@petit._livre._

Today, @petit._livre._ speaks to us about the book that inspires her focus, a glimpse into her artist world, and talk about perfectionism and resilience.

 

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: My childhood was one of extreme polarity. Beautiful moments of nurture that I am incredibly thankful for, against dense dark patches in my past. There were times of physical, and audio jadedness that sometimes creep back to haunt and shake. I do not wish to share entirely, but it has heavily influenced my growth and calling toward mercy ministries. I was correctly diagnosed with clinical depression, amongst other things, at the age of 22. Currently, honestly struggling to trust God completely with my condition, but I would have to continue to pray.  As a woman, this is pretty tough. Always wished to be a mother. Always loved to have kids of my own. But in His time. I discovered very early in life the resilience of a strong woman. The strength resides in letting go.

“I discovered very early in life the resilience of a strong woman. The strength resides in letting go.”

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: The book of Isaiah, and the Bible character Rahab.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Surrender.

Profession: University student graduating soon, stepping into mercy ministry for the rest of my life.

How do you incorporate your connection with God into your daily, secular work? It honestly was a personal struggle. I would say it has come to a point where I have recognized my perfectionist nature does have the potential of turning passion pursuits into idols. As an art history student, the constant making and remaking of identity oppose our found identity. God has taught me to see it as not so much as searching for self-worth during the act of creating that frees the creative soul, now it recognizes how our talents may point to Him. He, grace coalescing the broken pieces. Mending us like a welder would, under the fire and coming out sturdy and sure, waiting for the final polish at the end of this life. But for now, He tells me, Child, be ready to fight the battle at hand. Sword by my side, two feet on the ground. I set forth.

“But for now, He tells me, Child, be ready to fight the battle at hand. Sword by my side, two feet on the ground. I set forth.”

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? He went before the butterflies in the bonfire.

When did you first encounter God, and how did you face Him? I first met God when I was on a road trip at a young age; it was an immense sense of peace. The shone through the window seat that day. But I was young then, I guess that is the beauty of it. The innocence of it, you never forget.

“The innocence of it, you never forget.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Children’s ministry; their simple joy is a blessing; every Sunday I serve, it nourishes my soul, their pure joy.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): The Abolition of Man, a personal favorite. Showed me the importance (wisdom) in and amidst worldly knowledge.

Top three essentials: Water, chocolate, a scarf.

How did God speak to you recently? On and On by Housefires.

Hobby: Creating and innovating.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually healthy: Quiet time, worship music in headphones, accountability meetings.

Favorite person in scripture? Esther.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? Inner beauty and strength.

How do you leave your mark on your community? I am learning as a teacher.

“I am learning as a teacher.”

Favorite holiday? Just a close friend and genuine conversations, no matter the place.

A goal you have? To serve with all my heart and to not suffer humanitarian work burnout at the same time; to learn to rest entirely in Him.

“To serve with all my heart and to not suffer humanitarian work burnout at the same time”

A unique tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Love.

The question you will ask when you get to heaven? “You knew, didn’t You?”

The thing you want to raise awareness about: Breaking the shame and guilt faced by women in the sex trade and young women in poverty.

What does your morning routine consist of? Waking up and getting ready to conquer the day!

What is on your nightstand? A cup of tea and bobby pins.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Whole.

For more @petit._livre._:

IG: @petit._livre._ [She will be expanding ministry work here]

Alesce ministry: https://www.alesce.co

CIVA: http://civa.org

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO