Miranda D.

Today, Miranda speaks to us about patience, being a worship leader and reading scripture with intention.

Miranda

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up outside of Atlanta, GA, in a Christian family. We went to a Baptist church and going to Sunday School every week was all I ever knew. We moved to Gainesville, VA, the summer after my 5th grade and found Park Valley Church, which is a Non Denominational church.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

This verse has helped in every season of life. We are not promised tomorrow, but I am promised that my Lord will always be with me and that is worth rejoicing [about]!

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I am currently growing spiritually by learning to be patient. I have learned to be patient with God’s timing, but now, I am learning to be patient with other people. I am currently engaged and planning a wedding, therefore, I am learning to be patient with my fiancé and my parents, as everyone is sharing their opinions in this season.

Profession: Worship Coordinator and Communications Assistant at Park Valley Church.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Worship: The Act of Surrender

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? Growing up in a Christian home, I feel like I was always encountering God in many different ways, but I will never forget when I went to summer camp with my church after 6th grade. That week at camp was the first time I raised my arms during worship and understood what it meant to completely surrender to God!

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Getting more in the Word. While this may seem like a typical Christian answer, I find myself struggling to get in the Word privately. I work at a church, but I also volunteer a lot of my time at the church as well, so I hear a lot of Bible stories and a lot of Truth, no matter where I am. I listened to the lies that that was enough for God, until I started reading the Bible privately and had more one-on-one time with God. Reading the Bible more intentionally allowed me to realize that I always have more time to surrender to God.

“Reading the Bible more intentionally allowed me to realize that I always have more time to surrender to God.”

How did God speak to you recently? As a worship leader, I receive a lot of compliments, and I become very awkward. I never know what to say. Little did I know that God was speaking to me through these compliments. I really have to humble myself when people say “you have a great singing voice” or “I love how authentic your worship is,” and I got to the point where I was finally comfortable to answer back and say “glory to God.” I want people to know that this is because of God– not me! When I finally took the time to really listen to these compliments, I heard God saying to me that I am right where He wants me to be. He is reassuring me that through worship, people are growing closer to Him, and He trusts me to be a vessel. Being able to hear Him speak is my heart behind worship!

“He is reassuring me that through worship, people are growing closer to Him and He trusts me to be a vessel.”

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Surround yourself with Christian community, listen to God by reading the Bible, and talk to God by praying.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? Struggles come and life isn’t easy, but when you surrender it all to God and trust Him, you will have a better understanding and perspective of life and His purpose for you.

How do you leave your mark on your community? Lead worship at my church. I also lead a small group for freshmen girls, who I’ve had since they were 6th graders

Define Christianity in a sentence: Believing Jesus died on the cross for your sins and living your life to be more like Him, every day.

For more Miranda:
Instagram: @miranda_dixon

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO