Bailey H.

Today, Bailey speaks to us about a friendship that changed her life, the fact that we can step up our friendship game, and a book about true, Godly womanhood.

Bailey H.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Focusing on trusting God to be in control of everything. I am such an over achiever; I often don’t leave room to rely on God, and I just keep going until I break down. So, learning to rest and be present without achieving anything. Trusting God is in control and doing good in those slower moments, too.

“I am such an over achiever, I often don’t leave room to rely on God, and I just keep going until I break down.”

Profession: Stay-at-home mom, writer, speaker, community-builder.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I invite women to root themselves in their faith, so they can grow fruitful friendships.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I first encountered God through my best friend in middle school. I would have never realized it was God then, but she was a light in my life and loved me when I was a sinner and when I became saved.

“I would have never realized it was God then, but she was a light in my life.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Attaching myself to God’s Word and actively memorizing His Word. Also, studying God’s Word in community has always helped me engage with the character of God and understand Him better.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliott was a powerful book on the role of women in the eyes of God. Women are being fed a lot of different ideas on womanhood from the world that I think are a little tainted. Elliott looks at Scripture and applies it to singleness, being a wife and mother and how the roles each are important for Kingdom work.

“Women are being fed a lot of different ideas on womanhood from the world that I think are a little tainted.”

Top three essentials: A fun playlist, iced tea and friend time.

How did God speak to you recently? I have been struggling with anxiety, and God has been near, as I wrestle with anxious thoughts and feelings. In this season, God has reminded me that I am covered with His righteousness and His righteousness brings peace. The best part is that I don’t have to do anything to receive this righteousness, but freely received it through Christ. His affection for me is so great, and it gives me comfort in difficult moments.

“His affection for me is so great, and it gives me comfort in difficult moments.”

Hobby: Hiking and hanging out with friends.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Pray often, read your Bible and lean on your spiritual family for support and accountability.

Favorite person in scripture? I have always liked Esther. It was the first book of the Bible I ever studied, and Esther’s ability to remain obedient to God even in a worldly position of power always encouraged me.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to see the pure joy of a life lived for God. I know a perception of a Christian can be a more boring or melancholy person, but I want people to see the unwavering hope and unconditional love that comes with choosing to follow God.

“I know a perception of a Christian can be a more boring or melancholy person, but I want people to see the unwavering hope and unconditional love that comes with choosing to follow God.”

Favorite season? Fall, forever and always!

Favorite holiday? Easter! There is nothing that gives my faith more meaning than remembering that Christ defeated death and gave us all life.

“There is nothing that gives my faith more meaning than remembering that Christ defeated death and gave us all life.”

A dream you have? I have a lot of dreams but a recent entrepreneurial dream is to have my own event space. It would be a space I can use myself but also rent out to other creatives for workshops, photography sessions, and fun events.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: This is tough because we are still new as a family. I am a traditionalist so having traditions is really important to me, but currently, we don’t have anything set in stone. I hope to have special things we do each year for all the holidays and birthdays!

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Were insects really necessary?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I want women to believe that they are worthy of having quality and fruitful friendships. I think women often get stuck in cycle of surface-level friendships wondering where their best friends are, when community doesn’t have to be that way. It takes a lot of effort, but the reward is worth the friendship work.

“I think women often get stuck in cycle of surface-level friendships wondering where their best friends are, when community doesn’t have to be that way.”

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Our son is an early riser, so a lot happens before 9 a.m. We eat breakfast, read our Bibles, play with toys and sometimes go on an outdoor run.

What is on your nightstand? A Bible to read before bed, a book, and pictures with friends.

Define Christianity in a sentence: A faith in Jesus Christ who lived on earth as an example, died on the cross for the sins of the world, and raised from the dead, defeating death and giving life to anyone who chooses to believe.

For more Bailey:

IG: @bailey.t.hurley

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO