Mina S.

Today, Mina speaks to us about books that are helping her stay centered in these unique times and finding God in LA.

Mina S.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: My name is Mina, and I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. My parents got divorced when I was 2 years old, and growing up, I always found myself to be the odd women out. I always stood out in a crowd and loved to voice my opinions. I grew up in a Methodist church, but didn’t really find God until I moved to Los Angeles.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: At the moment, a verse that inspires me right now is Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Right now, I am really trying to focus on reading the Bible in its entirety. This is something that I am trying to be patient with myself and take my time to really absorb the Lord’s Word and better my relationship with Him.

Profession: I am currently a full-time student, business owner, content creator, and freelancer.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Hmmm, I think it would be called “Anything is Possible”. That phrase really hits home to me and means a lot.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? My first encounter with God was shortly after I moved to LA and attended church for the first time in years. During worship, I felt Gods hands on my shoulders and knew that He has always been with me and always will. That night, I truly gave myself to God and my relationship with Him.

“During worship, I felt Gods hands on my shoulders and knew that He has always been with me and always will.”

How has your relationship with Him changed you? My relationship with God has changed me in so many ways. He has truly opened to my eyes to what and who is important. At a young age, I had a lot of things happen to me that no one should go through and looking back on everything, I know that He was looking after me. I am a very loving person, but I also think my relationship with God has allowed me to heal my past wounds and open my heart to new possibilities and opportunities.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? In this season, my community has helped me grow. I try to surround myself with amazing, positive and faithful people who also encourage me. My LA church community has truly showed me what it means to be loved.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I am currently reading the Bible and also to book called The Four Agreements. They are both teaching me how to have more grace and understanding for and of people. Both of these books help ground me and center my mind no matter what is going on in the world.

Top three essentials: Water, my Bible, and Cats. Haha, I know that’s so random, but it’s true.

How did God speak to you recently? During this pandemic God has really showed me the value of slowing down. It is okay to rest and that is something that I have trouble with sometimes. Living in a city like LA can not be easy. Grind, hustle, and so many words like it are always buzz words, and I let that get to my head. I think that I am not doing enough, and then the Lord reminds me that I am exactly where I need to be and doing exactly the right things.

“The Lord reminds me that I am exactly where I need to be and doing exactly the right things.”

Hobby: I love to read, sing, and create digital content like collages. I have also been super obsessed with solitaire and solving puzzles lately.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: I would recommend for everyone to read the Word every day. It can be one sentence or your favorite verse, but center yourself with reading the Word. Next, talking about your faith and what God has done for you. I know that it can difficult, but tell someone how God moved in your life! Lastly, thanking God every day for what you’re grateful for and for what is to come. This is a big one for me, because I truly believe in the power of words and thanks.

Favorite person in scripture? My favorite person in Scripture is probably John. I admire his relationship with Jesus, a lot!

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? When people look at me I honestly want them to be surprised that I am a Christian. I want people to see the impossible made true by God through me. I also want people to see the kindness, loyalty, and grace that Jesus had in me.

“I want people to see the impossible made true by God through me.”

How do you engage with your community? I love being social and love to talk, haha. I am very active in my church community and also love bringing friends to church as well. If I’m not working or doing school work I am definitely with a friend. I also love to connect with my social media community and try to inspire them anyway I can.

Favorite holiday? I of course love Easter, but I think Christmas is my favorite holiday. That is one of the only times a year where I get to be with all of my family and give them a big hug.

A goal you have? To finish reading the Bible by the end of the year. I want to give myself ample time and be realistic as well.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: A family tradition is always on Christmas Eve. I come from a family of musicians and creatives, so every year my family plays during church service, and then, we host a big gathering at my grandparents house with snacks and yummy food.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? When I get to heaven I think I will be in too much shock to ask any questions, but I’ll probably ask to see my family and friends.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I want to raise awareness about God. I want people to experience God and all the incredible miracles He can do for all of his children.

What does your morning routine consist of? My morning routine usually consists of me rubbing my eyes and then praying. I say a prayer before I get up and look at my phone most days just to set the tone of the day and thank the Lord for the day. Next, I try to journal and read Scripture while I drink coffee or tea, and then, I get ready for my day.

What is on your nightstand? I mainly have books and notebooks on my nightstand.

Define Christianity in a sentence: To me Christianity is showing love, grace, acceptance, loyalty, and kindness like Christ and sharing His love with others.

For more Mina:

IG: mina__sanders
Blog: https://sites.google.com/view/minasanderscreate/home?read_current=1
Business IG: originalluxco

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX