Crystal C.

Today, Crystal speaks to us about how she homeschools both of her children (boss), her ministry Call Her Blessed Sisterhood, and how God spared and transformed her life.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: My childhood was very chaotic. My mom was in a abusive marriage from the time I was 3 years until I was 9 years old. My childhood memories consist of waking up to my moms cries for help or [being] woken up in the middle of the night because we had to leave. We weren’t financially stable, so we moved often. I attended many elementary schools. I was verbally and physically abused by mom as a child. I truly never felt her love as a child and teenager. I did have some loving family members who gave me a few great childhood memories; to them I am thankful. 

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 

Sold out to God. When my earthly life is over, I want my children and grandchildren to know me just as this verse says. This is legacy I want to leave them.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I’m currently trying to be a lot more consistent in dedicating more time to prayer. I will admit it is a challenge for me because I get so busy with my kids, home and husband. I have to remember the Lord did not create me with intentions of me being too busy for him. Always, taken back to the story of Mary and Martha. Sometimes, I admit I’m a Martha. We all need to remember to just sit at the feet of Jesus.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

“We all need to remember to just sit at the feet of Jesus.”

Profession: I’m a stay-at-home mom of 3 girls. Two 6 year olds (10 months apart) so they are currently the same age for 2 months and a 4 year old. Let me just say, motherhood is a ministry. Home making is a calling. If you are a stay-at-home mom, remember we are called to prepare our families and our homes for Jesus. You are doing so much for the kingdom by raising up kingdom warriors.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“Let me just say, motherhood is a ministry.”

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? “Unbecoming Me” 

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I was in my mid-twenties. In a deep depression. I had hit rock bottom. I was drinking constantly to numb my feelings. My marriage was crumbling. I felt so alone, and I was barely hanging on at this point. My kids were the only thing keeping me alive. I passed by a church one day on the way home. I’d pass this church for 3 years and not once did I notice it. But this one day, I said, “I’m gonna go there” it was like the thought was just dropped in my head. I went, I remember feeling very nervous. I felt a person like me didn’t belong in a church. They were so welcoming. The 2nd service, I first felt the Holy Spirit. I was embarrassed to cry, but the tears just came flowing out uncontrollably. I begged Him to restore my marriage and heal my heart. I felt this unexplainable comfort come over me. I just knew God heard me. I went into that church empty and left with the hope and comfort. 

How would you describe Jesus? Compassionate and straight forward. He loved people so much He had compassion but because He loved people so much, He told them the truth. I try my best to live that way.

“He loved people so much He had compassion but because He loved people so much, He told them the truth.”

How has your relationship with Him changed you? It has changed many things, but above all, it has changed how I love. I was person who was so unloving. I was cold. He has softened many heart so much in this area. He gave me the ability to love and accept love.

“He gave me the ability to love and accept love.”

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? It was in my deep depression. If people had only known how bad I was suffering inside. I wanted to die. I attempted suicide with pills. God kept me alive. Depression and anxiety defeated me for a lot of my life, but now I see it served a purpose. It led me to seek God. Not only me, but it led my husband to God. It didn’t stop there, it led some of our family members to God. My depression and anxiety served a great purpose.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? We suffered a loss in our family. We struggled with not knowing if they had repented and received Jesus. It gave me an even greater passion to help reach the lost. It helped to see just how urgent it is to help and pray for our unsaved loved ones.  

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I’m currently reading Discipleship by A.W. Tozer. It has taught me the many different types of disciples true and false ones and how to identify them. Also, it helped me to identify which type of disciple I am and where I need to improve. 

Top three essentials: Coffee, my Bibles (I have a collection going), and my pen case.

How did God speak to you recently? He reminded me to not allow my feelings to control me. I had been feeling very emotional and was losing my focus. I went to church and my pastor’s sermon had my heart pounding out of my chest. He described a person who was allowing their emotions to take their faith. Word for word, it pierced my heart. His words, “If this person I described sounds like you, be honest with yourself. You can leave here go home and be the same. Or you can come up here and go home a different person.” In tears, I just knew I had to go up there and lay it all down. I did, and my spirit was refreshed and strengthened. 

Hobby: I love to read and sing! I’m always reading because I love to learn. I also sing. I’ve sang my entire life, but surprisingly, never in the church. [This is] something I’m in prayer about. 

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 

•Read your Bible. You cannot be spiritually strong if you do not read your Bible. You can’t know God if you don’t read His Word. 

•Beware of false teachers. Always compare anything and everything you hear to Scripture. If it doesn’t align with God’s Word, that is a RED FLAG.

•Never compare yourself to other Christians; always compare yourself to Scripture. We aren’t called to be like other Christians, we are called to be like Jesus. 

“We aren’t called to be like other Christians, we are called to be like Jesus.”

Favorite person in scripture? Not your most popular pick, but recently, Stephen in the book of Acts wowed me. The Holy Spirit is the real hero in this passage, but this is such a great example of trusting and letting the Holy Spirit lead us. Before his death, like Jesus, he prayed for the ones who stoned him and asked for the Lord forgive them. So inspiring!

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That He is still raising the dead to life. I’m living proof. Anything good they may see in me today is because of GOD. To Him and only Him be the Glory. 

“That He is still raising the dead to life. I’m living proof.”

How do you engage with your community? I am the founder of Call Her Blessed Sisterhood. A community for women to be encouraged and empowered through God’s word. My team and I post daily devotionals with some hard truths and bold messages always backed up and in alignment with Scripture. 

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

A goal you have? I’ve recently felt the need to evangelize in the streets. This is something I’m planning on doing in the next few months. Create a team to evangelize in my community. 

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We take a big vacation once a year! We are all about creating wonderful memories as a family. 

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I would be speechless I’m sure. Only the words, “Thank you.” 

Thing you want to raise awareness about: 

•The message of the kingdom is still repentance;

•Hell is real; and

•Tomorrow is promised to no one. You need to repent today because you may not have a tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation.

“You need to repent today because you may not have a tomorrow.”

What does your morning routine consist of? I wish I could have a lovely morning routine to share. Most mornings, I go with the flow. I have my coffee; I can not function joyfully without it. I will make some breakfast for my daughters. That gives me time to read my Bible while they are eating. Then, I prepare for the homeschool day. Teaching each child separately. It takes a ton of patience, but it’s truly a calling from God. I recommend the book “Homeschool Bravely.” It helped me through a tough homeschool season. In between, I interact with the ladies on my online ministry. 

What is on your nightstand? Honestly, a ton of water bottles.

Define Christianity in a sentence: The unconditional love of Christ.

For more Crystal:

Instagram:@Callherblessedsisterhood 

Facebook: Call Her Blessed Sisterhood 

Until next time, keep witnessing!
XX