Madelyn E.

Today, Madelyn speaks to us about educating her generation, and some great books she has been reading.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I was born in a small town in Texas and moved to Oklahoma when I was 9 years old. I have wonderful parents and had a pretty fantastic childhood. I am the baby of the family and grew up with a wonderful brother, who was a fantastic role model. I grew up in church and got saved when I was about 6 years old.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). [This verse] has been a tremendous encouragement to me this past year. I was created to stand up for righteousness and be bold in my faith. I was created to help encourage and equip my generation to rise up and take a stand for holiness. I was created for such a time as this!

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I am focusing on creating space for God in my life on a daily basis. It’s easy for me to get caught up in life and not always take time to rest in God’s presence.

Profession/Mission: I am currently in high school, by my greatest dream is to work within our government one day. My goal is not only to share my passion for this country with others, but to also encourage and empower others in their walk with God.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? The title would be Gen-Free. I am very passionate about advocating for change in my generation and raising awareness about current political issues we face daily. I desire to educate young people on what is happening in the world around them and share the importance of them standing up for truth and holiness. I believe I have a unique perspective on the issues at hand because I AM a Gen-Z teen.

“I desire to educate young people on what is happening in the world around them and share the importance of them standing up for truth and holiness.”

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I have talked to Jesus and encountered him in small ways, but the first time I truly encountered him was this year. I attended a worship event on the National Mall in Washington, DC. At that event, the Lord ministered to me through other people, and I had the opportunity to pray for others and see them healed and delivered. It was the first time I had ever seen God move in such a tangible and powerful way.

How would you describe Jesus? I would describe Jesus as thoughtful, merciful, loving, truthful, and just. His love for us endures forever and His mercies are new everyday.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? My relationship with God has helped me in more ways that I can count. I would not be the person I am today without my relationship with Jesus. I have more patience with people and I’m able to forgive them much easier than before. It has also helped me see that everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made, and has a divine call on their life.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? I grew up in a Christian home in Texas. I had the most amazing family and life. Everything I knew changed when I was 9 years old… my parents got divorced. My mom, brother, and I moved to Oklahoma. It was a hard time for all of us, but we felt God’s favor and love towards us during the very difficult time. Now, I can’t imagine a more fruitful and fantastic life. God has opened countless doors for me and my family. Watching how He has used that dark time in my life, has been one of the best and most rewarding things to ever happen to me.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? The devotional, Live on Purpose by Sadie Robertson Huff. I do the devotional everyday before school and it gives me hope and comfort to start my day.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): You’re Not Enough and That’s Okay by Allie B. Stuckey. It taught me I am not enough, even though the world screams that I am. That’s okay though, because Jesus is enough. It made me think about all of the reasons why I need Him. 

Top three essentials: Sweatshirt/coat, hair tie, and chapstick.

How did God speak to you recently? When you don’t fill your mind up with the Word, you give room to the enemy to fill it with anxiety, depression, anger, etc. I have heard this multiple times in the past couple weeks and it has really stuck with me.

Hobby: I like to read political books and research random facts such as Supreme Court cases.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 1. Don’t compare yourself to others. Their spiritual walk looks a lot different than yours, and just because they are at a certain place, doesn’t mean you should be. 2. Worship, even when you don’t feel like it. Your spirit still needs to worship, even if you aren’t in the mood. Give him just a few minutes of your day. 3. When the devil whispers lies in your ears, combat them with truths that Jesus says about you. The Bible is your sword and shield, so use it.

Favorite person in scripture? David because he was a man after God’s own heart, and God used him. He was unlikely to be used by God because he was the smallest, the scrawniest, and the youngest. He gave his heart to Jesus and truly followed Him and God used him in unbelievable ways.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to truly see the love of Jesus when they look at me. I would like for everyone to see the beauty and kindness of Jesus shining through me, and I want people to think there is something different about me because of Jesus. I want people to learn that they can be kind and loving towards everyone just like Jesus was, and also stand up for the truth and values that he did.

How do you engage with your community? We speak life into each other and we are vulnerable about our struggles and hardships. We lift each other up during the good times and the bad. We strive to love each other like Jesus and take time to reflect on His goodness.

“We strive to love each other like Jesus and take time to reflect on His goodness.”

Favorite holiday? Christmas and the Fourth of July!

A goal you have? A huge goal of mine is to someday have a Congressional internship.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Every Christmas, we always go to the movies after eating and unwrapping our gifts.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Did I accomplish the purpose for which I was created? Who did you touch through me while I was on earth? Have my lost loved ones in heaven been able to see me? When are you coming back to the earth?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I want to raise awareness about the evil and woke ideology that is invading so many areas of our lives. It’s time for Gen-Z to stand up for the Bible.

What does your morning routine consist of? I wake up and get dressed and ready for school. I then go to school and have my coffee in the car. I get to school about 30 minutes early so I can reflect and have my quiet time. I spend time in the word and get my heart in the right place.

What is on your nightstand? I have water, tissues, and chapstick on my nightstand.

Define Christianity in a sentence: It is a movement of imperfect people who are serving the most perfect King and leading others to him throughout their journey.

For more Madelyn:

Instagram: @madelyneast 

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX