Hayley W.

Today, Hayley speaks to us about remembering that God is in us, how we always have something to give others, and the importance of mentorship.

Hayley W.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

That verse has helped me through so many hard times, not necessarily where I’ve doubted or gone astray, but just where I can feel the enemy trying to get me down.  I always remind myself that the Lord is constantly beside me, even living inside me, so nothing the enemy can do will shake me, at least not permanently.  I’ve got someone stronger with me.

“I always remind myself that the Lord is constantly beside me, even living inside me, so nothing the enemy can do will shake me, at least not permanently.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Right now, I am focusing on seeing myself as God sees me and learning to love myself.  I really struggle with liking myself and feeling good enough, so I am really on a confidence journey.  I don’t just want confidence, though, I want it in knowing who God created me to be.

Profession: I am a letter librarian for a mortgage subservicing company.  I am also in graduate school to get my master’s in library and information science.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I am Hayley Wilson, I love to dance, go to the beach, and worship the Lord.

When did you first encounter God? I was about 10 years old when I first heard from God.  I really wanted to be an actress, and I was really upset that I hadn’t been given a talent I could make a career of, even though He did.  I asked Him to show me a talent I had, and immediately, it was like… you have danced since you were two years old.  Pursue that. It drastically changed things for me, and I learned early on about the power of prayer.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Mentorship and fellowship have been huge blessings in my walk with the Lord, especially here recently.  I have a mentor assigned to me by our women’s ministry director, and she has been incredible in helping me grow with the Lord by focusing on the Word. I am also involved in a young ladies Bible study, and those girls always inspire me and teach me new things.  I’m in constant community and fellowship with other believers, and it really helps me stay grounded.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I am currently reading The Fitting Room by Kelly Minter.  I am really learning how to put on the characteristics of Christ in new ways, and it has been incredible.  It is about taking off your old self and putting on these characteristics that Christ exemplified.  It is really, really good.

Top three essentials: Bible (cliche, but it is always with me), cell phone (everything is on it), and Chapstick, just because I love it.

How did God speak to you recently? I was just in Guatemala on a mission trip, and God spoke to me through a seven year old girl named Doris.  I was having a really hard time before leaving, because I had no Spanish in my vocabulary.  I was worried I wouldn’t be much help and that I wouldn’t really connect with anyone.  I was proven wrong the first moment we entered the village, and that trend continued throughout the whole trip.  He taught me that above all else, love is the most important thing we have to give.  Nothing can stop love.  No language barrier, no insecurities… nothing.

“He taught me that above all else, love is the most important thing we have to give.  Nothing can stop love.”

Hobby: I love being outdoors and just spending time with my dog.  We like to go to the beach and to the park.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Stay in the word, pray (even when you have no words), and seek community.  These things have helped me tremendously.

Favorite person in scripture? Peter. He is proof that a). You don’t have to be perfect to walk with Jesus, and b). He demonstrated trust in one of the most beautiful ways to me. The walking on water scripture has always been one of those things that perfectly demonstrates faith to me.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to see His kindness and love when they look at me.  I want to radiate that in everything that I do.

Favorite season? Summer!

Favorite holiday? Meaning: Easter.  Just because it’s fun: Halloween.

A dream you have? I want to make an impact with kindness and relate it to the Word.  I want to do something big to show the world how important kindness and love is, but I don’t have a foundation or know how to make that dream come true just yet.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: When we go on our annual beach trip, we do morning devotionals together.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? This is the most difficult question I’ve ever been asked, but so important to think about.  I struggle with the question of why can’t everyone be helped.  I see a person and just want to see them turn their lives around, but sometimes it never happens before they pass away.  I just wonder why sometimes.  I don’t doubt God’s plan or His will, it’s just something I always wonder about, but know He does have a reason for.  I just look forward to understanding more of His plan and design once I get to Heaven.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The importance of loving yourself as God loves you.  It’s so difficult, especially for women, and I just think it is also so important for all women to know they were fearfully and wonderfully made and were made how God wanted them to be, the rest of the world doesn’t matter.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I read my daily devotional (NIV Beautiful Word Devotional) and get ready for work/begin the work day, which starts at 8.

What is on your nightstand? I have a salt rock lamp, a DoTerra essential oils diffuser, Bible highlighters/pens, and an alarm clock.

Define Christianity in a sentence: To me, being a Christian is about believing Christ died for you and is the way to eternal life.  It is also about striving to model Christ’s love and kindness and strength while walking this earth.

For more Hayley:

Insta: @hayleyynikkole

Twitter: @theonesimpletruthh

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO