pro tip: when reading genealogies, consult a commentary, they help you get more out of it (and not just skip over them – please tell me I’m not the only one who has done that…)”

Top three essentials: Lip balm, headphones, and water! Stay hydrated!

How did God speak to you recently? He’s definitely been telling me not to allow my own human fear of failure get in the way of Him using me for the extraordinary.

Hobby: I’m always always facetiming people, taking pictures, editing pictures, or writing! (Shameless promo: check my blog vaguesetvent.tumblr.com)

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Have thousands of (or like a few very close) Christian friends, spend actual time talking to God EVERY DAY (like having real out loud conversations with Him), and fight with everything in you to choose Jesus over anything. That last one is a toughy, but you have to.

“Fight with everything in you to choose Jesus over anything.”

Favorite person in scripture? Daniel is definitely my guy, so courageous, and so faithful; I wanna be more like that.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That He’s love. That He’s a God filled with love, and compassion, and understanding, who will never ever ever give up on you, and will always want you, no matter how broken you are.

Favorite season? SUMMER– don’t fight me on this.

Favorite holiday? New Year’s Eve!

A dream you have? Starting a sustainable and ethical clothing company that will provide safe workplaces and fair wages to people in third world countries! I’m so over modern-day slavery, and you should be, too!

“Starting a sustainable and ethical clothing company that will provide safe workplaces and fair wages to people in third world countries!”

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We read the Christmas story together every Christmas morning (even if we’re on the beach in Cuba– which happened last year!)

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why couldn’t I save all my friends/family no matter how hard I tried?

“Why couldn’t I save all my friends/family no matter how hard I tried?”

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Labor laws in third world countries!

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Let me be real with you, the only reason I’m ever up before 9 a.m. is for class and church.

What is on your nightstand? Bible, notebook, pen, lip balm, phone charger and sketchbook.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Loving broken people because God loved the broken you, first.

“Loving broken people because God loved the broken you, first.”

For more Ashley:

Instagram @ashleyalagurajah

Until next time, keep witnessing!
XOXO