Damaris F.

Damaris speaks to us today about how God speaks every language, finding her priorities and the book she is learning from. [Translated from Spanish]

Damaris F.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment:

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5

This is one of the most well known verses, yet, for me, I say it to God in a personal way. It made me realize how merciful God is, despite how insignificant I am.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I think prayer is a continuous ministry, and it’s one of my most desired spiritual purpose. Even though I may fail on the disciple side, I know each time I am closer to it being more of a habit.

Profession: I am an elementary school teacher and currently working on a university degree.

A one sentence bio of yourself: My name is Damaris; I am 20 years old, I have been a Christian since I was 12; I live in Honduras, and I love to read.

When did you first encounter God? I don’t remember the exact date, but I know it was in 2010, in December. But I will never forget the amazing gift I received on that day.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Apart from God’s constant help through His Word and the Holy Spirit, my main support in spiritual matters has come from my parents and my beloved congregation.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I am reading Women Before God by Ulla Buhne. This book goes through all of the women in Scripture, and it focuses on their struggles and how they are an example. It has taught me patience, and to not forget God’s promises. The second thing has been about life balance, and to keep stepping toward the Father no matter what the circumstance. And lastly, the emphasis on giving God only the best.

How did God speak to you recently? I was at a camp in the Valley of Angels in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. God helped me order my priorities. I have gone through a difficult time in my academic life. I have been so focused on being the best that I forgot what was really important.

God used Ecclesiastes 12:13, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Now, I understand that everything that has bothered me is vanity, and that I need to use my energy to know God and obey Him.

“Now, I understand that everything that has bothered me is vanity, and that I need to use my energy to know God and obey Him.”

Hobby: I love to read. I read several things at a time; secular (Moby Dick by Herman Melville) and Christian (Women before God by Ulla Buhne).

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Easy. Read the Bible, pray and have fellowship with other Christians.

Favorite person in scripture? I love Esther; her strength, her determination and her surrender and dedication. Without a doubt she is everything I would like to be.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? Society has this erroneous view that God is a dictator and that He doesn’t care about what happens to humans. I want people to look at me and understand that God is love, He is joy, He is mercy, and He is grace, despite my many failings.

Favorite season? Where I live, we don’t have seasons, but if I had to choose, I would say spring because of the flowers. I love flowers.

Favorite holiday? The last day of teh year because it’s a time to be so grateful to God. I can reflect and look back at God’s protecting hand in my life, in every day that I lived.

A dream you have? I would love to work for The Global Wycliffe Alliance America, linguists who translate the Bible into indigenous languages. One of the themes that impacted me the most: “The translation of the Bible is more than translating a simple text. It’s to facilitate access for each person to God’s word; it’s to give dignity and respect to their culture and say, “God speaks your language.”

“God speaks your language.”

Question you will ask when you get to heaven: I would ask Him how He could in His divinity and in my insignificance, love me so much. In Mark 10:21, one of my favorite verses, it states that Jesus looked upon the person and loved the person.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Service at church.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I do my devotional before I leave my room in the morning, it’s a habit I have developed for a little more than a year. I love to compare our devotional reading in the morning with the portion of mana God would give the children of Israel. Meeting with God and being in His presence in the morning is so necessary to have strength throughout the day.

What is on your nightstand? My Bible, a small notebook with my notes, and two devotional books.

Define Christianity in a sentence: To live as Jesus lived.

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO