Ebonee M.

Today, Ebonee speaks to us about her lifestyle blog Living Shae, hardwork and a philosophy she keeps.

MW: Hi Ebonee! Thank you for being with us today. Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood:

Ebonee M. (“EM”): I grew up in a very faith-centered home, so God has always been near and dear to me, which I’m extremely grateful for.

MW: What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it?

EM: God was with me during the death of my granddaddy. I was 16. If I didn’t have His Spirit in my heart, I would have not made it through, emotionally. God’s Spirit gave [me] so much strength during that difficult time. 

MW: You were recently featured in Southern Living. It was a gorgeous feature. In this piece you mentioned that your mom is a teacher and that made you a reader. My mom is also a teacher! In what ways did your mom’s vocation shape your life?

EM: Thank you so much for the congratulations on my homes feature in Southern Living Magazine, it truly is such a humbling experience that I was even asked for the feature. I’m forever grateful! Growing up, my mom always had books in our home- we loved reading, and we also loved the books on audio with coordinating books. One of my childhood favorites is Verdi by Janell Cannon. I remember listening to it multiple times during my mom summer break. I loved it! To this day, as an adult, I still love books. I’ve currently got a lot of books I’m either listening to or reading. I’m currently listening to Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington. I’m learning so much more about Booker and his school that he created. I’ve also learned that nothing should get in the way of your success. If you want something, work hard for it. Hard work always pays off. 

“If you want something, work hard for it. Hard work always pays off.”

MW: What Biblical passage is inspiring you, in this season?

EM: I also love reading the Bible. I’m currently so encouraged by Ruth and her dedication to her mother in law, who was a completely different race and religion, but due to her dedication, she ended up marrying Boaz the richest man. And she was eventually an ancestor of King David and most importantly our Savior Jesus Christ!

MW: What is your spiritual growth focus, at the moment?

EM: My spiritual growth focus is to abide in Jesus!

MW: What inspired you to start your blog Living Shae?

EM: My lifestyle blog Living Shae first started almost 4 years ago, this March. I started it as a creative outlet to share my favorite things like outfits, home decor and recipes. I truly love blogging so I would say blogging is my hobby. 

MW: I love how colorful your home and blog are. If you were a color, which color would you be?

EM: If I were a color I’d be purple- it’s my favorite and speaks of royalty💜 .

MW: Top three essentials:

EM: My topic three essentials are: my water bottles- I live in Florida so staying hydrated is important to me. Plus, I drink a lot anyways. Lip moisturizer, my sunglasses, and bonus, my planner. I need these items to get through my work week. 

MW: Who is your favorite person in scripture?

EM: My favorite person in the Bible is Ruth- I can relate to her. 

MW: What do you want people to learn about God, when they look at you?

EM: When people see me as a Christian, I want them to see me as an Authentic Christian. A lot of people say they are a Christian, but they live the very opposite. I don’t want to be like that- I want to reflect Christ. 

“A lot of people say they are a Christian, but they live the very opposite.”

MW: In your Southern Living piece you said, “Not everything has to be perfect all at once.” This is great advice for 1^st time homeowners and renovators, but it’s also a type of philosophy. How does this philosophy apply to everyday life?

EM: The philosophy that nothing has to be perfect all at once- I apply that to my life now that we are all a work in progress. You know like the song “He’s Still Working On Me.” 

MW: What is your favorite holiday?

EM: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

MW: What is a special tradition you and your family engage in or keep:

EM: A tradition my family and I have is that we all get together for Thanksgiving at my cousin’s house and just laugh and talk. I have a big family, and we are all close.

MW: What is a question you will ask when you get to heaven?

EM: When I get to Heaven I don’t know if I’ll ask any questions- but I’d love to hug Jesus. 

MW: What thing do you want to raise awareness about?

EM: I want to raise awareness of human trafficking- there are so many wonderful organizations that raise awareness to this horrible situation. Tim Tebow has done some great work surrounding this topic. 

MW: I’m forever a fan of Tim Tebow, as a fellow University of Florida grad. What does your morning routine consist of?

EM: My morning routine consists of prayer, reading my Bible, getting ready for work, eating a healthy breakfast and heading out the door. [I’m] probably texting or on the phone as I’m heading out the door.

MW: Define Christianity in a sentence:

EM: Christianity in a sentence is being Christ like. 

For more Ebonee, be sure to visit the following links where she creates a colorful lifestyle to inspire and encourage others to live one classy day at a time:
Blog: http://livingshae.blogspot.com/
Instagram: @eboneeshae

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX