Jaylynn A.

Today, Jaylynn speaks to us about what she has learned from worship.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I was born in Texas where I’ve lived my whole life. I began in Victoria, but relocated to Allen, Vanderbilt, McKinney, until our family finally landed in Edna. Edna is a small town, so there’s not much to hide behind to keep your life private. My mom, 4 siblings and myself relocated to Edna in 2005 when my parents decided to divorce. This was a really hard season of my life. I lived with a lot of resentment and fear. It felt like God had abandoned me and my family. Many times, we went without new clothes or a full fridge, but in the midst of the natural circumstances, God was at work for us. I look back and thank God for His move for our family because many holy encounters would come from this situation. I graduated and went on to the University of North Texas to pursue my music education degree, but God uprooted me and moved me back home to be closer to my support system. In 2017, I transferred to Southwestern Assemblies of God University where I finished my degree in 2019. During my time at SAGU, I met my amazing and supportive husband, Josh Arias. 

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: At this point in my life, I am rooted in an international ministry called King Jesus Ministries. Our main church is located in Miami, FL, but I am a member of the Dallas campus. My focus in  ministry, especially in this moment, is to equip and strengthen our worship team to usher in the Holy Spirit. We believe that we are a part of the generation that will welcome the second coming of our Jesus, so it is our responsibility to be ready for that moment.

Profession: I am currently an K-5 elementary music teacher. I’m really enjoying this, but my heart is in ministry, so I’m preparing and growing to be ready for the moment when the opportunity arises.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Refined by Fire

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I think my first encounter was in 5th grade at a girls camp, although I don’t have much recollection of this. I do vividly remember a summer camp when I was 13 where God spoke to me calling me to ministry. I’ll always cherish that encounter because it ignited a passion for music and ministry in my life.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? As previously mentioned, I lived a long season of resentment and fear. There were so many low moments where wallowing in my self-pity and sadness overcame me almost to death. I was met by the love of God in high school which saved my life. I still had misconceptions of who He was as “father” based on the failings of my earthy father. Through college and transitioning into King Jesus Dallas, I was able to disassociate those thoughts and truly encounter God as my Father. He is a good and faithful father. 

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? There was a 6-year season where God had removed me from serving in worship to refine me, but in the moment, I felt like I just wasn’t called to it anymore. I was very difficult for me to know God had called me, but for others around me not to see that yet. Looking back, I know I would not have been ready for the appointment I have now had I not gone through the refining process.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Submerging myself in worship from all cultures has helped me to experience what heaven sounds like. I also have great pastoral leadership and mentors who cover me constantly in prayer. They are new withholding when God has a word or wisdom to share with me. Lastly, my husband is a great support as well. He sees me in a place beyond where I am now. I’m very thankful for people in my life who can see the purpose of God in my life and lift me up to see it as well.

“Submerging myself in worship from all cultures has helped me to experience what heaven sounds like.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I’m not much of a reader.

Top three essentials: Of course my phone, Emergen-c packet, sweet tea.

How did God speak to you recently? God speaks very heavily through sound and worship, so most encounters happen in those settings. I’ve heard the voice of God reminding me of desperation. He’ s constantly reminding me that I need Him and what my life was life without Him. 

Hobby: I really enjoy playing piano although I’m not the best at it. I also enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Never take your eyes off of God. Trust His timing. Always be expectant. 

Favorite person in scripture? King David because his life is a reminder that even when I have disqualified myself, I cannot touch the purpose of God for my life. 

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to see a worshipper, not just by means of music but truly as a lifestyle. 

How do you engage with your community? I will admit I am not as connected to my community as I would like to be, but within the community of our church and sister-churches, I help with worship leadership and teaching basics of music theory and vocal technique. 

Favorite holiday? Christmas hands down! I love spending holidays with my family. 

A goal you have? A goal of mine is to become fluent in Spanish because our church is bilingual, so it would help me to communicate better to the people. 

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: A couple of years ago, we began doing a family trailer ride down through my grandparent’s land on my grandpa’s truck. It’s really simple, but it has been really special. 

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why the flying bugs?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Part of my purpose for the kingdom is to bring awareness and revelation to the remnant of their position for the end times. I pray a great awakening for the global church. I believe that is the one thing I wish to see grow in awareness. 

“I pray a great awakening for the global church.”

What does your morning routine consist of? Snoozing my alarm most days until I am forced to go without makeup haha. I usually get up around 6 am, get ready, make breakfast, and make it to school with only seconds to spare!

What is on your nightstand? Tissue box, melatonin, journal.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Dying to myself for the cause of Christ. 

For more Jaylynn:

Instagram: @the_mrsarias

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX